The world is full of different kinds of clubs. You have your Mickey Mouse Club. You have your Major League Baseball clubs. You may be a member of your local country club. Or perhaps you were an avid member of an extracurricular club in high school or college (chess club, investment club, history club…the list of possibilities is nearly endless). Perhaps you have an affinity for jazz clubs or dance clubs or—more sedately—book clubs. Maybe you have a membership to Sam’s Club.
There’s Nothing Positive About Club Drugs
No matter what club or clubs you may feel a connection to, they all have one important thing in common. So-called “club drugs” do not make them better.
Because the notion of a club has so many positive connotations, it may seem as though club drugs must be mostly positive, too—a way to enhance a fun time with little in the way of consequences. But that simply is not true. Club drugs are dangerous and can easily lead to the development of a substance use disorder.
Let’s take a look at common club drugs, their potential impact on your life, and what you should do if you need help.
These Drugs are in the ‘Club Drug’ Club
“Club drugs” is a catchall phrase for a variety of drugs that people generally take in the hope of enhancing a pleasurable experience. The drugs may lower inhibitions, heighten senses, or even cause hallucinations. They may also cause gaps in a person’s memory—which is why one club drug in particular, flunitrazepam (commonly known as “roofies”), is often referred to as the “date rape drug.”
Setting flunitrazepam to one side for the moment, here is a list of other drugs that are generally included in any list of club drugs:
- Spice (synthetic cannabinoids)
- Special K (ketamine)
- LSD/Acid
- Ecstasy and liquid ecstasy (MDMA and GHB)
- Crystal meth (methamphetamines)
- Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)
You might be surprised to see something called “bath salts” on the list. But we are not talking about Epsom salt or other similar products that people do, in fact, use in the bath. Instead, we are talking about a dangerous synthetic drug.
Bath Salts Are Bad News
A powder often sold as something other than what it actually is—plant food, phone screen or jewelry cleaner, or, well, bath salts—bath salts are often used as an alternative to cocaine, amphetamines, or MDMA. Their mind-altering effects can be extremely powerful because they are a human-made imitation—and enhancement—of a natural substance. In some cases, bath salts have been shown to be at least 10 times stronger than cocaine.
And what might you experience while you are under the influence of bath salts? Possible impacts include:
- Increased friendliness and sex drive
- Paranoia and panic attacks
- Hallucinations and delirium
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Chest pain, dehydrations, damage to skeletal muscle tissue, and/or kidney failure
Aside from these dangerous impacts (and make no mistake: even something like an increased sex drive can lead to serious consequences), it is important to note that bath salts—like other club drugs—can lead to the development of a substance use disorder.
If you think you are developing a dependence on club drugs, the time to get help is right now.
The Reason for Rehab & Treatment
You might find yourself tempted to try to kick your club drug habit on your own. But the “cold turkey” approach is probably not your best option. Withdrawal symptoms from a drug like bath salts can be difficult to manage on your own. Those symptoms may include depression and anxiety, tremors, paranoia, and difficulty sleeping. A lack of sleep can make any or all of those other withdrawal symptoms worse.
The best way to manage withdrawal is to get help from a treatment center—like Peak View Behavioral Health—where you can get the care and therapy you need to regain your sobriety and start your recovery journey with confidence.
Join the Peak View Recovery Club
At Peak View Behavioral Health, we have the expertise and compassion needed to help you with a substance use disorder—and to help you with any co-occurring mental health disorders that may be an underlying factor in your drug use. We will personalize a treatment plan for you and—via our commitment to a continuum of care—ensure you have the resources and support you need to reenter daily life while leaving club drugs (or any other problematic substance) behind.
When it comes to substance use disorders, the only club you want to be a part of is the recovery club. We can help you become—and remain—a member of that esteemed group. We are here when you are ready.
Looking for an addiction treatment center in Colorado? For more information about Peak View Behavioral Health, or if you have questions, please call us at 719-694-0220 or use our contact form.
