Wondering what are party drugs? Here is more information that you need to know.
What are Party Drugs?
So what are party drugs exactly? “Party drug” is an umbrella term referring to many different kinds of narcotics taken in group settings. These drugs are recreational substances used to enhance the experience of a party, concert, or dance. They include illegal drugs or prescription pharmaceuticals with illegal use. The term “party drug” was born in the 1980s when MDMA/Ecstasy became popular at raves and dance clubs.
There are three categories of party drugs:
- Stimulants – (Most popular are cocaine and amphetamines) often cause a boost in energy and confidence
- Depressants – are sometimes a catalyst for calming or mood altering effects
- Hallucinogens or Psychedelics – creates changes in a person’s perceptions, energy and emotions, and sexual arousal
In general, people often use party drugs to enhance a single experience. However, they can have many long term negative effects and lead to addiction. This is especially a risk with continual misuse and abuse.
There is no risk free way to use any party drug, as they all come with a high risk of accidental overdose. A deadly overdose is much less common on drugs like pure MDMA or prescription amphetamines than with more powerful narcotics such as cocaine or methamphetamines. However, the ingredient list of many powders and tablets means users don’t truly know what they are taking.
Signs of overdose vary depending on the drug or drugs a person has used. Common indicators include vomiting, sweating, or other physical signs of illness, panic, psychosis (disordered thinking and behavior), and hallucinations. It is possible for severe overdose to result in breathing problems, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes.
Party drugs not known to be highly addictive still produce withdrawal symptoms. With MDMA use, for instance, it’s possible to cause feelings of withdrawal even if the drug is only taken once in a moderate dose.
Common party drug withdrawal symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Decreased libido
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Difficulty sleeping
- Decrease in appetite
- Anxiety
Whether these are signs of addiction or not, it is important to take them seriously.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
