NCJ Number
210985
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 40 Issue: 9-10 Dated: 2005 Pages: 1409-1426
Date Published
2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the characteristics of club drug users admitted to treatment in Texas funded programs.
Abstract
Research information on treatment for abuse or dependence on the various club drugs ranges from sparse to extensive with evidence suggesting that club drugs can have serious psychiatric side effects. This paper examines the characteristics of individuals admitted to treatment for primary, secondary, or tertiary problems with club drugs, such as ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, ketamine, or Rohypnol, in programs funded by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. More than 38,000 unduplicated records from 1988 through 2003 of persons admitted with problems with club drugs were compared against users of alcohol and other drugs. The findings countered perceptions that club drugs are “benign” and do not result in serious problems. In addition, comparisons between club drug and nonclub drug clients showed that the problems reported by club drug users at admission and follow-up were of comparable severity with those reported by users of alcohol and other drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Tables and references