What are party drugs?

Introduction
The term “party drugs” is a uniquely Australian term used to describe a diverse group of drugs that have become popular in youth culture. These drugs include ecstasy (MDMA, methylenedioxymethamphetamine), amphetamines, cocaine, LSD, amyl nitrate, ketamine and gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB).

The term “ecstasy and related drugs” (ERDs) has been suggested as a replacement term for this group of drugs because the term “party drugs” is considered to imply that these drugs provide harmless fun.
These drugs are related by the environment in which they are used rather than chemical structure or drug class, and so the term ERDs describes a range of drugs that are used wherever people gather to “have fun” (nightclub, the beach or at home).
This fact sheet provides basic information about some relatively new ERDs, such as, ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, GHB and ketamine.

Ecstasy (follow this link for more info. New Window)

Crystal methamphetamine (Ice, Meth) (follow this link for more info. New Window)

GHB

GHB is known as fantasy, liquid ecstasy, liquid X, grievous bodily harm (GBH), scoop, cherry meth, soap, salty water, organic Quaalude, G, Growth Hormone Booster. GHB is available as a powder or a liquid.

Patterns of use
The use of GHB appears to be increasing in Australia and is often associated with the dance party community.
It is most commonly used by males aged approximately 27 years. There has been a significant increase in the number of ecstasy users who also use GHB.

Effects
GHB is a depressant drug that has intoxicating effects and at sufficiently high doses, anaesthetic properties. It is used for its euphoric, sedative and anabolic (body building) effects.

Levels of harm
High doses of GHB can cause muscle tension or spasms, vomiting, convulsions, intense drowsiness and coma. The risk of overdose with GHB is high because there is a fine line between the dose required to achieve a “high” and an overdose. A recent study found that 50 per cent of users lost consciousness and half of these had overdosed more than once.
GHB and alcohol together have an additive effect. The most serious effects of a GHB overdose are sudden onset of coma and respiratory depression.
Little is known about the long-term effects of GHB but it is possible to become dependent on the drug.

Ketamine
Ketamine is also known as K, special K or vitamin K.
Ketamine is usually in tablet form, white crystalline powder or clear liquid and is injected or snorted.

Patterns of use
It appears that this drug is becoming more popular in Australia. Ketamine users are more likely to be males aged around 30 years.

Effects
Ketamine is an anaesthetic and certain doses can cause dream-like states and hallucinations. Ketamine users try to achieve or “fall into” a “k-hole”, which is described as physical immobilisation and social detachment lasting up to an hour. It is characterised by a distorted sense of space and time.

Levels of harm
The harmful effects of ketamine include inability to speak, vomiting, blurred vision, lack of coordination and increased body temperature. In high doses, ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Ketamine can prevent users from feeling pain, placing them at higher risk of suffering injuries.

When combined with alcohol, users may collapse or fall asleep. Long-term effects on the brain have not been sufficiently studied in ketamine users. Chronic abuse of ketamine may be associated with persisting impairment of memory.