Club Drug Addiction Treatment

“Club drug” is an umbrella term for a variety of different substances used at nightclubs and parties, generally by young adults. They include GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, MDMA, and Methamphetamine.

Club drugs are generally taken in specific social environments, and are associated with a particular lifestyle and age group. Those who become addicted are generally surrounded by various different substances, making it seem normal and incredibly accessible. The user can often find themselves in a pattern of behavior, which reinforces taking the drug and makes it feel very difficult to stop.

This is an odorless, colorless liquid, often referred to as ‘liquid ecstasy’. When taken, the user feels euphoric and lacks inhibitions. It can cause unconsciousness and is often associated with date rape. As a result, it’s also particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

GHB withdrawal can involve delirium, nausea, tremors and insomnia. Due to its psychological effects, a stay in a supervised inpatient treatment facility is recommended, as well as counseling and addiction education.

Rohypnol addiction treatment is similar to GHB treatment in that it can involve a 12-step program and psychological care, as well as detoxification.

Ketamine treatment can incorporate relapse prevention therapy, group therapy and family therapy. A 12-step program may also be incorporated into the recovery process.

MDMA is the chemical name for ecstasy or molly. It’s a drug that keeps people energetic and awake, which is why it caught on in a club environment. The user gets a short term energy buzz, but because of the environment in which it’s abused, it can be mixed with other, potentially even more dangerous substances. There have also been numerous deaths as a result of MDMA and the comedown can cause depression and other mental health problems.

Ecstasy involves such extreme highs that the lows can be very crushing during recovery. A course of SSRIs and mood therapy is important to prevent the user returning to regular MDMA use.

Methamphetamine makes the user feel upbeat, awake and alert, though the negative side effects can consist of agitation and aggression. Those who take it on a long term basis can also damage their brain.

The user needs to get used to the lack of ‘feel good’ chemicals released into their brain, so therapy which breaks this dependency is essential. The individual will be taught to source pleasure and motivation in other ways.

All club drugs are different and have different effects, so the treatment they require varies dramatically. The one thing they share, however, is the environment in which they’re generally taken. After recovery, the individual may find they have to make drastic changes to their social life and the people they associate with, which is in itself a difficult modification to make. Psychological support is crucial during this time to prevent relapse.