1. OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Pictures
2. Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse Slideshow Pictures

In this Article

• How are club drugs abused?
• How do club drugs affect the body?
• Are club drugs addictive?
• What other adverse effects do club drugs have on health?
• What treatment options exist for those who abuse or are dependent upon club drugs?
• How widespread is club drug abuse?
• Where can people find more information about club drugs?
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Club Drugs Index

• Repeated use of GHB may lead to withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating. Severe withdrawal reactions have been reported among patients presenting from an overdose of GHB or related compounds, especially if other drugs or alcohol are involved.



• Like other benzodiazepines, chronic use of Rohypnol can produce tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction.



• There have been reports of people binging on ketamine, a behavior that is similar to that seen in some cocaine- or amphetamine-dependent individuals. Ketamine users can develop signs of tolerance and cravings for the drug.

Uncertainties about the sources, chemicals, and possible contaminants used to manufacture many club drugs make it extremely difficult to determine toxicity and associated medical consequences. Nonetheless, we do know that:

• Coma and seizures can occur following use of GHB. Combined use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and breathing difficulties. GHB and two of its precursors, gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butanediol (BD), have been involved in poisonings, overdoses, date rapes, and deaths.



• Rohypnol may be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other CNS depressants.



• Ketamine, in high doses, can cause impaired motor function, high blood pressure, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.