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Party Drugs

Author: Superdrewby
Date: 2001

The gay scene and the dance party scene (known as Circuit Parties) in the States have a very strong history of illicit drug taking. Pill popping is not just limited to the gay dance scene, but if you go to any gay dance venue you are likely to see a lot of people high on one drug or another.

This article does not condone or condemn drug taking, instead it provides a guide to the most common party drugs, their effects, their side effects and the possible consequences of taking them.

Research in the US, UK, Europe and Australia suggest that at least two thirds of teenagers have tried one form of recreational drug or another. Some medical experts suggest that recreational drug taking is far less harmful to people than going on a drinking binge, as the damage done by alcohol is far worse in the he long term. However, it is important to remember that all drugs are illegal in almost every part of the world and if you do decide that you want to take any form of drug, then you are doing so at your own risk, both legally and health wise. Superdrewby takes no responsibility for your actions in taking or buying any form of illicit drugs!

Reality is just for people who can't handle drugs

The following lists the most common party or recreational drugs that are routinely taken, and the information has been gathered from various sources on the net. Some of the links are provided at the end of this article so you can visit these yourself. Many of these drugs are called recreational drugs, because they are taken in for "recreation" such as dancing etc. Drugs such as Ecstasy, Pot and Cocaine are usually included in this class, while the heavier opiates such as heroin are usually classed as Hard Drugs and I have not included any information on these drugs.

Ecstasy


Ecstasy in Various Forms

e or MDMA is probably the most common of all the recreational drugs taken at dance parties. It was originally delved in the early 1900's as a diet supplement by Merck, and was routinely given to people suffering from depression until it was banned.

What it does

e makes the person feel euphoric and light headed almost as if they had no cares in the world. It also gives people enormous energy and they can dance all night. Ecstasy is also known as the love drug, because people on it "love" everyone and tell them so as well!

How is it taken

It is usually taken in small pill form, although it can also be found in a powder form

What Happens when you take it?

It usually takes between 30 - 45 minutes for the effects of ecstasy to start and at first it feels like you are light headed. Your body might tingle a bit and then your eyesight might start to blur a little bit. The euphoric high usually only lasts about 30 - 60 minutes, although you will continue to feel energetic for many hours afterwards. The high itself will last four between 2 - 6 hours depending on the purity of the pill taken.

Side Effects

e can cause a number of unwanted side effects including de hydration from the drug itself and from the sweat lost while dancing etc. e can also cause major depression on coming down and if you have any pre existing mental health problems it can make these much worse. Other possible side effects include, heart attack as the e itself increases the heart rate significantly.

A common side effect of e is teeth grinding, which can be alleviate by chewing gum or sucking n a lollipop which also helps to lubricate the mouth which can become very dry.

Although addiction to e is rare, it can happen and as you take it more often you will need more to get the same high.

The long term side effects of e are unknown, but there is some research that long term use can cause memory problems and induce psychosis in people. MDMA is not a natural substance and as such is toxic to your body like most drugs you take such as antibiotics.

Cautions

Don't drink alcohol with e, as it will have a very negative effect! Never mix e with other drugs whether legal or illegal, the combination could be fatal.

GBH


GBHGBH, GHB, Gamma, or Grievous Bodily Harm is a drug used to slow yourself down and is highly dangerous. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was originally used as an anesthetic although it has stopped being used because of the deadly side effects and links to many deaths when used with other drugs or alcohol. It has also been linked to many date rapes throughout the world as it places people in a semi catatonic and delirious state.

GBH was also once legally available as an anabolic steroid and sold in health food stores to body builders to increase body mass and decrease fat. However the side effects of the GBH quickly removed it from the market.  Superdrewby has prepared a new article on the dangers of G and now strenuoulsy suggests that people do not take G.

What it does

It causes a feeling of well being and drowsiness and is purported to increase sexual desire.

How it is taken

It can be taken in liquid form or pill form.

What happens when you take it

GHB is a depressant that acts on the central nervous system. It is purported as a strength enhancer, euphoriant, and aphrodisiac. It makes you feel as though you are happy and content and is normally taken as a downer after an upper such as ecstasy or cocaine.

Side Effects

GHB is a depressant that acts on the central nervous system. It is purported as a strength enhance, euphoriant, and aphrodisiac.

Cautions

Do not under any circumstances take this drug with alcohol, anti depressants of other types of drugs as the reaction of any of these can have a fatal effect. There have been numerous deaths in the US contributed to this drug.

Speed


Speed is an amphetamine commonly used as a stimulant. Speed basically makes your heart race and gives you a huge high and can keep you going for any hours. Usually found as a powder. Speed is a very common recreational drug and can be very dangerous for someone who has a weak heart or if you are mixing drugs such as Cocaine, ecstasy or others.

Speed is also found in very low doses in such over the counter medication as Sudafed or other cold and flu recipes which contain the ingredient Pseudoephedryne. The sale of large quantities of Sudafed can often be linked to underground speed manufacturers.

What it does

Speed or amphetamines in general increase your heart rate and your blood pressure and give you a high. There are many side effects of taking amphetamines which stem from the increased pulse and blood pressure.

The effects can last for 6 - 12 hours depending on how much was taken and the resistance to it already built up. Speed is highly addictive and as your body becomes used to it, you will need more and more to get the same high.

How it is taken

Speed is usually taken in either powder form snorted through the he nose or as a pill.

What happens when you take it

Your blood pressure and your heart rate increase dramatically and you suddenly feel full of energy and everything seems more highlighted. You may notice uncontrollable trembling or movement in your arms and legs from the effects.

You may decide that the person sitting at the bar is your best mate and love of your life and will talk at a million miles an hour with no regard to reality. You will also find your entire body becomes quite dry or you may find that you sweat uncontrollably.

Side Effects

The main side effects of Speed are increased blood pressure and heart rate, dry mouth and nose, trembling and uncontrollable movement. Other side effects can also include blurred vision, light headedness and general feelings of euphoria.

The come down from speed can be very extreme and you may end up feeling like hell for a couple of days after a big night on speed. Hallucinations when coming done are also not uncommon and you will pretty much have to put up with a a few days of feeling like hell.

Cautions

Speed found on the streets is usually not very pure somewhere between 5 - 10% is actually speed, the rest can be anything from battery acid to baking soda, and this can vary greatly, because of this a normal dose can actually vary making you more at risk of an overdose.

If you have a weak heart or high blood pressure do not use this drug as the reaction can be extreme and deadly.

Special K


Special KSpecial K or Ketamine is a powerful horse tranquilize / anaesethic which is still used in many parts of the world. K is a depressant which attacks the central nervous system and can have varied effects on different people. Some people say they get an initial rush from it, while others say it just mellows them out.

What it does

The effects of K are varied but will usually cause drowsiness and you may lose control of your body and want to sit or lie down, it can also cause unconsciousness and even death. K also causes strange hallucinations to occur (the reason why it was removed as an anaesethic).

The body blocks the pain receptors form signaling the he brain so it can mask serious injury and causes states of paralysis and to total incapacitation.

How it is taken

K is most commonly taken as a pill, although it can be sniffed as a powder and can also be injected. The type of experience will depend on both the strength and the way it is taken. Injecting the drug can be potentially fatal and cause a massive reaction from the body as it depresses the central nervous system and can actually anethatise the respiratory system in the process.

What happens when you take it

Depending on how you take K it will start to act in 5 - 10 minutes and initially a feeling of numbness and a sort of looking in on things will happen. Then as the drug goes through your body you will progressively feel more and more out of it.

If you're on a dancefloor, music can sound heavy, weird and strangely compelling, lights seem very intense and physical coordination can fall apart along with an overall feeling of numbness.

The effects can last for many hours and in some cases the drug may make you feel very unwell and you may throw up or fall over.

Side Effects

Respiratory Failure is common with large does, as is going into a coma, a feeling of numbness and an inability to control any part of your body.

Cautions

Do not mix this drug as the interactions with other drugs including alcohol can be fatal. If you are taking this drug go with a friend who is drug free so they can look after you or get help if you need it.

No one knows what the long-term effects of taking Ketamine regularly are. Because of its anesthetic qualities, people have been known to hurt themselves and not realise until the following day. Ketamine should not be taken with respiratory depressants, primarily alcohol, barbiturates, or Valium and because of the uncertain interaction with other drugs, it is advised not to mix K with anything. Large doses could induce unconsciousness which could lead to cardiovascular failure. Although not physically addictive, some users have a developed a strong habit.

Crystal Meth


Crystal MethCrystal Meth is a very strong stimulant that can keep you going for days and severely dis-inhibits people so they do and say things without any regard for their personal safety or the consequences. Originally used by truckers and bikers to stay awake for long periods of time it was made very popular in the he US gay clubs in the 80's and 90's. Crystal Meth has been linked to increased incidence of HIV / AIDS as many people on it have unprotected sex as it totally takes away the need for personal safety.

Crystal Meth also known as ICE as like speed or coke on steroids and even a small does can keep you going for days and days. However taking crystal meth is extremely dangerous and can cause coma and death even from a small dose!

What it does

It gives the user boundless energy and increases sexual awareness and removes any form of inhibitions including safe sex.

How it is taken

The drug can either be snorted or injected, or in its crystal form 'ice' smoked in a pipe, and brings on a feeling of exhilaration and a sharpening of focus. Smoking ice results in an instantaneous dose of almost pure drug to the brain, giving a huge rush followed by a feeling of euphoria for anything from 2-16 hours.

What happens when you take it

You become highly energetic and almost manic in your behavior,. the effects can last from a few hours for a very small does to several days for a larger dose.

Side Effects

It causes increases in heart rate and blood pressure which in turn can bring on a variety of problems. The side effects are very similar to that of speed and other amphetamines but are a lot stronger because of the strength of the drug.

Cautions

Crystal meth is known to have increased the HIV / AIDS epidemic in the US as it disinhibits peoples need to have safe sex. For this reason alone it is important to have someone with you who is "straight" i.e. not on drugs. Large doses of Crystal meth can be fat as it causes users to lapse into a coma and then have respiratory arrest.

Never mix Crystal meth with other drugs such as alcohol as he reaction can be severe. Overuse can bring on paranoia, short term memory loss, wild rages and mood swings as well as damage to your immune system. As far as we know, it is not physically addictive, although many have quickly developed a very strong psychological and damaging dependence for the drug.

Cocaine


CocaineCocaine has been around for thousands of years and is made from the leaves of the Coca plant. The North American Indians used to chew Coca leaves to get a high and have done so for up to five thousand years. Cocaine is a stimulant which increases your energy and lasts anywhere between 15 - 60 minutes. Usually found in a white powder form it has been used medicinally as an anesethic and was used in the original Coca Cola.

Cocaine is highly addictive and has some very nasty side effects. Stimulants such as Cocaine, Speed and others can be fatal even in very small doses.

What it does

Cocaine makes users feel like they are the most important p[person on the earth and increases confidence and feelings of heightened wonder and importance. As the cocaine enters the bloodstream it causes a rush or high as it spreads through the he body producing a mild numbing effects and general feeling of excitement.

How it is taken

Cocaine is usually taken in a white powder form which is snorted through the nose, although Crack cocaine which is further chemically altered can be either injected or smoked. Injecting or smoking coke will increase the rush and make it happen all that more quickly.

What happens when you take it

The initial rush come son very quickly and you will get a euphoric high quite quickly, however the high does not last long and will subside within about 15 - 30 minutes.

Side Effects

Because it is addictive as you regularly use cocaine you will need more and more of the stuff to get the same high. Side effects from cocaine can include nasal passage problems including irreparable damage to the sinuses, if you smoke it it can cause lung pain and lung damage.

Because it's an appetite suppressant, coke can make users vulnerable to malnutrition, and like all stimulants, it can lead to heart problems. Injecting cocaine rapidly destroys the skin tissues and can cause ulcers.

Long term use can result in a range of mental health conditions from mild depression to the extremes of cocaine psychosis with symptoms similar to schizophrenia.

Cautions

Cocaine has many unwanted side effects and is highly addictive. One of the more unusual side effects is that if large quantities are snorted it can break down the cartilage in your nose making your nose actually collapse and requiring expensive and extensive plastic surgery to correct.

Cocaine should not be mixed with other drugs as it an really put a very bad strain on your heart when mixed with such things as heroin to create a speedball.

Viagra


ViagraViagra has become a party drug favored by the gay dance scene over the last couple of years since it's introduction into the community. Viagra is commonly used to help treat penile impotence as it can produce a lasting erection in men unable to achieve one naturally. Viagra is usually found in pill form and is obtained through either prescription form a doctor, over the Internet (although it is dubious whether you are actually getting Viagra) and from people selling it on the streets and in clubs.

What it does

It decreases the flow of blood throughout your body and releases certain gases and enzymes in your penis which cause it to swell and become erect. This is from a scientific journal:

The story began several years ago when scientists found a tiny gas molecule called nitric oxide (NO) acting as a chemical communicator in our cells. Importantly, for sexual health, the release of NO by cells in the penis activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase. This crucial reaction makes another molecule, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). CGMP relaxes penile smooth muscle allows the arteries to expand and so blood rushes in giving an erection.

Source

Essentially it does much the same thing as drugs such as Amyl Nitrate or Poppers. It gives a rush and you get a hard-on which stays for hours and hours.

How it is taken

It is usually taken in pill or capsule form and the pill will have some sort of pharmaceutical mark on it

What happens when you take it

Basically apart from the he side effects you get a spontaneous and lasting erection.

Side Effects

The side effects are caused by the vaso restrictive effects of the drug, i.e. the lowering of the blood pressure and the restriction of the artery walls. Both of these can cause heart attacks and death. There have so far not been any deaths by recreational use reported but if you have a preexisting heart condition beware!

Another side effect is a slight blue - green tinge to your eyes, so there is a joke going around that too much Viagra wil make you go blind!

The other side effects are that it may become painful walking or dancing for six hours with a hard on and this can cause loss of sensation, chafing and other nasty problems around your penis.

Cautions

If you have a pre existing heart condition, don't take this drug at all, because it can induce a heart attack. The makers of the drug are also unsure aboutt he long term damage to the eyes as well.

Safety Tips

These safety tips have been written by someone else but since they are very good and better than what I could write I have included them here. The source is provided below!

  • Don't use drugs while driving. When using drugs in a social setting, try to have a 'designated driver.'
  • Don't use recreational drugs alone. If you have an accident, friends can help.
  • Don't use drugs to help you do your job. If you really need coffee every morning , rethink your sleep schedule.
  • Don't use drugs while pregnant, especially during the first few months.
  • Don't use drugs to feel normal. This is one of the more common themes heard from addicts-that the addict doesn't feel "right" until taking the drug.
  • Be honest and open with your doctors. Many drugs, including alcohol, interact with other drugs. Talk with your doctor and ask questions.
  • Don't use drugs for hangovers. Don't use drugs to overcome the hangover or 'down' period after using drugs.
  • Don't mix drugs. Especially concentrated drugs-mixed drinks, caffeine pills, cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs.
  • Don't be afraid to get help! If a friend is having a seizure, convulsions, or is in a coma, seek emergency help, whether the drugs are legal or illegal.
  • Don't share needles. They can spread AIDS, Hepatitis, and other diseases.
  • Most drugs are safest eaten, less safe smoked, and least safe injected. The more directly the drug is placed in the body, the less chance the body has to detoxify it and remove impurities.

Source

References