Things You Need To Know

Ecstasy – Hallucinogen/Stimulant   Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that is similar to methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline.  Ecstasy can produce a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure and a sense of alertness.  The stimulant effects, which enable users to dance for extended periods, may also lead to dehydration, hypertension, and heart or kidney failure.  Ecstasy can cause brain damage.  It is one of the most widely used of the club drugs.

Ephedrine – Stimulant   This substance is sold over-the-counter at convenience stores, some food stores, and mail order.   It is sold often as ‘Herbal Ecstasy’ and is touted as a ‘safe’ and ‘legal’ form of Ecstasy.  Ephedrine is in the Amphetamine family and can cause heart attacks, seizures, agitation, palpitations, and other health problems.   Ephedrine is a common weight-loss substance. The FDA has proposed restrictions on ephedrine after it received more than 800 reports of harmful effects to people, among them coronary problems that could put patients at risk for heart attacks, strokes and death.

GHB – Depressant  This substance comes in a liquid form and looks like water and has a salty taste. GHB is used as a “club drug” for effects similar to those of Rohypnol, also known as “date rape drugs.”   Coma and seizures can occur following of GHB and when combined with methamphetamine. 

Mixing GHB with alcohol could be a deadly combination. Excessive use of GHB can result in loss of consciousness (G-hole), tremors, irregular and depressed respiration and coma.     

Methcathinone  – Stimulant    Known on the street as Khat or cat it produces an amphetamine like effect.  The drug produces a burst of energy and feeling of invincibility, accompanied by a state of well being and euphoria.  Effects include paranoia, hallucinations, nervousness and anxiety.  Physical effects can be pounding heart, headaches stomachaches, and shakes.  Khat is most often snorted, but may also be injected with a needle or taken orally by mixing with a beverage such as a soft drink.

LSD – Hallucinogen LSD induces abnormalities in sensory perceptions.  Effects are unpredictable depending on the amount taken, on the surroundings in which the drug is used, and on the user’s personality, mood, and expectations.  It can be in the form of a tablet, capsule, liquid, or on pieces of blotter paper that have absorbed the drug and is typically taken by mouth.  Effects come on within 30 to 90 minutes after taking and can include physical effects of dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.

Magic Mushrooms – Hallucinogen  The effects of Mushrooms or “Shrooms” are similar to LSD.  They include illusions and hallucinations, distorted perception of time and distance.  It is ingested orally in the form of tablets or powder.  Trips or episodes can consist of psychosis, convulsions, flashbacks, and possible death.

Methamphetamine – Stimulant Methamphetamine affects many areas of the central nervous system. The drug is often made in clandestine laboratories from relatively inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. Diverse groups, including young adults who attend raves, in many regions of the country, are using it. It is available in many forms, and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested.  Methamphetamine use is associated with serious health consequences, including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and potential cardiac and neurological damage. Abusers typically are agitated, have excited speech, decreased appetite, and increased physical activity levels.  

Some of the substances on the list are not new to the drug scene.  At least half of them were being abused in the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s. During the 90’s emergency room admissions increased due to club drug usage.  It can be very dangerous to mix some of these substances together and/or to take with alcohol.

Revised 8/00