Overview
Many teens and young adults are being introduced to the rave or club culture of today. The club or rave experience revolves around techno music, high energy dancing, and socializing, usually throughout the night. The drugs commonly used in these settings often go beyond traditional drugs. These drugs are referred to as designer drugs and are becoming increasingly more popular.
Designer drugs are similar in structure and effects to other abused drugs. Many are produced in illegal clandestine laboratories. Most young people are not aware of the health risks, especially when combined with alcohol and other substances.
Ketamine
Ketamine hydrochloride is a general anesthetic for veterinary use that produces effects similar to PCP and DXM. In club doses, the drug causes dreamlike states and hallucinations. Side effects include delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
Street Names: Baby Food, Bump, Cat Valium, Fort Dodge, Green, K, K-Hole, Kit Kat, Special K
PCP (Phencyclidine)
PCP was first used as an anesthetic but discontinued due to side effects of confusion and delirium. PCP can be found in powder or liquid form. It produces hallucinations, confusion, and an inability to feel pain. Many experts believe PCP is one of the most dangerous drugs.
Street Names: Angel Dust, Supergrass, Killer Weed, Embalming Fluid, Rocket Fuel
DXM (Dextromethorphan)
Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter cough suppressant found in many cold medicines. When taken in excessive amounts, it produces dissociative effects similar to PCP and Ketamine. Abuse of DXM-containing products is particularly concerning among young people due to easy availability.
Street Names: DM, CCC, Triple C, Skittles, Robo, Poor Man's PCP
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
Rohypnol is a potent sedative up to 10 times more powerful than Valium. It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess in the United States. Effects include drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor skills, and reduced consciousness. One of the most disturbing effects is that it can produce complete or partial amnesia, heightened when combined with alcohol.
Street Names: Roofies, Rophies, La Rocha, Rope, Forget Me Pills, Mind Erasers, Mexican Valium
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)
GHB is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the nervous system, capable of rendering someone unconscious. It can cause dizziness, nausea, seizures, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and death. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs its impact is amplified.
Street Names: Georgia Home Boy, Liquid E, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay, G, Scoop
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy is a stimulant that combines the properties of methamphetamine and hallucinogens. At moderate doses it causes euphoria and enhanced energy. At higher doses it can cause hallucinations, neurotoxicity, hyperthermia, and potentially death. MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance.
Street Names: Ecstasy, Adam, X, XTC, E, Lover's Speed, Clarity, Hug Drug
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov