Club/Party Drugs
Drugs and alcohol have varying effects on our bodies and behaviors. Many of the substances discussed in this section are known to lower inhibitions which can lead to increased high-risk sexual behaviors. With abuse, these substances can lead to overdose and death. Some substances, especially methamphetamines, have been specifically linked to increases in STD and HIV rates nationwide.
ABUSE AND ADDICTION
Most people can control their drug use but many abuse drugs. Drug or alcohol abuse is also known as “dependence” that includes four symptoms, regardless of the drug involved:
- Craving — A strong desire, need or compulsion to use the substance.
- Loss of Control — The inability to limit one’s use on any given occasion.
- Physical Dependence — Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness or anxiety occur when use is stopped after periods of heavy use.
- Tolerance — The need to use greater and greater amounts of the substance in order to “get high”.
If you or someone you know feel that they may be abusing or addicted to drugs or alcohol please click on the following links for more information:
 Alcohol
Beverage alcohol is ethyl alcohol or ethanol made from plant sugars and is a depressant drug. Alcohol is highly addictive for many people. Tolerance can develop quickly with severe withdrawal symptoms including nervousness, tremors, seizures and hallucinations. Moderate use of alcohol (1-2 drinks per day) has been shown to have beneficial effects for many but alcohol is the most abused drug across the country.
What are the risks of long-term abuse?
Long-term abuse of Alcohol can damage the liver, brain and other organs, and can result in severe mental and physical problems. Consuming too much alcohol at once can cause death through acute alcohol toxicity. Alcohol impairs vision and motor coordination. Driving while intoxicated is illegal and endangers yourself and others. Mixing alcohol with over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, or illegal drugs is dangerous and can lead to medical emergencies. Additionally, Alcohol can lower inhibitions, which in turn may lead to high-risk sexual activities.
- Alcohol-related Liver Disease
Many heavy drinkers develop chemical hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. Symptoms include fever, jaundice of the skin, eyeballs, or urine and abdominal pain. Alcohol cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue) or hardening of the liver can cause death but the condition is reversible to some extent if drinking stops. The liver is the only organ that can re-grow healthy tissue so any cessation of alcohol abuse will improve health and survival chances.
- Heart Disease
Moderate use of alcohol can have beneficial effects on the heart, but long-term abuse increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and some kinds of stroke.
- Cancer
Long-term abuse increases the risk for certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the esophagus, mouth and throat. Heavy drinking also increases the risk of colon and rectal cancers as well as cancer of the liver.
- Pancreatitis and Diabetes
The pancreas helps to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels by producing insulin and plays other roles in digestion. Long-term abuse can lead to inflammation of the pancreas associated with severe abdominal pain and weight loss and can be fatal. Alcohol is a carbohydrate and often contains sugars in addition to alcohol, so it can severely disrupt the management of diabetes.
Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine (cocaine hydrochloride), also known as "coke" or "blow", is a white powder derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. Cocaine can be snorted, injected or smoked in the form of "crack cocaine”, made by chemically altering cocaine powder into crystals or "rocks".
What are the effects of Cocaine?
Cocaine is a stimulant drug like speed, but much shorter acting. It causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. It also leads to feelings of confidence, alertness and euphoria.
Is Cocaine addictive?
Cocaine users frequently find that they need more and more cocaine more often to generate the same level of stimulation. Therefore, any use can lead to addiction and withdrawal is physically difficult.
What are the risks of Cocaine?
Cocaine and crack are very short acting. This can lead to using too much or using too often. The after-effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia. The intensity of these effects depends on how much and how often cocaine is used, and are more intense when cocaine is smoked as crack. The wide variation in the purity of the drug also can lead to unanticipated overdoses. High or frequent doses have caused seizures, strokes, or heart attacks in some people. Repeated snorting can damage the membranes of the nose and even erode nasal cartilages. Additionally, cocaine is illegal and getting caught with it in your possession can result in long prison sentences. Giving cocaine to someone else, even if no money was exchanged, can result in even longer sentences.
If you or someone you know feel that they may have a problem with cocaine please click here for more information.
Heroin
Heroin, also called smack, junk, horse, brown sugar, H or dope, is made from the oriental or opium poppy. It belongs to a whole class of drugs known as opiates or opioids. This category of depressant drugs includes raw opium, morphine, codeine, oxycodone and methadone, which ironically is used to treat heroin addiction. Heroin is processed to varying degrees and is “cut”(its volume increased) by the addition of various other, sometimes very dangerous, chemicals. It can come as a dark brown substance known as “dark”, “tar” or “black tar”, a brownish, sometimes grainy powder or as a fine white powder depending on where it originates in the world and how it is processed. Purity of heroin varies greatly and is always inconsistent, even within a batch or that from the same producer or supplier, which is why so many users are subject to overdose as potency of the drug fluctuates.
How is Heroin Used?
- Less than a hundred years ago, opium, heroin and morphine were prescribed by doctors for children and sold over the counter legally without a prescription. Now, its only legal use in the U.S. is in medical applications for pain control.
- Heroin is snorted, smoked by heating from underneath or mixed with pot in a pipe. Often it is injected into the veins or muscles.
- Depending on how it is used, heroin can produce intense euphoria within seconds. Snorting results in onset of effects within 10 to 15 minutes while smoking only takes 2 to 5 minutes. Intravenous injection is the fastest resulting in effects within 7 to 8 seconds while injection into the muscles takes longer, having an effect in 5 to 8 minutes.
- Heroin use reduces natural endorphin production in the body and creates dependence on the heroin for endorphin-like chemicals to produce euphoria with as little as three days of use.
- Cessation of heroin results in symptoms of withdrawal that in extreme cases can be life-threatening in and of themselves.
What are the Risks of Non-Medical Use of Heroin?
- Overdose, possibly causing death. Heroin overdose is not rapid so it may take several hours to die. Suspected overdoses should be given immediate medical care as overdose is immediately reversible with administration of drugs like Narcan. Many fatal overdoses are caused by mixing heroin with other drugs or alcohol.
- For injection heroin use, non-sterile, shared needles have an extremely high risk of blood-borne infections such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Injection site infections and abscesses, including hard-to-treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria (MRSA) are also common for injection heroin users.
- Poisoning from contaminants added to “cut” or dilute the heroin for sale.
- Chronic constipation.
- Breakdown and destruction of veins, blood clots.
- Tolerance leading to larger and larger doses needed to achieve the same effect. Tolerance is lost after 3 days of non-use which can lead to overdoses when heroin is next used with the same dosage as before cessation.
- Leukoencephalopathy (brain damage) in heroin smokers indicated by symptoms such as slurred speech and difficulty walking even when not high.
- Inability to have an orgasm.
- Possession and sale of heroin is illegal and can carry stiff penalties.
What is Heroin Withdrawal?
Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 6 hours of the cessation of long-term use of heroin. “Cold turkey” attempts to quit are more likely to result in severe effects of withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be particularly severe and vary depending on the degree of dependency, length of use and degree of tolerance to the drug. Symptoms of withdrawal from heroin include:
- Sweating, anxiety or deep depression.
- General feeling of heaviness, illness or malaise.
- Repeated yawning, sleep difficulties.
- Painful feeling of “itchy blood”, compulsive scratching that causes bruises, ruptures or scabs.
- Chills, fever, severe cramps or spasms in the legs, hence the term “kicking the habit”.
- Cold sweats, persistent gooseflesh, hence the term “cold turkey”.
- Severe muscle or bone aches not resulting from other physical trauma.
- Priapism--persistent and intense penile erections.
What are Drug Interactions?
Opiates like heroin are strong central nervous system depressants so that if they are combined with other depressants and some stimulant drugs, fatal overdoses can result even for experienced users. Studies of fatal overdoses frequently reveal the involvement of other drugs used in combination with heroin. These include alcohol, valium and sometimes methadone, which is used to treat heroin addictions and even some prescription medications. Cocaine or crystal meth can also prove fatal when used in combination with heroin whether injected as a “speedball” or smoked. Many overdoses are also caused when toxic chemicals are used to cut the heroin or if the purity of the heroin sold on the street increases dramatically and unexpectedly. Experienced users always “test” new batches of heroin to gauge its purity and potency before injecting their customary dose.
What if Someone Overdoes?
- If someone using drugs stops breathing, has no pulse or turns blue, lay them on their side and call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Tell the 911 operator, “Someone has stopped breathing”, and begin CPR.
- When the paramedics arrive, tell them what drug or drugs the person was using because there are antidotes for opioid drugs like heroin that the paramedics can give to save the person’s life. Stimulant drugs like cocaine or crystal meth have no antidotes and if antidotes for heroin are mistakenly given to those overdosing on crystal meth or cocaine, death can result.
Marijuana (Pot)
Marijuana comes from a plant and so is commonly known as “weed” when used as a recreational drug. The dried buds of the female cannabis plant contain the highest concentrations of psychoactive chemicals and so are most frequently sold and consumed as marijuana or pot. Because the drug is not snorted or injected, it is not high on the list of the most risky drugs like crystal meth, cocaine, heroin, etc. all of which can be injected into the body greatly increasing the risk of HIV and Hepatitis C transmission.
How is Cannabis Used?
Cannabis is usually smoked although it can also be eaten. Smoking results in a shorter “high” while eating results in longer-lasting effects. Marijuana cigarettes or “joints” are the most common method of smoking but a wide range of pipes, bongs, hookahs and other devices are also used. Cannabis can also be prepared in butter or cooked directly into foods for eating. Often the less expensive leaves of the plant are used in food rather than the buds.
Cannabis is used medicinally to treat the side effects of chemotherapy or the symptoms of a number of diseases such as cancer, glaucoma and AIDS. Some local governments in California have allowed the establishment of so-called “pot clubs” for the distribution of legal medicinal marijuana with a doctor’s prescription.
What are the Effects of Cannabis?
In small quantities and depending on the individual user, cannabis can be both relaxing or stimulating or both. Senses are enhanced and the appetite is increased, called “the munchies” by many users. In larger quantities or with stronger strains of the plant, the effects may be similar to use of LSD or mushrooms. Heavy use may also result in nausea, mild hallucinations, anxiety or paranoia. Cannabis may cause an increase in heart rate, reddening of the eyes and dryness in the mouth.
What are the Risks of Using Cannabis?
- Regular, habitual use of cannabis does not create a physical dependence on the drug because users do not experience physical withdrawal symptoms when quitting. Psychological dependence may still result from habitual use making quitting very difficult for some individuals.
- Smoking anything, including cannabis, can damage the lungs, throat and mouth depending on the temperature of the smoke involved. Use of bongs or water pipes considerably lowers the temperature of the smoke and is thought to reduce some of the harmful effects of smoking cannabis.
- Cannabis is a Schedule 1 narcotic and getting caught with even small amounts of the drug can get you arrested. Only in those limited areas with legalized medical marijuana can patients with prescriptions for the drug possess small quantities. Even if local officials allow medical marijuana purchases, possession is still a Federal crime.
- Cannabis use slows reaction times, impairs driving and use of machinery and interferes with normal decision-making processes in many individuals.
- Some users can feel nauseous, paranoid or agitated after ingesting cannabis.
Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)
Methamphetamine, a stimulant drug, is also called crystal, crystal meth, tina, crank, meth, "party favors", tweak, ice or speed, but is chemically different from the speed found in diet pills (amphetamine). Methamphetamine can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, “booty bumped” or injected.
What are the Effects of Methamphetamine?
The effects of methamphetamine varies with each person, but essentially it puts the body in “flight or fight” mode by flooding the body with adrenaline and several other brain chemicals. Effects are influenced by individual factors, but they increase sensitivity, metabolism, and sexual drive while shutting down blood flow to the extremities (this may lead to erectile dysfunctions known as “crystal dick”). Blood flow is also reduced to the stomach leading to loss of appetite, nausea and in some cases vomiting as the digestive system shuts down. Methamphetamine is used to reduce inhibitions, increase sexual pleasure, and create energy for work or play. However, the liberating nature of the drug means that safe sex is often discarded. In addition, sexual activity with multple partners and increase in the duration of intercourse can also be expected. In the U.S., a large number of new HIV cases among gay men 18-24 are associated with methamphetamine use.
Is Methamphetamine Addictive?
Methamphetamine is among the most addictive drugs in existence. The extreme “high” of crystal meth combined with the equally extreme “low” that always follows use means that users are encouraged to use again if for no other reason than to stop feeling sick. Crystal may not be addictive with a single use, but the need to use again and again to compensate for the deep depressions that follow use often leads very quickly into abuse and dependence on the drug.
What are the Risks of Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine users are at much higher risk for HIV and Hepatitis C transmission through unsafe sex and needle sharing. Although rare, methamphetamine can cause seizures, heart attacks, strokes, and death from overdose. Many users become physically run down from dehydration, poor nutrition, and weight loss, which can leave heavy users susceptible to a wide range of illnesses. Extended use of methamphetamines can cause long-term psychoses that can only be managed by quitting the use of crystal. The amount of long-term brain damage caused by methamphetamine is still unclear, but it now appears that damage can be reduced with time after quitting. Mixing methamphetamine with other drugs, particularly other stimulants like Viagra and poppers, can increase the risk of adverse reactions, including heart attack and stroke. Additionally, methamphetamine is illegal. Possession can result in long prison terms; the trend in law enforcement is for stiffer penalties for methamphetamine than for other illegal drugs.
Are there Specific Risks Injecting Methamphetamine?
By injecting crystal, a large dose of the drug reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose. Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can cause lesions, septicemia, endocarditis and other infections. Repeated injections damage the veins, leading to thrombosis and abscesses. Sharing syringes result in the transmission of blood-borne HIV and Hepatitis C.
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For more information on methamphetamine in the Coachella Valley, click here.
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 Ecstasy (MDMA)
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Ecstasy (XTC), or "X", is MDMA (methylene-dioxy-meth-amphetamine) and so is closely related chemically to crystal meth and speed. Ecstasy is sometimes called an “entactogen”, meaning to look within yourself. Use can give the feeling that you are connected to the whole world and produces a desire to be in close, intimate contact with other people. Ecstasy is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. Black market tablets vary widely in strength and often contain other, sometimes very dangerous, substances.
What are the Effects of Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a "mood elevator" that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It does not produce hallucinations except at dangerously high doses. Ecstasy takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet with little rushes of exhilaration, which can be accompanied by nausea. 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects. Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences heightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth, and self-acceptance. The effects of ecstasy subside about 3-5 hours after use. Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the effect, people can usually deal with important matters. Alcohol consumption before or during use can completely negate the effects of this drug. It is for this reason that people partying on ecstasy drink water instead of alcohol.
Is Ecstasy Addictive?
Ecstasy is not physically addictive so that withdrawal symptoms are not associated with discontinued use. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people's lives and some people become compulsive in use of ecstasy. If used frequently, tolerance to Ecstasy can develop rapidly requiring higher and higher doses to obtain the desired effect. Ecstasy releases the brain chemical serotonin which elevates the mood and acts as a short-term antidepressant. Some compulsive users may be unconsciously trying to self-medicate for depression.
What are the Risks of Using Ecstasy?
Some people experience depression or deeper depressions after taking ecstasy. This is caused by ecstasy’s action on brain chemicals like serotonin. There have been some overdose deaths associated with ecstasy. Usually these have been a result of dehydration and heatstroke from dancing for long periods in hot clubs without replenishing lost body fluids. Much of what is sold as "ecstasy" on the black market actually contains other drugs, some of which can be more dangerous than ecstasy, like speed and PCP. Mixing ecstasy with other drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions. Additionally, Ecstasy is illegal and a conviction for possession can carry long sentences.
For more information on the effects and risks of ecstasy use, click here.
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GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) |
GHB is classified as a sedative-hypnotic and was originally developed as a sleep-aid. GHB is usually swallowed as an odorless liquid, slightly salty to the taste. It has also been found in powder and capsule form.
What are the effects?
At lower doses GHB has a euphoric effect similar to alcohol and can make the user feel relaxed, happy and sociable. Higher doses can make the user feel dizzy and sleepy, can sometimes cause vomiting, muscle spasms or even loss of consciousness. Overdoses will always cause loss of consciousness (temporary coma), and will slow down breathing. Sometimes, particularly if mixed with alcohol, GHB can slow breathing to a dangerously low rate, which has caused a number of deaths
IS GHB Addictive?
Regular, daily use of GHB can cause physical dependency with harsh withdrawal symptoms.
What are the risks with GHB?
Mixing GHB with alcohol or other depressants is extremely dangerous and has caused many deaths due to respiratory failure. Passing out while on GHB by itself is also dangerous and potentially life threatening. Driving should be avoided while on GHB or any other drug. One dose can impair motor coordination equal to as much as six drinks of alcohol. Also, the effects come on fast and, unlike alcohol, cannot be controlled or paced and effects may not peak for up to two hours. Many overdoses have occurred from people not waiting long enough before taking another dose. Additionally, GHB is illegal and possession can result in long prison terms.
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Poppers (Nitrates) |
“Poppers” is the popular name for a group of related chemicals called alkyl nitrites that include amyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, and butyl nitrite used as party drugs almost exclusively by gay men. As recreational drugs they are also incorrectly called “nitrates”, which is actually a different chemical than the alkyl nitrites.
Doctors used to prescribe amyl nitrite for angina in heart patients in capsules that were broken open or “popped” to release the vapors. Amyl nitrite is made and sold illegally as a recreational drug, but most poppers are actually isobutyl nitrite or butyl nitrite available in small bottles as “video head cleaner”, “room deodorizer” or “leather cleaner.” Because the exact mix of chemicals in these products are not known they are not safety tested and can be very harmful if other chemicals are used. At the least, counterfeit poppers will not have the desired effects of “real” poppers and can be much more harmful.
What are the effects?
- Poppers are used by sniffing the vapors from an open bottle resulting in an intense “rush” felt within a few seconds and lasting for one to two minutes.
- The short popper high is caused by expanding blood vessels leading to a drop in blood pressure which if repeated too often can cause fainting. Lower blood pressure makes the heart rate increase to pump more oxygen rich blood to the brain and other parts of the body which produces the “rush”.
- Gay men frequently use poppers during sex because it causes muscles in the anus to relax.
- Loss of erection is a frequent effect in many men because it also relaxes and increases blood flow to the penis. Even popper vapors in the air can cause loss of erections in many men even if they are not sniffing the poppers directly.
What are the risks?
- Poppers are caustic to mucous membranes and are poisonous if swallowed. If swallowed call 911 or Poison Control.
- Contact of the liquid with skin causes irritations, rashes and burns. Extensive use can damage the delicate tissues of the nose or lungs.
- Headaches, unconsciousness and loss of erection can result from even moderate use of poppers.
- Poppers are highly flammable so keep open bottles well away from cigarettes, candles, lighters or pipes.
- Studies have shown that poppers reduce the normal functioning of the immune system for several days after use.
- Because poppers cause blood vessels to open and even bleed in the anus, nostrils or throat, the risk of infections including STDs and HIV are greatly increased.
- Poppers pose extra risks for those who have suppressed immune systems, heart problems, abnormally low or high blood pressure, a history of cerebral hemorrhaging or stroke, anemia or who are pregnant.
- Combining poppers with stimulants like speed, cocaine or crystal meth greatly increases risks. Combining poppers with Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medications is also dangerous because both of these drugs cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low.
- Possession of amyl nitrite without a doctor’s prescription is illegal. Federal law bans the manufacture and distribution of these drugs, although these provisions have rarely been enforced.
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Special K (ketamine hydrochloride) |
Special K or "K" was originally created for use as a human anesthetic, and is still used in some hospital settings and in veterinary medicine, so is often referred to as “horse tranquilizers”. Special K belongs to a class of drugs called "dissociative anesthetics," which separate perception from sensation. Other drugs in this category include PCP (Angel Dust), DXM and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Special K usually comes as a liquid but is most often cooked into a white powder for snorting. It may also be swallowed or injected into the muscle (never into the vein).
What are the effects of Special K?
At lower doses, special K creates a mild, dreamy feeling similar to nitrous oxide. Users report feeling as if they were floating slightly outside their bodies. Nausea and numbness in the extremities is also common. Higher doses produce a hallucinogenic or “trippy” effect, and may cause users to feel very far away from or outside their bodies. This experience is often referred to as entering a "K-hole" and has been compared to a near death experience with sensations of rising above one's body. Many users find the experience spiritually significant, while others find it frightening. While in a K-hole it is very difficult to move so users usually remain seated or lying down during the experience.
Is Special K addictive?
The dissociation from one's consciousness experienced with special K can be highly seductive to some people, and there are many cases of special K addiction.
What are the risks of Special K?
Low doses of Special K can increase heart rate, at higher doses it depresses consciousness and breathing and is extremely dangerous to combine with downers like alcohol, Valium or GHB. Frequent use can cause disruptions in consciousness and lead to neuroses or other psychological disorders. Special K can cause tremendous psychological dependence. Special K is illegal and possession can result in long prison terms.
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Tobacco |
Most people do not think of tobacco as a drug, but the plants from which tobacco products are made contain the stimulant drug nicotine in very high levels. Nicotine is one of the most toxic, cancer-causing substances, but tobacco also includes other substances that are known to cause cancer.
According to some studies, 50% of gay men use tobacco regularly. This rate is three times the smoking rate of the general adult population in the U.S. and so tobacco use is a serious health issue for many gay men.
Nicotine is highly addictive resulting in physical dependency with long-lasting withdrawal symptoms including depression, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, sleep disorders and strong cravings for more tobacco, as anyone who has tried to quit smoking knows. Smoking tobacco is the most harmful, but smokeless tobaccos have fewer negative side effects even though they may actually deliver more nicotine to the body than do cigarettes or cigars. Steam-cured smokeless tobacco products developed and used extensively by the Swedes (who have the lowest incidence of tobacco-related deaths in men than any other European country), are less harmful than smoked tobacco and can be used like nicotine patches for those trying to quit smoking. In the U.S., the Skoal brand of moist chewing tobacco is one product that is steam-cured rather than fire-cured and so its health effects are markedly different from tobacco that is smoked.
What are the Effects of Smoking Tobacco?
- Nicotine increases the heart rate and blood pressure
- Effects are usually felt immediately and can last for up to 30 minutes from a single cigarette
- First time users often feel dizzy or nauseous
- Smokers report that it reduces anxiety and helps them to relax
- Nicotine reduces the appetite so smokers eat less
What are the Risks of Smoking Tobacco?
- Coughing, chest and breathing problems, asthma
- Bad breath, discolored teeth and fingers
- Very high risk of lung cancer and other cancers of the lips, mouth and throat
- Heart disease, circulatory problems, bronchitis and emphysema
- During pregnancy it can harm the unborn child resulting in low birth weight and other complications
- Second-hand smoke has most of the same risks as primary smoking
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