Summer party drug use among young people peaks over the warmer months with end of exam celebrations, parties, festivals and increased socialising with peers. So what should parents and young people be aware of?

Party drugs are psychoactive substances used in social settings to heighten energy, mood, and sensory perception. They are most common in nightclubs, concerts, and festivals where partygoers seek prolonged wakefulness and increased social connection. The prevalence of their use continues to rise among young adults, due to their association with nightlife culture and peer influence. Making the awareness of their dangers to both parents and young people even more critical for supporting harm reduction and public health.

Top Party Drugs used by young people

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

Cocaine

Lysergic Acid Diethylamide(LSD)

Ketamine

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

These are the main types of club drugs that affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, producing temporary euphoria and stimulation. The effects of these drugs can include increased confidence, empathy, and altered sensory experiences. Party drugs present severe health risks despite their short-term appeal (dehydration, heatstroke, heart complications, anxiety, and addiction).

What are the Common Types of Party or Club Drugs?

Stimulants: Stimulants increase energy, alertness, and sociability. MDMA (ecstasy), Cocaine, and Amphetamines are common stimulants. These drugs work by boosting the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, increasing mood and energy levels.

Depressants: Depressants have a calming or sedative effect, slowing down the central nervous system. GHB and benzodiazepines (Rohypnol) fall into this category. The drugs induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and impair motor skills and memory, which increases the risk of dangerous behavior.

Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens alter perception, leading to vivid sensory experiences or distorted reality. LSD and Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) are common hallucinogens. These drugs work by disrupting the normal processing of sensory information, causing visual and auditory hallucinations.

Dissociatives: Dissociatives disconnect the user's sense of reality and cause feelings of detachment from the body and environment. Ketamine and Phencyclidine (PCP) are examples of dissociatives. These drugs induce a trance-like state and lead to impaired coordination, memory loss, and severe psychological effects.

How Dangerous are Party Drugs? Know The Risks

Party drugs are very dangerous and carry significant risks to health and well-being. The use of substances like methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), Ecstasy, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Ketamine, and GHB is linked to severe physical and psychological harm. MDMA leads to dehydration, hyperthermia, and electrolyte imbalances, resulting in organ failure or death. The effects of LSD include hallucinations, panic attacks, and persistent changes in mood and perception, even though it is rarely associated with fatal overdoses. Ketamine is known for its dissociative effects and has been linked to long-term bladder damage, cognitive deficits, and psychological dependence. GHB (date rape drug) causes respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and death when combined with alcohol. Alcohol and Cannabis, while not always classified as ‘club drugs', are involved in party settings and pose health risks of their own. Alcohol leads to impaired judgment, alcohol poisoning, and increased risk of accidents. Cannabis use in high doses impairs cognitive function and increases the risk of developing mental health disorders. Party drugs are illegal and pose serious health risks that have immediate and long-term consequences.

Beware: symptoms of party drug use or overdose

Increased Heart Rate: A common symptom of stimulant drugs like cocaine and MDMA (ecstasy). The drugs lead to arrhythmia or heart failure in extreme cases.

Elevated Body Temperature: MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine, and cocaine cause hyperthermia, which leads to dehydration, organ failure, or death.

Severe Anxiety and Paranoia: Stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine) trigger heightened anxiety and paranoia, leading to erratic behavior or violent reactions.

Hallucinations and Delusions: LSD, PCP, and magic mushrooms (psilocybin) cause visual and auditory hallucinations. Overdose or prolonged use intensifies the effects and leads to dangerous behavior.

Nausea and Vomiting: GHB and ketamine are known to cause nausea and vomiting when taken in large doses or mixed with alcohol.

Loss of Coordination: Depressant drugs like GHB, ketamine, and benzodiazepines impair motor skills, leading to unsteady movements, loss of balance, and difficulty speaking.

Unconsciousness or Coma: Overdose of GHB, ketamine, and benzodiazepines results in unconsciousness or even a coma due to their sedative effects.

Severe Dehydration: Drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine increase body temperature and cause dehydration, which can lead to kidney failure if untreated.

Respiratory Depression: Overdoses of GHB, benzodiazepines, and opioids (such as heroin) cause slowed or stopped breathing, which is life-threatening if not addressed immediately.

Severe Aggression or Violence: PCP and some stimulants like methamphetamine lead to extreme aggression or violent behavior with little provocation.

How to keep your child safe

If you’re worried about your teenager being affected by drug abuse, talk to them about choosing trusted venues to socialise, maintain hydration when out, avoid drinks or substances that haven’t been prepared personally or by verified staff to prevent drug contamination or drink spiking and above all stay informed and seek immediate medical help if concerned about themselves or a friend.

What to do if someone shows severe distress after using drugs

Seek medical help immediately. Party drugs symptoms include confusion, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. Immediate care is vital when overdose symptoms (seizures, high body temperature, or unconsciousness occur). Hallucinations, paranoia, and erratic behavior indicate toxic effects that require medical evaluation. The effects of designer drugs may last longer and cause unpredictable harm to major organs. Repeated misuse leads to severe physical and mental damage linked to drug abuse. Seek help for party drug use when emotional, social, or physical changes begin to disrupt normal daily life. The Edge Crete is a facility designed exclusively for teens and young men aged 18-28 and has a team of experts who treat substance misuse.