The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
"Club" drugs refer to a wide range of illegal drugs that are often produced in makeshift laboratories - making it impossible to know exactly what's in them or how strong and dangerous they are. Club drugs can cause many side effects, like blurred vision, seizures, and loss of muscle control. Some, like GHB, are depressants that cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, or breathing problems. Others are stimulants that may raise the heart rate and blood pressure, and lead to heart or kidney failure. Even If You Don't Use Drugs, You Are At Risk. Sometimes club drugs are used in "date rape." GHB and Rohypnol are sedatives that can immobilize you, or cause blackouts or amnesia. Unknowingly, people have taken these drugs because they were slipped into a drink. Most date rape drugs are odourless and tasteless, and some come in a powder form that can be easily dissolved in a drink. What Should I Know About Ecstasy? Ecstasy is a stimulant that contains mood-changing chemicals. It takes effect about 20-40 minutes after it's taken. The high can last four to six hours, but the effects may take several days to wear off. Some people think they can take Ecstasy at a rave and just dance off its effects. But because Ecstasy's effects allow users to dance for long periods of time, they often end up extremely dehydrated and in danger of heart or kidney failure. Ecstasy Can: cause anxiety or panic attacks cause vomiting, increased heart rate and blood pressure cause depression, forgetfulness, exhaustion or paranoia cause death due to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, abnormal heart rhythms, or liver failure.
