Partying

General Information

Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol have varying effects on our bodies and behaviors. Many of the substances discussed in this section of this website are known to lower inhibitions which can lead to increased high-risk sexual behaviors. Some, as with methamphetamines, have been specifically linked to increase STD and HIV rates nationwide. Please use the following pages as a guide to learn more about these drugs and their effects.

If you or someone you know feel that they may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, please click Click here to find out more about drug and alcohol treatment programs.

Methamphetamines

What are Methamphetamines?

Methamphetamine (amphetamine) is a stimulant drug. Methamphetamine has also been called crystal, tina, crystal meth, krank, tweak, ice and speed. Methamphetamines can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Injecting is the riskiest method of using methamphetamines. In addition to risk of HIV and other STD transmission resulting from risky behavior while high, sharing injection equipment when using can also put you at risk of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

Ecstasy

What is Ecstasy (XTC)?

Ecstasy is MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Ecstasy is sometimes called an “ecactogen”, meaning you feel like you can look within yourself, which produces a desire to be in contact with other people. Ecstasy is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. Black market "ecstasy" tablets vary widely in strength, and often contain other drugs.

Special K

What is Special K?

Special K ( or "K") was originally created for use as a human anesthetic, and is still used as a general anesthetic for children, persons of poor health, and in veterinary medicine. Special K belongs to a class of drugs called "dissociative anesthetic," which separate perception from sensation. Other drugs in this category include PCP, DXM and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Special K usually comes as a liquid, and is most often cooked into a white powder for snorting. However, it may also be swallowed or injected into the muscle (never into the vein).

Alcohol

What is Alcohol?

Beverage alcohol is ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, and is a depressant drug. Alcohol is a natural product of fermenting sugars. It is usually made from grains such as hops, barley or rice and/or fruits, but it can also be made from other plants. The concentration of alcohol in drinks varies widely. Wine and beer have between 5% and 15%, while 'hard' liquor usually has up to 40%, and sometimes more.

GHB

What is GHB?

GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate) classified as a sedative-hypnotic, and was originally developed as a sleep-aid. GHB is swallowed, usually as an odorless liquid, slightly salty to the taste. It has also been found in powder and capsule form.

Cocaine

What is cocaine?

Cocaine Hydrochloride ("coke," "blow") is a white powder derived from the leaves of the coca plant, which grows mainly in South America. Cocaine can be snorted, injected or smoked in the form of "crack cocaine”, made by chemically altering cocaine powder into crystals or "rocks".