Can Someone Get Addicted to Party Drugs?

From house parties and raves to bars and clubs, the party scene often involves a variety of drugs and alcohol. In these environments, people drink and use substances like marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, or ketamine to “enhance the experience” due to their perceived ability to reduce inhibitions, heighten sensory perception and intensify social interactions. 

However, despite the name, party drugs have just as many risks as other kinds of drugs, regardless of where they’re used. While many people don’t recognize the negative impact these substances have on them at the time, partaking in party drugs can develop into more frequent use and lead to abuse, dependency and addiction long after the party is over. 

WHAT ARE PARTY DRUGS?

Party drugs, also called club drugs, are a group of psychoactive substances popular among young people at bars, clubs, raves and parties. Typically, they’re used in these environments to give individuals a gateway to partying in a more celebratory or excited mood, but almost all party drugs are illegal (except alcohol) and their use carries many risks and downsides.

Some of the most popular party drugs include the following:

• Alcohol: Alcohol is perhaps the most popular party drug there is. It can be found at almost every social gathering and is known for reducing inhibitions, producing feelings of relaxation and increasing sociability. Alcohol can be as dangerous as illicit drugs, with excessive use potentially leading to addiction, liver disease and overdose. 

• Marijuana: Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that creates altered perceptions. While now legal in many states, including Colorado, marijuana use can become problematic and lead to concerns like anxiety, poor memory, and impaired cognitive function. 

• Cocaine: Cocaine is a stimulant drug that makes users more alert, social, talkative and energetic. It’s often used at bars and clubs, but it is also common outside of party environments. Cocaine is highly addictive, and regular use can cause serious health concerns, such as paranoia, mood swings, heart problems and more.

• Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is a notoriously addictive stimulant that increases energy levels and decreases the need for food or sleep, making it popular among partygoers. Methamphetamine use can lead to various physical and mental health problems, including addiction, anxiety, paranoia and delusions.

• Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative that alters perceptions, promotes relaxation and causes individuals to feel detached from reality. In higher doses, it also leads to a loss of motor function. Originally developed as an anesthetic and still used in medical settings for that reason, ketamine has become a popular recreational drug that’s often found at parties, clubs, raves and musical events. 

• MDMA: Also known as ecstasy or Molly, MDMA is a synthetic drug that produces feelings of euphoria, empathy and heightened sensory perceptions. It also has stimulant-like effects and is often used at parties, concerts and raves. The use of MDMA can lead to severe dehydration, hyperthermia and even overdose or death. 

• GHB: GHB is a powerful central nervous system depressant that causes feelings of relaxation and euphoria. It’s common as a party drug, but in higher doses, it’s most often used as a date rape drug thanks to its ability to cause unconsciousness and memory loss.

• Rohypnol: Rohypnol (also called “roofies”) is a sedative-hypnotic drug that causes relaxation and sleepiness. It is also frequently used as a date rape drug because it can cause decrease inhibitions, impaired judgment and short-term memory loss. 

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Other party drugs include hallucinogens like LSD and inhalants such as nitrous oxide (“poppers”). No matter which party drug is being used, all of these have major health risks, including the risk of developing into a substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction. 

Party drugs are highly unsafe as they can come with life-threatening side effects and put someone at risk of experiencing dangerous situations. Furthermore, party drugs can make individuals feel nauseous or confused, especially when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. 

WHO USES PARTY DRUGS?

Many people experiment with alcohol or drugs and go out partying as young adults. In this type of environment, certain drugs can help them feel more in the moment and increase their awareness of everything going on around them, making the party seem more alive or exciting. While party drugs are more prevalent among teens, adolescents and young adults, they are used by individuals of all ages at parties, clubs, events and other social gatherings.

No matter who uses them, party drugs are highly unsafe as they can come with life-threatening side effects. And often, there is no quality control over the substances, so individuals may not know what they’re taking, how big the dose is or if there was anything added to the batch. Some drugs can look like one thing but might be laced or cut with something more dangerous, such as fentanyl. 

RISKS OF USING PARTY DRUGS

When individuals use illicit substances in a party environment, they’re putting themselves at high risk of physical or sexual assault, injury and unsafe intercourse. At a party, one can't be sure who provided the substance, whether the substance is safe or if it is laced with something like a date rape drug. The individual may not have a tolerance which increases the risk of overdose or death since the body isn’t used to the substance. Additionally, party drugs lead to potential long-term risks that affect one's physical and mental well-being.

People who use these drugs may also enjoy experimenting with them outside of a party environment, which can put them at risk of developing a substance use disorder. Contrary to popular belief, the use of illicit drugs at parties is not a safe practice. Furthermore, these substances can be particularly harmful to developing brains, such as those of young individuals who are still in their teenage years. Young people may also be more susceptible to peer pressure and the desire to fit in or be seen as cool, which can increase their likelihood of using drugs and experiencing negative health outcomes as a result.

CAN SOMEONE GET ADDICTED TO PARTY DRUGS?

Individuals seeking out party drugs face many high risks. While an individual may not become addicted the first time they use a party drug, they may become more and more willing to use the substance on subsequent occasions, which can lead to addiction and dependency. This is because repeat use alters the chemical balance within the brain, which can make it more difficult to quit. Individuals may also begin to crave the pleasure of a high, especially in other party environments, as they now associate parties with that feeling.

In addition to the risk of dependency and addiction, party drugs can also cause a range of negative health effects. Some of these include insomnia, paranoia, cardiovascular problems, slowed breathing, memory loss and confusion. Long-term use can also worsen one’s mental health and cause or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood swings and more. 

IS THERE SUPPORT AVAILABLE?

If you or someone you know is struggling with the problematic use of alcohol or party drugs, it's important to know that there is support available. The harmful effects of these substances on one’s physical and mental health can be severe, leading to the risk of a potentially deadly overdose and other serious health complications. However, there is hope — seeking help as soon as possible can make a significant difference in preventing further harm.

Most drug and alcohol treatment centers like NorthStar Transitions are prepared to help individuals who have become addicted to party drugs, offering specialized support that addresses both the substance use and any underlying co-occurring mental health disorders. We understand the courage it requires to ask for help and take the necessary first steps to overcome addiction, but seeking treatment significantly increases the chances of achieving long-term recovery and healing. With the right support, it's possible to build a brighter future and regain control over one's life.

Party drug use is becoming increasingly prevalent in today's society. The desire to fit in and experience parties at the highest possible sensory level drives this large-scale problem. Substance use treatment facilities, such as NorthStar Transitions, provide the necessary support and guidance to facilitate long-term recovery from party drug use. If you or a loved one has developed a substance use problem or co-occurring mental health concern from party drug use, seeking help from a licensed treatment center as soon as possible provides the best chance of healing. At NorthStar Transitions, we offer multiple treatment programs and plans that can be customized to the needs of each individual, so you or your loved one can make a smooth recovery. With our support, you can live a sensational and healthy life. For more information on the dangers of party drugs, please reach out to us by clicking here or calling our admissions team at (303) 625-6335.

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