Popular party drugs and how to spot when your friends have been spiked.

We define party drugs as those that are most often consumed when in the club, on a night out, or otherwise in the ‘party mood’. Sometimes known as Club Drugs, those illegal narcotic substances consumed at festivals and in nightclubs, can do serious damage to the user.

Identifying Party Drug Abuse

When we take a pill or snort a line of cocaine in a party environment, we often abuse that substance. We can abuse drugs without being addicted to them, but if we frequently abuse drugs then we will likely develop an addiction to them. 

At parties or in a club, you are often exposed to drugs that are intended to increase your ‘buzz’, but that’s not always the case. So-called date rape drugs GHB and Rohypnol are both considered club drugs. Drugs that increase your buzz only last for a short time. We end up taking more of them later on in the night to maintain our high. This drug abuse is dangerous, since it doubles up on the dose which might be enough to put you in hospital.

If you are using the same drugs every time you go out to the club, you are likely involved in illegal drug abuse. Keep it up and you run the risk of addiction. Remember, you can opt for a 7 day rehab session plus a detox to interfere with any brewing drug addiction you feel you may have. 

Main UK Party Drugs

Now that we can recognise drug abuse, let’s talk about the main party drugs used in the UK. We will discuss each drug, what it looks like, and what the effects are. 

Cocaine

Although the National Institute of Drug Abuse does not include cocaine in its list of club drugs, it is still frequently found at parties. This is a rich man’s drug, which might explain its absence from the list. Cocaine will give you a short term high which makes you feel euphoric. It is unlikely that you would be spiked with cocaine because it is so expensive, but be cautious of a racing heart, shaking, and an inability to focus.

Rohypnol 

Rohypnol is a strong benzodiazepine and makes you seem like you are heavily drunk. It is known as being a date-rape drug, meaning it is used to sexually assault the target that has been spiked. If you are at a club or in a party and your friend starts acting more drunk than they should be, be immediately on guard. Make sure they stay with you until you leave. If possible, take them home yourself.

GHB

GHB is a CNS depressant, which means it is dangerous to your breathing and especially when mixed with other CNS Depressants like alcohol. GHB is usually found in clear liquid form and can be added to drinks at parties. Someone on GHB will be struggling to remain conscious and will appear very drunk. Just like Rohypnol, GHB is used as a date-rape drug.

Ketamine

Ketamine is actually an anaesthetic drug developed back in the 70s. It has hallucinogenic and tranquilising effects and can cause problems if abused. It is used as a date-rape drug and will leave you feeling as though you are outside of your body. A ketamine user will appear drunk or unconscious. Do not leave them alone and seek medical assistance.

MDMA/Ecstasy

Ecstasy or its liquid form MDMA are both considered club drugs. They provide a feeling of euphoria that goes with the party atmosphere. It can cause hallucinations and swelling in the brain. Someone who is on ecstasy will seem overly affectionate and will continuously drink water. Users have been known to die because they drink both too much and too little when on ecstasy.

LSD/Acid

Acid has been a favourite of the club scene since the 60s and 70s. It triggers hallucinations and has a strong psychoactive high. You may feel you are floating or tripping while you are on acid. It is typically taken as paper sheets dissolved on the tongue. If your friend has been spiked with acid, they may be talking to themselves or acting strangely.

What to do if you have an addiction to Club Drugs?

If you think you are developing an addiction to any drug, including alcohol, contact Help4addiction for advice. We offer free consultations to help place you in the right rehab clinic and can even give impartial advice. Don’t suffer in silence. Help is out there, and we can aid you in accessing it.

One of the most prescribed medications in the USA, has caused an ‘epidemic of addiction’. Could we be in for the same?

We already brought you some news about Xanax in a previous blog post, but now we are concerned with the rate at which it is affecting those prone to addiction in the UK. To refresh our memories though, let’s look at what it is, what it does, and why we should be wary of using it if it is ever offered to us.

What’s Xanax?

If you have lived a sheltered life in the UK, you might not know what this potential party drug is. Xanax is the brand name for the drug Alprazolam. Although it isn’t sold in the UK and cannot be obtained through an NHS doctor it can be prescribed by a private doctor. According to government sources, they are also available to buy through websites and in social settings.

Xanax has proven effective as a mental health medication, which is why it is so readily available in the USA. It works well. One of many studies tested 50 anxious outpatients with 0.25-3 mg per day and found their mental health was significantly improved by it. These patients had Generalized Anxiety Disorder, so you can extrapolate this data and use it across a wide range of anxiety issues with similar effect.

It is the efficacy that makes this drug one of the most prescribed drugs for anxiety issues in the states.

What does Xanax Look Like?

Typically, Xanax comes in four different pill forms. One is longer than most pills and will have the whole word “Xanax” written on it. These ones are white. There are other white pills which are small and oval shaped, with a line down the middle where you can break them in half. There are two more similar pills, one in pink and one in blue. Of these, the whites are 0.25 mg, the pinks are 0.5 mg, and the blues are 1.0 mg. 

What does Xanax do for you?

When you take Xanax, the drug assumes that you are in a state of high anxiety and tries to bring your body and brain down to a normal level. So, when you take Xanax and you aren’t in a state of anxiety, that downer feeling continues. 

Xanax can make you dizzy and lightheaded as it stops you producing so much of that nasty cortisol. It can make you incredibly sleepy and affect your libido in a negative way. It can induce hallucinations or suicidal thoughts when used in the wrong hands and is therefore considerably dangerous. 

Xanax is a Central Nervous System Depressant, which means that it has an impact on your respiratory system. If you have asthma, breathing difficulties, COPD, or any other respiratory illnesses, your doctor probably wouldn’t prescribe it to you in case you suffocated. If you are buying it on the black market, you don’t know this, and it could kill you. 

Why Teens are Particularly Affected by Xanax Addiction?

Xanax is prevalent among students because it soothes out some of the pressures of being in a system of constant assessment. Think back to exam time when you were at college or university and remember how tough that was for you. Students can stave off those pressures by using Xanax to relax themselves. Each time they use it they will need more and more to gain the same effects, which leads to Xanax abuse and eventually addiction. 

One report by American organisation the Pew Trust cites parents and guardians having Xanax in their medicine cabinets. Because it is so often prescribed for anxiety issues and given that an average of 40 million American adults have anxiety problems, it’s easy to see how they get their hands on it.

Where to get Help for a Xanax/Alprazolam Addiction in the UK?

We wouldn’t be much of a rehab selection service if we couldn’t guide you towards getting the correct level of care for a Xanax addiction. You can find more information on our specialised drug addiction page, or you can skip the reading and go straight to calling us. To claim your free consultation on Xanax addiction simply use the button at the top of the page or call us, on 0203 955 7700. 

If you suspect a loved one has an addiction, but you’re not sure, these tips could help you spot what’s really going on.

Addictions can be hard to spot, particularly if it is in a friend or family member you don’t see that often. We have plenty of advice on how to stage an intervention – or even just get them to talk about it – available in our pages. However, that’s not much help when you don’t know what’s going on.

If you are worried about a loved one suffering from an addiction, you can call us for help and advice – our supportive staff are always here to listen. Or if you’re not sure whether that’s what you need, then keep reading. If your loved one sports two or more of the following hidden signs, they may well have a problem with drugs or alcohol.

The 5 Signs to Look Out For in Hidden Addictions

Try to spot these five signs of drug addiction if your husband, wife, son, or daughter is behaving suspiciously.

1 – They Are Isolating Themselves

If the loved one you are concerned about is using drugs or alcohol, they will start to distance themselves from those that are likely to tell them it’s a bad idea. Think about it: if you were trying to hide an alcohol addiction, you would spend less time with your parents, siblings, or best friends, since they would likely give you a hard time for it. 

If your loved one is isolating themselves from you, it’s possible they are hiding something, and that something might be an addiction. Addicts can be incredibly lonely, so try to reach out and stay in touch.

2 – They Experience Extremes in Mood

When someone is going from euphoric to depressed in the space of half an hour, there’s something wrong. It might be that they are unwell, it might be that they are on a new psychiatric medication, or it might be that they are on drugs. 

Extremes in mood in drug and alcohol addicts is well documented in the scientific community. It is usually accompanied by a reactive mood. Not only is your loved one more likely to experience extreme highs and lows, they are also likely to be highly reactive to emotional stimuli. This comes from dysregulation of key neurochemical elements caused by the pleasure/reward system of drug taking.

3 – Their Finances Are a Mess

Not only are their finances showing signs of struggle, but when drug use is involved, there’s usually no explanation for the apparent struggle. Your loved one might have a great salary and could still be asking you for a loan at the end of the month. They might be usually good with money but are suddenly running into financial troubles. 

People who are drug addicts – particularly those that are addicted to expensive drugs like cocaine – tend to spend every penny they have on those drugs. Their ability to control their spending is obliterated by their desire to be high for longer. It can interfere with other responsibilities like paying rent or council tax. Eventually, the drugs will see your loved one homeless if it continues.

4 – There’s Paraphernalia In Their Home

Drug paraphernalia is easy to spot when you familiarise yourself with the signs. If your loved one is snorting a substance, look for a tray with white powder in evidence, or rolled up bank notes or small straws. If they are drinking too much, there will be bottles everywhere and their bottle recycling bin will be full. If they are injecting, look for needles. If you suspect a cannabis addiction, check for the ends of cigarettes that haven’t been smoked.

No drug addict can fully cover their tracks in terms of paraphernalia. It could be crumbs of drugs left lying on the table or carpet, or it could be outright bottles of pills. One way or another, their living space will have clues.

5 – Their Friends Have Changed

If your loved one suddenly starts hanging around with suspicious characters, this can mean something strange is going on. Especially if they stop talking to the friends they once had. This is an ominous sign because it could mean that their social circle has changed to those who also use the drugs they are taking. 

If your loved one suddenly goes out drinking five days a week with new friends, is always lending them money, or feels pressured to keep up with their drinking, smoking, or drug taking habits, addictions can easily form.

Getting Help for Addiction Near You

If your loved one is displaying two or more of the above signs, you may be dealing with an addiction. Try to raise the subject with them about it and, if all else fails, staging an intervention is the final step. Call Help4Addiction on 0203 955 7700 to talk through your options. Remember that you are not to blame for a loved one’s addiction and try your best to do what you can. 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr Robert Lefever, a world-leading addictions specialist.

Librium is a brand name for Chlordiazepoxide which is is a benzodiazepine medication used for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal and insomnia. Chlordiazepoxide can find this medication with other brand names like A-poxide, Poxi, Lygen, Mitran, Librelease, etc. It is a short-term medication with a high risk of dependency. It works as a tranquilliser and has a hypnotic effect on the user. Therefore, it is not recommended to use as a long-term anxiety medication.

Chlordiazepoxide has a high chance of potential misuse or abuse. Today we will look into more detail about this common drug, its risk factors and addiction to Librium.

Warning: It is essential to consult with a medical professional before starting, stopping or changing the dosage of Librium. For proper management of withdrawal symptoms, you should seek help from the rehab centre. In addition, you can contact our addiction expert at Help4Addiction to assess the withdrawal risk and start recovery today.

What is Librium?

Librium or chlordiazepoxide is a common anxiety medication under the benzodiazepines drug class. It is also a psychotropic drug used for acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms and as a premed. Librium works by releasing a calming chemical in the brain called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). It acts directly on the brain and central nervous system.

Doctors recommend Librium only if the benefits are greater than the risks. Librium is a highly addictive medication, and patients can quickly develop dependence. It is not recommended for the elderly and children due to its extensive half-life. It should also be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For those with dependence or addiction to substances or alcohol also shouldn’t use Librium.

Furthermore, Librium shouldn’t be used if you have:

• Allergy to the benzodiazepine medication
• Ataxia
• Sleep apnea
• Intoxication with psychoactive substances or alcohol
• Severe hypoventilation
• Glaucoma
• Depression
• Liver or kidney disease

Warning: If you have used opioid medication, other substances or alcohol, using Librium can cause severe reactions such as slow breathing, lack of control or death.

Side effects of Librium

Although it is rare to develop serious side effects, there is always some risk. Therefore, it is best to consult with your doctor about the situation.

Some of the side effects of Librium are as follows:

• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Constipation
• Alteration in sexual drive or decreases libido
• Difficulty in muscle coordination and motor controls
• Menstrual irregularities
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Liver problems
• Swelling
• Menstrual irregularities
• Slurred speech, etc.

Some of the rare but severe side effects are:

• Confusion
• An extreme change in mood (aggression, anger, sadness, etc.)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty in walking and movement (weakened balance)
• Disturbance in sleep
• Restlessness
• Sore mouth
• Fever or chills
• Tremors
• Dyskinesia
• Pain and difficulty while urinating (or dark urine)
• Stomach pain
• Impaired memory and learning capacity

Warning: If these side effects persist, please get in touch with medical professionals immediately.

Overdose

Any benzodiazepine medication has a high risk of overdose if not careful. In addition, it can quickly react with other drugs or substances and shouldn’t be used while consuming alcohol. Overdose from Librium is a medical emergency, and you should call the emergency services immediately.

Some of the symptoms of Librium overdose are as follows:

• Confusion
• Hypoventilation
• Hypotension
• Somnolence
• Unconsciousness or coma
• Impaired motor control and reflexes
• Impaired vision and speech

Librium Dependence or Addiction

Benzodiazepine is considered one of the most addictive drug classes. Although chlordiazepoxide is a helpful medication, using it without consulting a doctor can put the patient at risk of addiction, misuse or overdose. In addition, chronic use of Librium can quickly develop a tolerance in the user. Thus, the medication is not practical for long-term use.

Chlordiazepoxide has a high potential to create a physical dependence on the users. While trying to quit abruptly, users are encountered with a severe withdrawal syndrome. The withdrawal symptoms are somewhat similar to alcohol and barbiturates. Symptoms are complicated to manage and shouldn’t be done alone. In some cases, the symptoms can be fatal.

The severe withdrawal symptoms occur if the medication has been used at a high dosage for a long time. However, some withdrawal symptoms can also appear with short-term usage on a standard dose.

Some of the signs of Librium addiction are:

• Visiting multiple doctors to obtain the medication
• Consuming more medication than prescribed by the doctor
• Increase in usage, using it as a coping mechanism
• Obsessive thoughts
• Mixing it with other medication and substances to increase the effect
• Disturbance in sleep
• Extreme mood swings
• Muscle spasm; lack of coordination and strength
• Buying Librium illegally
• Financial issues caused by purchasing the drug
• Lying to closed ones about the medication use
• Neglecting social obligations and responsibilities
• Avoiding social occasions or gatherings
• Engaging in risky behaviours like driving while intoxicated
• Engaging in criminal activity
• Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities which were once enjoyable

Withdrawal from Librium

The withdrawal symptoms can arise if users abruptly quit the medication. Even during medical detoxification, some symptoms may appear after two or three days. Therefore, it shouldn’t be discontinued without consultation with medical professionals first. Withdrawal symptoms of Librium are somewhat similar to withdrawal from alcohol or barbiturates. The severity depends on the dosage and period of Librium usage.

Some of the common withdrawal symptoms of Librium are:

• Tremor
• Abdominal pain and cramp
• Muscle spasm and weakness
• Insomnia
• Dysphoria
• Convulsions
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Excessive sweat, etc.

Treatment for Librium addiction

Similar to other benzodiazepine medications, Librium has a high risk of dependency. The most important thing is to taper off the dosage slowly and not abruptly. For mild dependence, recovery can be made with short rehabilitation and therapies. Whereas, if the medication is consumed at high-dosage for the long-term, then a complete treatment is necessary. Comprehensive treatment includes medical detoxification followed by rehabilitation. To know your ideal treatment plan, contact us to conduct a full assessment.

Detoxification

The first stage of treatment is complete medical detoxification. The body must get rid of all the chemicals in the system and start to acclimatise to sobriety. During detoxification, the medical professionals will be taking care of it around the clock. The dosage will be gradually decreased for safe withdrawal. Sometimes, medications are also used to manage severe withdrawal symptoms and reduce the pain.

Rehabilitation

When full detoxification is complete and the withdrawal symptoms are appearing less, then rehabilitation is started. This stage is as crucial as detoxification. During this time, you will receive various therapeutic treatments like Cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT), Contingency Management (CM), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), etc. In addition, the patients will learn various tools and techniques that will help manage the craving, prevent relapses, and get back to life.

There are two types of rehab patients can choose from—inpatient and outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is best suited for patients with moderate to severe dependency. It is also best because the rehab environment provides positive reinforcement. Living with peers with similar struggles is also a strong motivating factor in inpatient rehab.

For those with mild to moderate symptoms, outpatient rehab is recommended with regular therapies. However, it is also necessary to have a positive recovery environment in the house with care and support.

Conclusion

Librium should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks of dependency. The tolerance to it can proliferate out of control. If not careful, the addiction to chlordiazepoxide can quickly spiral out of control.

If you think you may have a dependency on Librium, contact a medical professional or addiction expert immediately and take an assessment. If you have a dependency, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous and even fatal. We at Help4addiciton use evidence-based treatment methods to ensure the long-term recovery of our patients. We offer both residential and outpatient rehab services. Please feel free to contact us.

Sources:

1. Librium (Chlordiazepoxide): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning
2. drug monograph Librium Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing
3. Librium (Chlordiazepoxide): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning
4. Librium Uses, Side Effects & Warnings
5. Chlordiazepoxide

Meta description

Librium or chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine medication primarily used for the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and anxiety. It has a very high risk of dependency and shouldn’t be prescribed as a long-term medication. In addition, the tolerance to Librium can overgrow, resulting in withdrawal symptoms while trying to quit. Therefore, we strongly recommend you consult with a medical professional or addiction expert before quitting Librium abruptly.