Teenagers love to socialize and attend parties. And for some teens, using party drugs is customary. While some teens experiment with party drugs because of peer pressure, others are curious about how drugs will immediately make them feel. But what happens when the occasional party drug usage (which is not positive behavior!) becomes an addiction? If you believe your teen is abusing party drugs and impacting their mental health, it’s time to seek substance use disorder treatment. As a parent, are you discussing how party drugs can be harmful to your teen? Teenagers who commonly abuse the party drugs listed below have experienced severe effects on their mental health that can have a long-lasting impact on their lives.
What Party Drugs Can Impact a Teen’s Mental Health?
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is one of the most popular party drugs among teens and young adults. Also known as chalk, ice, go fast, and crystal, users feel energetic and happy. But these feelings are short-term. The long-term side effects of methamphetamine far outweigh the initial feelings of confidence and well-being. Teens and young adults addicted to methamphetamine experience serious mental health issues such as paranoia, psychotic behavior, depression, and anxiety.
LSD (ACID)
Another party drug that is common among teenagers and adults is Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Unfortunately, LSD is one of the most dangerous drugs that teenagers can take as it is hallucinogenic, causing users to hear and see things that are not present. As a result, it is not uncommon for users to experience flashbacks, mood swings, paranoia, and disorganized thinking. In addition, long-term LSD users develop psychosis, such as severe depression or schizophrenia.
GHB
GHB or Gamma hydroxybutyrate is a prescription drug that is used to treat narcolepsy. However, it is also known as liquid ecstasy, liquid X, or scoop. GHB is also used often as a date rape drug—it can be easily mixed into drinks, and it quickly impairs the user. In addition to its short-term effects of memory loss, nausea, and drowsiness, GHB causes severe anxiety and depression in long-term users. GHB is also highly addictive and can cause permanent physical and psychological damage. Therefore, anyone using this party drug should seek medical advice if any of its side effects are experienced.
Rohypnol
Like GHB, Rohypnol is also considered a date rape drug. It is mixed with alcohol and causes drowsiness, blackouts, headaches, and slowed breathing. While there are no mental health issues directly associated with Rohypnol, it can impact people who have been sexually assaulted or raped due to its use. According to Mental Health America, victims of rape and sexual assault are at significant risk for developing depression, substance abuse issues, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic commonly used in veterinary practices. But among teens and young adults, it is known as Vitamin K. Ketamine causes both short-term and long-term issues to the consumer. Some common short-term problems include loss of memory, hallucination, slowed breathing, and being in a dreamlike state. However, for long-term users, the most significant impact is insufficient memory and depression. Additionally, it can cause permanent kidney failure and bladder problems due to the acidic nature of ketamine. It’s important to note that heavier users are more likely to experience intense psychological effects from using this party drug. Therefore, anyone who experiences side effects after taking ketamine should seek immediate medical attention.
MDMA
MDMA, also known as Adams, Ecstasy, X, Clarity, and Beans, is also a popular party drug. This drug alters the users’ mood and awareness. As a party drug, MDMA has been known to cause loss of concentration and memory, deep depression, and anxiety. It can also cause high blood pressure, heart palpitations, tremors, and even death in some cases. Long-term use of MDMA may lead to permanent damage to the nervous system and psychological issues such as depression or paranoia. Heavy users of MDMA are advised to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any adverse effects from taking the drug.
Cocaine
Cocaine, also known as coke, crack, or dust. Consistent cocaine use has caused tiredness, restless behavior, memory loss, and depression. The teenage years are marked by incredible growth—mental, physical, and emotional. Using drugs can impact their ability to make decisions. The earlier teenagers begin using drugs, the greater the chances they will continue and become addicted.
Get the Help You Need Today From Destinations For Teens
Let’s help guide and support our teens to make vital decisions concerning substance abuse. If you believe your teen is using party drugs, it is time to get help. Reach out using our online form or by calling 877.466.0620. Destinations For Teens is always here to help.