The term "club drugs" usually refers to those substances that are sometimes associated with the dance club and rave culture of the last decade. During the late 1980s, a number of promoters and DJs in England threw "raves" or large dance gatherings centered on the growing popularity of electronic music. Raves became popular in America in the early 1990s and took place in dance clubs, warehouses, and outdoor gatherings. Some participants of the club/rave culture used illicit substances to enhance the musical experience. The most notable of these club drugs is Ecstasy; however GHB, Ketamine, Methamphetamine, LSD and Rohypnol are also commonly termed club drugs. Recently, raves have been targeted in the war on drugs as the Federal Government attempts to use the 1986 ‘Crack House’ Law to prosecute business owners that hold events in which some people use drugs on the anti-Rave act.

Ecstasy
Ecstasy, or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a pill or powder that creates a 4 - 6 hour mildly euphoric experience. Users of MDMA state they experience a common acceptance for and by others, diminished fear, and the increased ability to communicate. Potential risks include increased body temperature that can be exacerbated by excessive dancing and poor ventilation. High body temperatures can result in heatstroke and, in rare cases, death. Ways to prevent heatstroke are proper hydration, access to water, access to a "chill out" room and proper ventilation. Some studies suggest that Ecstasy may cause memory and serotonin damage however, these claims have been disputed by some scientists and longer term studies are needed. Ecstasy has not been found to cause physical dependence. It is a Schedule I drug.

Ketamine
Ketamine is normally used as an animal tranquilizer. The drug creates a sense of separation between body and mind and distorts sensory perceptions for approximately an hour. Ketamine, sometimes referred to as "Special K," is taken in pill or powder form, snorted or injected. Some users experience dizziness or nausea. If taken in excess, users experience a "k-hole" meaning they have difficulty moving, experience complete detachment of mind and body, and in some cases enter an extreme dream like state. Other risk factors and potentially negative effects are respiratory problems, racing heart, paranoia and egocentrism. Ketamine can be both physically and psychologically addictive. It is a Schedule III drug.

Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also known as speed, crystal, or crank, is a synthetic stimulant and a legal schedule II drug prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder under the brand name Desoxyn. Most recreational methamphetamine is produced in "backyard" laboratories. The drug is an odorless, white or off-white bitter tasting powder. It is found in pill or crystal form and can be dissolved in liquid, ingested orally, snorted or injected. Users feel alert, confident, and energetic and lose their appetite and ability to sleep. When taken too frequently or in excess, methamphetamine can cause paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, violent or erratic behavior and self-absorption. In extreme cases, the lack of appetite can result in malnutrition. Methamphetamine can cause psychological dependence, high levels of tolerance, and an intense craving for more of the drug to produce the same effect. Individuals with heart conditions should be extremely careful when using methamphetamine since the drug increases heart rate and blood pressure.

Rohypnol
Rohypnol (chemical name Flunitrazepam) is a pharmaceutical sleeping pill prescribed for insomnia in Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. The drug belongs to the family of medications called benzodiazepines which includes Valium, Librium and Xanax. It is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative hypnotic and preanesthetic medication. It can be addictive. Although it has gained a name in America as the "date rape" drug, known cases of drugging are relatively rare and the drug is mostly used recreationally. Rohypnol or "roofies" appears to be used most frequently in conjunction with alcohol, with which it has a synergistic effect, producing amnesia and diminishing inhibitions. Rohypnol is not approved for use in the U.S. and it is a Schedule IV drug. The drug is illegally imported from Latin America and Europe.

GHB
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a naturally occurring component of human cells. It was first synthesized by a French researcher exploring the effects of nutrients on the brain. The drug is used in Europe as a general anesthetic, a treatment for insomnia and narcolepsy, an aid to childbirth, a treatment for alcoholism, and for many other uses. In the past few years it has been gaining popularity as a recreational drug taken for its effects quite similar to those of alcohol. While GHB is most notorious for a few cases where it has been given to unsuspecting individuals, it is more commonly used recreationally and medicinally. One of the major concerns with GHB is that the recreational dosage range is narrow and even small overdoses can cause temporary unconsciousness (a type of coma) and large overdoses (poisonings) can be life-threatening. GHB is declared both a Schedule I drug (no medical use, high potential for abuse) and a Schedule III drug (accepted medical use, lower potential for abuse) in the US. This law makes an exception for use of the drug in treating certain types of narcolepsy and sleep disorders.

LSD
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogen. Manufactured from lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains, LSD is a potent mood-changing chemical. Commonly referred to as "acid", the drug is sold illegally in paper tablet, capsule, and, occasionally, liquid form. The effects of LSD are unpredictable. They depend on the amount taken; the user's personality, mood, and expectations; and the surroundings in which the drug is used. Physical effects can include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. If taken in a large enough dose, the drug produces delusions and visual hallucinations. These changes can be pleasant or they can be frightening and can cause panic. Some evidence suggests long-term effects of LSD including flash-backs or long-lasting psychoses for heavy users. LSD is a classed as a Schedule I drug in the US.

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