Download this fact sheet: What are party drugs? [PDF: 426 KB]
Number 4.6 December 2005
for a general audience
Introduction
The term “party drugs” is a uniquely Australian term used to describe a diverse group of drugs that have become popular in youth culture. These drugs include ecstasy (MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), amphetamines, cocaine, LSD, amyl nitrate, ketamine and gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB). The term “ecstasy and related drugs” (ERDs) has been suggested as a replacement term for this group of drugs because the term “party drugs” is considered to imply that these drugs provide harmless fun.
These drugs are related by the environment in which they are used rather than chemical structure or drug class, and so the term ERDs describes a range of drugs that are used wherever people gather to “have fun” (nightclub, the beach or at home).
This fact sheet provides basic information about some relatively new ERDs, such as, ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, GHB and ketamine.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a street term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to MDMA. Ecstasy is also known as E, XTC and eccy. Ecstasy is taken orally in tablet form, injected or used as a suppository.
Patterns of use
In recent times, the typical ecstasy user has been changing and ecstasy use has spread beyond the rave and nightclub scene to a broad range of social contexts. Recent Australian research shows that people first try ecstasy in their late teens and it is used by a broad range of people from school students to professionals in their forties.
Effects
Ecstasy is a stimulant and hallucinogen. It has an energising effect, as well as creating distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment from tactile experiences. It can induce feelings of emotional warmth, empathy toward others, a general sense of well being and decreased anxiety.
Levels of harm
Ecstasy is often made by “backyard chemists”, and tablets sold as ecstasy can contain a variety of amphetamine-related substances that can further increase the risks of taking this drug.
The negative psychological effects of ecstasy include: anxiety, depression, depersonalisation, confusion, hallucinations, flashbacks, aggression, impulsivity, lack of motivation, panic attacks and paranoia.
The physical effects of ecstasy include raised blood pressure, a rise in body temperature, faster heartbeat, skin tingles, sudden sweating and dilated pupils. Some people may also experience unsteadiness, nausea and possibly vomiting, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, muscle aches, stiffness, impairment of motor control, blurred vision, insomnia and fatigue.
The toxic effects of ecstasy that can be fatal are:
- high body temperature leading to multiple organ failure
- blood clotting
- kidney failure.
High body temperature and excessive dancing can cause dehydration so it is important for users to be aware of water consumption. However, excessive water intake can lead to abnormally low body temperature and swelling of the brain.
The long-term risks of taking ecstasy are still not known. Animal studies have shown that ecstasy is a “neurotoxin”, which means it damages brain cells. This may lead to long-term brain damage.
Crystal methamphetamine
Crystal methamphetamine is a powerful form of amphetamine also known as ice, shabu and crystal meth. Crystal methamphetamine is usually in the form of large, transparent and “sheet-like” crystals and is snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked.
Patterns of use
People who use crystal methamphetamine come from a variety of backgrounds and from all sectors of society. Some use it recreationally as a “party drug”; others use it to help them stay awake or for improved performance.
Effects
Crystal methamphetamine is a comparatively new drug on the club scene. It is a powerful synthetic stimulant, similar to amphetamines, but has more pronounced effects that can last 8–24 hours.
Levels of harm
The short-term effects of crystal methamphetamine include increases in heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing rate. These effects put a great strain on the body. Use over long periods is associated with health problems such as stroke, cardiac valve thickening, decreases in lung function, pulmonary hypertension and changes to the brain.
GHB
GHB is known as fantasy, liquid ecstasy, liquid X, grievous bodily harm (GBH), scoop, cherry meth, soap, salty water, organic Quaalude, G, Growth Hormone Booster. GHB is available as a powder or a liquid.
Patterns of use
The use of GHB appears to be increasing in Australia and is often associated with the dance party community. It is most commonly used by males aged approximately 27 years. There has been a significant increase in the number of ecstasy users who also use GHB.
Effects
GHB is a depressant drug that has intoxicating effects and at sufficiently high doses, anaesthetic properties. It is used for its euphoric, sedative and anabolic (body building) effects.
Levels of harm
High doses of GHB can cause muscle tension or spasms, vomiting, convulsions, intense drowsiness and coma. The risk of overdose with GHB is high because there is a fine line between the dose required to achieve a “high” and an overdose. A recent study found that 50 per cent of users lost consciousness and half of these had overdosed more than once.
GHB and alcohol together have an additive effect. The most serious effects of a GHB overdose are sudden onset of coma and respiratory depression.
Little is known about the long-term effects of GHB but it is possible to become dependent on the drug.
Ketamine
Ketamine is also known as K, special K or vitamin K. Ketamine is usually in tablet form, white crystalline powder or clear liquid and is injected or snorted.
Patterns of use
It appears that this drug is becoming more popular in Australia. Ketamine users are more likely to be males aged around 30 years.
Effects
Ketamine is an anaesthetic and certain doses can cause dream-like states and hallucinations. Ketamine users try to achieve or “fall into” a “k-hole”, which is described as physical immobilisation and social detachment lasting up to an hour. It is characterised by a distorted sense of space and time.
Levels of harm
The harmful effects of ketamine include inability to speak, vomiting, blurred vision, lack of coordination and increased body temperature. In high doses, ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Ketamine can prevent users from feeling pain, placing them at higher risk of suffering injuries. When combined with alcohol, users may collapse or fall asleep.
Long-term effects on the brain have not been sufficiently studied in ketamine users. Chronic abuse of ketamine may be associated with persisting impairment of memory.
More information
For more information on drugs and drug prevention contact the DrugInfo Clearinghouse on tel. 1300 85 85 84, email druginfo@adf.org.au, or see our website www.druginfo.adf.org.au.