In the recent past, our nation has noticed alarming increases in the popularity of some very dangerous substances, known collectively as "club drugs." This term refers to drugs being used by young adults at all-night dance parties like raves, dance clubs, and bars. MDMA (ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine are some of the club drugs gaining popularity.
             Perhaps the drug with the highest increase in popularity is MDMA, or ecstasy. In slang or street names the drug is also called XTC, X, Adam, Clarity, and Rolls, among numerous other names. Chemically, MDMA is similar to the stimulant amphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. MDMA can produce both stimulant and psychedelic effects. Ecstasy is a drug relatively new to the streets, so its effects and hazards are just beginning to be uncovered, and they are scary. MDMA, usually taken in a tablet or capsule, has effects that last approximately 3-6 hours-though confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia have been reported to occur even weeks after the drug is taken, especially with long term use. MDMA may also lead to heart attacks, strokes, and seizures in some users, as well as long term memory loss due to its neurotoxic effects. Neurotoxicity refers to MDMA's ability to damage neurons that release serotonin in the brain, consequently resulting in memory loss and other functions.
             Another dangerous club drug prominent on the streets is GHB, which carries street names of G, Liquid G, Liquid Ecstasy, and Swerve. GHB can be produced in clear liquid, white powder, tablet, and capsule forms, and is often used in combination with alcohol, making it even more dangerous. GHB has been increasingly involved in poisonings, overdoses, date rape, and fatalities. GHB is usually abused for its intoxicating/sedative/euphoric properties, or for its hormone-releasing effects, which can build muscles. GHB is a central nervous system depressant. At highe...