THE SHORT AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF CLUB DRUGS ON THE MIND AND BODY

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a hallucinogen and synthetic drug used by millions for its distortions in sensory and time perceptions, stimulation, and improved sense of well-being. It’s most often taken as a capsule or tablet while the powder form — Molly, a street term for molecular — is put into capsules.[2]

MDMA increases the activity of at least three neurotransmitters in your brain, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. More norepinephrine and serotonin are released than dopamine — more serotonin is responsible for causing the boost in mood, many users report. The effects usually begin within 45 minutes of taking an ecstasy dose.

Side Effects and Health Risks of Ecstasy

The side effects of ecstasy impact your behavior and physical and mental health, including

• Changes in sensory perception;
• Chills and/or sweating;
• Elevated mood;
• Feeling faint;
• Increased body temperature, empathy, energy, heart rate, and blood pressure;
• Lowered inhibitions;
• Muscle tension; and/or
• Wanting to be physically close to other people. 

However, MDMA use causes lingering side effects and health conditions after the high wears off during the “come down” phase. Effects include:

• Anxiety;
• Concentration issues;
• Confusion or memory issues;
• Depression;
• Impulsiveness;
• Heart disease; and/or
• Sleep disturbances.
• Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms

Ecstasy isn’t physically addicting, but the psychological withdrawal symptoms are usually mild and include agitation; anxiety; changes in self-perception; cravings; insomnia; loss of appetite; paranoia; and memory issues.

METHAMPHETAMINE

Meth, a strong stimulant, is known for its powerful surge of activity and energy when consumed; users have also described feelings of invincibility. It’s usually injected, smoked, or snorted to quickly achieve the desired high. Methamphetamine is generally a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder; it may also be brown, orange, pink, or yellow-gray in color.

Meth increases the amount of dopamine in your or your loved one’s brain, the chemical associated with body movement, motivation, and reinforcing rewarding behaviors. Street names for meth include beanies, chalk, crank, Mexican crack, redneck cocaine, speed, and tweak.

Side Effects and Health Risks of Methamphetamine
Along with these common side effects, regular use of meth or other stimulants

amphetamines can cause changes to your brain structure, leading to cognitive and emotional issues:

• Anxiety;
• Confusion;
• Delusions;
• Dental issues;
• Extreme weight loss;
• Extreme itching and sores;
• Hallucinations;
• Hypertension;
• Increased body temperature;
• Insomnia;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Mood swings;
• Paranoia and/or psychosis; and/or
• Violent behavior.
• Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

While the symptoms are often unpleasant, meth withdrawal is generally not life-threatening. You or your loved one may experience

• Anhedonia;
• Anxiety;
• Chills;
• Cravings;
• Dehydration;
• Dysphoria;
• Fatigue;
• Insomnia or hypersomnia;
• Irritability;
• Lack of energy; and/or
• Weight gain.

KETAMINE

While ketamine is used for legitimate medical purposes — it’s used to treat bipolar disorder and depression — the drug is growing in use among party-goers. It causes a trance-like state when misused, along with auditory and visual hallucinations. Ketamine may obstruct your judgment, motor function, and senses for up to 24 hours after use.

Ketamine is usually snorted or injected, which causes the substance to enter your bloodstream within seconds, followed by the desirable and undesirable effects. Street names for ketamine include cat valium, kit kat, K, special K, Special La Coke, and Vitamin K.[3]

Side Effects and Health Risks of Ketamine
The common liquid and powder forms of ketamine found outside of medical guidance are rarely measured and are mixed in with other stimulants. This means you have no idea how much ketamine you’re taking, which can lead to these side effects and more:

• Autonomic arousal;
• Chills;
• Confusion;
• Delusions;
• Excessive salivation;
• Low appetite;
• Nightmares;
• Paranoia;
• Restlessness;
• Seizures;
• Shaking;
• Sweating;
• Tiredness;
• Unexplained bruises; and/or
• Watery eyes.

Regular ketamine users have noted depression, high blood pressure, hysteria, and memory loss. More serious and sometimes fatal health risks occur when ketamine is combined with other substances, like alcohol or LSD.

Ketamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Because it’s an addictive substance, you or your loved one may experience the following after ceasing the use of ketamine:

• Anxiety;
• Chills;
• Cravings;
• Loss of appetite;
• Low mood;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Restlessness; and/or
• Tremors.

LSD

LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a street or party drug used for its mind-altering or hallucinogenic effects.[4] It’s a clear, colorless liquid or a white powder and also comes in capsule or tablet forms. While usually taken orally, LSD is sometimes snorted or injected intravenously. The effects can last up to 12 hours.

LSD disrupts how receptors in your brain regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control behavioral, perceptual, and regulatory systems. Without the regulation, you could experience an intensely distorted perception of reality or even hallucinations.

A “trip” is the common reference for these hallucinations; some people feel more creative in these situations. Others experience uncomfortable, if not nightmarish, sights and sound with their hallucinations.

Side Effects and Health Risks of LSD
While LSD isn’t considered to cause physical addiction, regular use can create a tolerance or psychological dependence. Its unpredictable side effects and quickly fading tolerance — within 72 hours — pose several significant health risks.

Common side effects may include:

• Anxiety or paranoia;
• Bizarre comments;
• Convulsions;
• Dilated pupils;
• Disorientation;
• Flushed skin;
• Hallucinations;
• Increased body temperature;
• Poor or reduced appetite; and/or
• Rambling or incoherent speech.

It’s possible to overdose on LSD, especially if you or a loved one have developed a tolerance. Signs of an LSD overdose include delusions, panic attacks, psychosis, and/or seizures.

LSD Withdrawal Symptoms
While physical withdrawal symptoms are uncommon with LSD use, psychological withdrawal symptoms are common, often including

• Anxiety;
• Confusion;
• Depression;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Hallucinations;
• Mood swings;
• Psychosis; and/or
• Suicidal thoughts.

HEROINE

Created from morphine, a naturally occurring substance in opium poppy plant seed pods, heroin is an opioid sought for its rush or cascade of euphoria.[5] It’s injected, sniffed, snorted, or smoked but sometimes mixed with crack cocaine to create what’s known as a speedball.

Heroin is usually a brown or white powder but can also be a black sticky substance called black tar heroin. Common street names include black tar, big H, dope, junk, smack, and mud.

Heroin impacts the CNS by depressing the system, which slows your brain function and breathing, along with lowering your body temperature and blood pressure. In turn, you or your loved one usually feels a surge of pleasurable feelings and reduced physical pain.

Side Effects and Health Risks of Heroin
Heroin use causes physical side effects along with psychological ones in the near term:

• Clouded mental function;
• Dry mouth;
• Going in and out of consciousness;
• Heavy feeling in arms and legs;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Severe itching; and/or
• Warm flushing of the skin.

Long-term heroin use presents many mild, moderate, or life-threatening health risks, like:

• Abscesses;
• Collapsed veins;
• Constipation and stomach cramping;
• Damaged nasal and sinus tissue;
• Heart infection, including in the lining and valves;
• HIV and/or Hepatitis C;
• Insomnia;
• Irregular menstrual cycles;
• Liver and kidney disease;
• Loss of white brain matter;
• Lung complications, including pneumonia;
• Mental health issues, including depression and antisocial personality disorder; and
• Sexual dysfunction in men.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
If you or a loved one have a heroin use disorder, suddenly stopping can induce severe withdrawal symptoms within a few hours. These symptoms include:

• Cold flashes with goosebumps;
• Diarrhea and vomiting;
• Restlessness;
• Severe cravings
• Muscle and bone pain;
• Sleep issues; and
• Uncontrollable leg movements.