Club drugs are a group of psychoactive drugs that tend to be abused by teens and young adults at bars, nightclubs, concerts, and parties. Can you name any of the most common club drugs? Ecstasy (MDMA) GHB Rohypnol (roofies) Ketamine Alcohol Methamphetamines LSD (Acid)

GHB stands for “Gamma Hydroxybutyrate” Also known as “Liquid X,” and is commonly confused with Ecstasy by name. GHB is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 for use in the treatment of narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).

GHB is usually ingested orally, either in liquid or powder form. GHB also has anabolic effects (it stimulates protein synthesis) and has been used by bodybuilders to aid in fat reduction and muscle building. GHB acts on at least two sites in the brain: the GABA B receptor and a specific GHB binding site. At high doses, GHB’s sedative effects may result in sleep, coma, or death.

Effects: Loss of body control and coordination Seizures Vomiting Slowed heart rate Slowed respiratory rate Unconsciousness Coma Death

GHB and Rohypnol are available in odorless, colorless, and tasteless forms that are frequently combined with alcohol and other beverages. Both drugs have been used to commit sexual assaults (also known as “date rape,” “drug rape,” “acquaintance rape,” or “drug-assisted” assault) due to their ability to sedate and incapacitate unsuspecting victims, preventing them from resisting sexual assault.

Otherwise known as “roofies” Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) use began gaining popularity in the United States in the early 1990s. It is a benzodiazepine (chemically similar to sedative-hypnotic drugs such as Valium or Xanax)

Rohypnol is typically taken orally in pill form. Recent reports, however, have shown that Rohypnol is being ground up and snorted. Both GHB and Rohypnol are also abused for their intoxicating effects, similar to other CNS depressants.

Rohypnol, like other benzodiazepines, acts at the GABA A receptor. It can produce anterograde amnesia, in which individuals may not remember events they experienced while under the influence of the drug.

Confusion Amnesia (while under the influence of Rohypnol) Slowed pulse/heart rate Slowed breathing Unconsciousness Coma Death

Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used as an animal tranquilizer by veterinarians. This drug is medically designed for use during operations and medical procedures. AKA: K Special K Vitamin K

Ketamine produces a range of effects, from intoxication to delirium. It can also make you unable to move and feel pain. Since it's an anesthetic, you can easily black out and forget what happened while under the drug's influence. When combined with simple activities like driving, this drug can become deadly.

Ketamine users describe a side effect of the drug that is a terrifying experience called a "K-hole." In this state, there's a sense of complete detachment from your body, combined with an inability to move. The result is something that feels like a near-death experience.

The bottom line is that use of Ketamine can lead to: Profound physical and mental problems Impaired learning ability and memory Amnesia Potentially fatal respiratory problems.

Ecstasy's medical name is MDMA (methylenedioxy- methamphetamine). It is a synthetic, mind-altering drug that acts both as a stimulant and a hallucinogenic.

Research shows that many Ecstasy tablets contain a number of other drugs that can be dangerous when combined, including methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, DXM and the diet drug ephedrine. A scientist and ecstasy expert from the UK took numerous samples of various pills. He found that only about 1/3 of the pills actually contained the real MDMA drug that users want.

Ecstasy directly affects the brain chemical serotonin, and how your brain cells communicate with each other. Clinical studies show that Ecstasy can be harmful to your brain and can increase the risk of permanent problems with memory and learning. Too much Ecstasy can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can cause hyperthermia and can lead to liver, kidney and cardiovascular failure.

Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the intoxicating ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. It is a central nervous system depressant that is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream.

Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker's body and can damage a developing fetus. Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills. Heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease.

In 2009, 51.9% of Americans age 12 and older had used alcohol at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey 23.7% had binged (5+ drinks within 2 hours) In the age range, 14.7% had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to the survey Source: National Survey on Drug Use and HealthNational Survey on Drug Use and Health 13.8% of 8th graders, 28.9% of 10th graders, and 41.2% of 12th graders had consumed at least one drink in the 30 days prior to the survey 2010 Monitoring the Future Study

Drunk Driving: Having a BAC of.08 or higher. In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (32%) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. The largest # of deaths occurred between 21 and 24 years of age (35%). The next two largest groups were ages 25 to 34 (32%) and 35 to 44 (26%). 93% of Alcohol related driving fatalities were between the ages of Source: drv_factsheet.html drv_factsheet.html