The Truth About Club Drugs

Some of the most dangerous and commonly abused drugs are known as “club drugs”. Club drugs are used at parties, raves, concerts or

underage clubs. Today you’ll learn about the effects of club drugs on the body, as well as strategies to avoid using these drugs.

What are some examples of club drugs?

Club drugs include…

• MDMA (Ecstasy)• GHB (known as the “date rape drug”)• LSD• Ketamine• Amphetamine (speed)

What are some of the consequences of using club drugs?

Consequences of Club Drugs

• Temporary paralysis• Paranoia• Loss of control over actions, movement and

speech• Date rape• Brain and liver damage• Death

The most troubling aspect of club drugs is that some teens don’t think they are dangerous.

Turn to “Sam and Erica’s Party” on page 7.

Read the story to your self and follow the directions.

What were some of the short-term effects of club drugs in the story?

Short-term

• Erica felt dizzy, found it difficult to move and became unconscious.

• Sam became obnoxious, disoriented, in his own fantasy world, then agitated and violent.

What were the “decision points” that led to unhealthy or dangerous outcomes?

Decision Points

• Sam decided not to tell Erica about the party.• Sam decided not to tell his parents about the

party.• Jesse decided to host the party even though his

parents were out of town.• The teachers who knew decided not to call

Jesse’s parents about the party.• Erica’s friends decided to lie to her to get her to

come to the party.

Decision Points Cont.

• Erica decided not to ask any questions.• Erica decided to stay at the party.• Sam decided to drink and use drugs.• Erica decided to leave her drink unattended

when she went to talk to Sam.• Jesse decided not to say anything to Sam

about his drug use.• Sam decided to get revenge.

There were many decision points in this story. Each decision point was an opportunity to lead events to either a safe or unsafe outcome. You have control over every choice you

make.

Turn to “A Safer Ending” on page 8.

You are going to have a opportunity to change the ending of the story to make it a safer outcome for everyone.

In every situation, there are opportunities to make health-promoting or health-compromising decisions. Recognizing the

risk, respecting your values, and considering your options before you act are important parts of good decision making.