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Party Drugs and Substance Use
Party drugs, also known as recreational or club drugs, are substances taken for their psychoactive effects during social events. They are popular for enhancing social interactions and inducing euphoria, but come with significant risks . They are also usually illegal.
The Dangers of Party Drugs
Just one toke, one hit, or one snort could be your last. Party drugs can have severe and unexpected side effects, often due to contamination or substituion during creation. These synthetic drugs are favored for their ability to enhance social interaction, creating feelings or closeness, empathy, and euphoria. However, they come with significant risks.
Types of Party Drugs
If you are deciding if you should take a party drug, it is crucial to understand what you are taking and the risks related to that particular drug. Find more about drug abuse and its risks here.
Depressant Drugs
Depressant drugs slow down your central nervous system. They can induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and prevent seizures. They come in the form of pills, syrups, and injectable liquids. They include:
- Amyl nitrite ("poppers")
- Benzodiazepines (sedatives or tranquilizers)
- Cannabis (marijuana)
- GHB
- Heroin ("gear")
- Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas, "nangs")
Risks & Effects
- Immediate Effects: Slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and slowed breathing.
- Mental and Cognitive Impacts: Causes amnesia, reduces reaction time, impairs mental functioning and judgment, and causes confusion.
- Long-Term Consequences: Produces psychological dependence and leads to tolerance.
Hallucinogen Drugs
Hallucinogen drugs affect your sense of reality and mood. They come in a variety of forms, typically taken orally or smoked. They include:
- Ketamine
- LSD (acid)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Mushrooms
Risks & Effects
- Effects on the Mind: Perceptual distortions, thought distortions related to time and space, possible development of disorders or flashbacks.
- Effects on the Body: Elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting.
- Overdose Effects: Serious psychological harm; deaths usually due to suicide, accidents, dangerous behavior, or polysubstance use; and severe overdose symptoms (respiratory depression, coma, convulsions, seizures, death due to respiratory arrest).
Stimulant Drugs
Stimulant drugs speed up your central nervous system. They come in the form of pills, powder, rocks, and injectable liquids. They include:
- Amphetamines (Adderall and Dexedrine)
- Bath salts
- Cocaine (coke)
- Methamphetamines (ice, crystal meth)
Risks & Effects
Resources & Recalls
By staying informed and utilizing available resources, you can better navigate the challenges associated with party drugs and substance use.
Reducing Overdose Risk
- Buy from Dispensaries. Purchase marijuana from dispensaries, not friends or street dealers.
- Avoid Unknown Pills. Do not take pills offered to you, especially those purchased on social media.
- Have an Exit Plan. Prepare a strategy for saying no to drugs in high-pressure situations.
- Never Use Alone. If you are going to use, always use with someone who can help in case of an emergency.
- Carry Naloxone (Narcan). Be prepared to reverse an opioid overdose.
- Know Overdose Signs. Recognize the symptoms and act quickly.
- Call 911. If you or a friend show signs of an overdose, do not hesitate to call for help.
- Take it Slow. If you are going to use, use smaller amounts to reduce the risk of overdose.
Harm Reduction Strategies
- Drug Checking Services: Use services to test the purity of substances.
- Safe Consumption Spaces: Utilize areas where help is available if needed.
- Education on Safe Dosing: Learn about appropriate dosages to minimize risk.
Signs of Addiction
- Behavioral Changes: increased secrecy, changes in social circles
- Physical Symptoms: weight loss, frequent illness.
- Psychological Dependence: cravings, anxiety without the drug.
Treatment and Support
- Detox Programs: Supervised detoxification to manage withdrawals.
- Rehabilitation Centers: Long-term treatment options.
- Counseling Services: Professional mental health support.
- Support Groups
Medical Emergencies
UMass Boston's Department of Public Safety handles all on-campus emergenices. For immediate assistance, call 911.
Community Resources and Helplines
Warnings & Recalls
Articles
- "Legal Marijuana Contains Dangerous Mold." | The Wall Street Journal
- "Parents who say their kids died after getting drugs on Snapchat share their stories" | Good Morning America
- "When Cannabis Makes You Vomit" | MedPage Today