Those who have been to college parties, concerts, raves, and other celebrations may have encountered party drugs. Also known as “club” or “rave” drugs, these are a category of substances used to enhance the party “scene.” Many do this to achieve an altered state of reality, experience euphoria, or relax. Despite the cutesy name, party drugs can be highly addictive and dangerous. This is especially true when combined with other substances, such as alcohol.
That’s why at Painted Desert Recovery, women find a safe space for recovery. With an emphasis on quality treatment and compassionate care, women can recover from addiction in comfort. This treatment is vital, as, without treatment, continuous use of party drugs runs the risk of overdose and victimization. Some party drugs, such as GHB and ketamine, are common both as recreational drugs and as a tool to harm women. That’s why everyone must understand the dangers of party drugs and know how to seek addiction treatment. To begin, we must first understand why people may abuse these types of substances.
Why Do People Use Party Drugs?
Despite being mostly associated with adolescents and young adults, anyone at any time can become addicted to party drugs. Party drugs are often consumed for self-medication purposes, especially by those unaware that they need help for an underlying condition or disorder. This is also done to mask or numb the pain felt from sources such as trauma and stress, especially by those who live in dysfunctional homes. If they can forget and let go for a while, they don’t have to confront a painful reality.
Besides self-medication, there are other reasons why people use party drugs. Some as mentioned before, want to experience an “altered reality” by combining drug use with the ambiance of a party scene. Others may want to “get out of their head” for a bit, so they feel less anxious or inhibited in a social situation. Peer pressure is also a major factor, and some don’t want to feel as though they are being left out when their friends are using party drugs. In popular media, getting high or “tripping out” is often shown as a rite of passage or an activity that is expected from adolescents and young adults.
The prevalence of party drugs doesn’t just harm those who currently use them. It makes places where they are prevalent unsafe for all who attend. Knowing what party drugs are and look like can protect you and your loved ones during celebrations and other events.
What Are Commonly Used Party Drugs?
Many drugs are considered party drugs. However, nearly all party drugs fit into the categories of hallucinogens, central nervous system depressants, inhalants, or stimulants. Some party drugs are combination drugs, such as ecstasy, which is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. Party drugs are designed to be easily taken and concealed quickly from police and other authority figures. As a result, alcohol, though present on the party scene, is often passed over in favor of drugs that come in small edibles and tablets.
Hallucinogens are psychoactive drugs that cause users to experience an altered state of consciousness. Some commonly used hallucinogens are LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and peyote. Hallucinogenic drugs can also cause dissociation, as seen in PCP, ketamine, and salvia.
Inhalants are chemical vapors found in many household, industrial, and medical goods that induce a brief high when inhaled or “huffed.” These party drugs are easy to acquire as these chemical vapors are found in common household items such as paint thinners, markers, cleaning products, or whipped cream containers.
Stimulants, as the name implies, stimulate the nervous system and are used to increase focus and energy in the user. It’s designed to create bursts of activity so the party can keep going. Some commonly used stimulants as party drugs are ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants, such as Adderall.
Central nervous system depressants are commonly used to induce relaxation and feelings of euphoria. Ketamine is often used as both a central nervous system depressant and a hallucinogen. Others include GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol. These drugs are also known as “date rape” drugs, as they are often used to sedate victims by being easily slipped into drinks without the victim’s knowledge.
Recovering From Party Drug Addiction
Party drugs are highly addictive and require professional help to overcome. There is a culture of shame around those who have used party drugs, especially women. Though people tend to know what party drugs are, they usually are unaware of how their addiction is treated. The answer is that it’s treated like any other addiction. Clients are assessed and enter a treatment program. There, they utilize various therapies and treatments so they can recover from their addiction.
Those who worry that they will be mistreated and judged have nothing to fear. Painted Desert Recovery and other treatment facilities are staffed by compassionate individuals. They want their clients to heal and achieve recovery, not mock or harm them. Though it may seem silly to you to have an addiction to a party drug, mental health care professionals take it and its treatment seriously.
It’s also a place to find out that there is more to life than constantly chasing a high or numbness. There is a whole beautiful world out there. Discovering who you are and what brings you joy is an essential part of treatment. Many leave their treatment feeling as though they have found themselves. It’s, of course, possible for anyone to recover from addiction. They just have to acknowledge that they need help and then reach out for it.
“Party drugs” are substances commonly seen at parties and events. Despite the name, these substances are just as dangerous as any other drug and can be addictive. Overdose risk is high with party drugs, and women are especially at high risk for victimization after taking them. Learning how to identify and avoid party drugs can prevent harm to yourself and others. For those struggling with an addiction to party drugs, there is help. Here at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, clients receive quality and compassionate treatment for many types of addictions, including party drugs. With an emphasis on education, clients will leave with the confidence needed to safeguard their recovery. To learn more, call (844) 540-0353.
