A number of different drugs are included in this category, including well-known drugs like MDMA or ecstasy, GHB and Rohypnol. Some even include methamphetamine and LSD in the list when they include club drugs, but we’ve addressed those drugs in other posts, 5 Signs of Hallucinogen Addiction and 5 Signs of Addiction to CNS Stimulants.

Signs of Club Drug Use

Depending upon which drug is being used, the signs, of course, will vary. Ecstasy, for example, provides a euphoric high but is also mildly hallucinogenic in its effect. Users under the influence tend to be “out of it,” grind their teeth, and get hot easily. They may be wearing very little clothing despite cold temperatures due to their elevated body temperature. Short-term memory is relatively nonexistent.

Rohypnol and GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) are both found in clubs, used intentionally and unintentionally in some cases. Both drugs have been used in rape cases and kidnappings as well as purposeful poisonings and overdoses on unsuspecting victims. Users have a difficult time with motor skills, even staying awake, find it difficult to see or stand or talk. The morning after, most experience a total blackout on events.

Signs of Addiction to Club Drugs

Those who use club drugs regularly tend to carry some of the effects of the drug with them even after their dose has worn off. Loss of short-term memory, confusion, and an “airheaded” quality pervade. When addiction is in effect, the user may experience withdrawal symptoms in between doses, including nausea and vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, sweating and tremors or shakes. Addicts tend to be irritable with seemingly little or no cause in between using and when they are high, may be overly affectionate or effusively emotional.

Drug Rehab for Club Drug Addiction

If you suspect that you or someone you love is addicted to club drugs, you can get help. The Canyon is a multifaceted drug addiction treatment program that handles addictions of all kinds including a variety of club drugs alone or in combination. Don’t let anyone tell you that the use of club drugs is harmless. It isn’t. Long-term use can lead to overdose, brain damage, seizures, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, coma and death. Don’t let it get that far. Choose The Canyon’s drug rehab program and a new life with a new future instead.

The drugs that are included in the term “hallucinogens” are many and each one manifests differently in the user. That is, depending on whether the user is taking acid or LSD, PCP or K, you will notice different symptoms of drug use.

Signs of LSD/Acid Use

Popularized in the ‘60s, acid is usually dropped onto paper and then ripped into small squares and allowed to dissolve on the tongue. When under the influence, the user may seem disoriented or talk about seeing and hearing things that aren’t there as hallucinations are common and their perception of reality in general is skewed. Physical signs of acid use include an elevated heart rate and high blood pressure as well as a slight shake or tremors.

Signs of PCP Use

PCP, or phencyclidine, can be smoked or snorted and is an overwhelming drug. The user will experience hallucinations and delusions that can be euphoric in nature, panicky, or violent and aggressive. While under the influence, the user won’t feel like eating or sleeping.

Signs of Ketamine Use

Called “Special K” or ketamine, K is often considered a “club drug” as it was first popularized at underground raves. Ketamine is powerful and can put the user into what is referred to as a “K hole” where they are unable to move or speak for long periods of time. They feel numb and have difficulty moving their limbs even though their heart rate increases significantly.

5 Signs of Addiction to Hallucinogens

Addictive use of hallucinogens like acid, PCP and K can result in changes that remain even after the effects of the drug wear off. If continued for long periods or in large amounts, these changes can be permanent. They include:

* Flashbacks, or experiencing hallucinations again, even years later
* Impaired motor function
* Loss of memory and neural function
* Severe depression
* Permanent changes in sensory perception

If you or someone you love is addicted to hallucinogens, help is available at a drug rehab center like The Canyon. Many people consider this class of drugs more of a “party” drug than a serious problem, but addiction to PCP, Special K and acid can have devastating consequences, just like any other drug. If you would like more information about the nature of addiction to these types of drugs or would like to learn more about drug addiction treatment, contact us at The Canyon today.