How Music Influences Drug Use

The Role That Music Plays in ‘Party Drugs’

There are certain drugs that are considered ‘party drugs’ which are typically reserved and taken by individuals who attend concerts, music festivals, and live performances. These drugs can pose dangers as individuals often take a large amount of the drug, continuously over the course of the evening. This can come with dangers such as paranoia, hallucinations, and even overdose in extreme cases. The nightclub scene is heavily associated with drug use and the music at these clubs have proven to have an influence on drug use. The sad and scary reality is that you more than likely will not find a sober individual out experiencing the club scene.

Throughout history, psychedelic drugs such as LSD, acid, and magic mushrooms have played a large part in the way that drugs are closely linked to music. In the 70’s and 80’s era, music was at the forefront of ‘fun’ which heavily influenced individuals to use party drugs. There is a strong relationship between drugs and music choices and, unfortunately, an increasing number of individuals are utilizing the effects of illegal substances in order to enhance their live music or music concert experience.

Electronic Dance Music and Club Drugs

Electronic dance type of music is commonly associated with club drugs such as Ketamine, MDMA, and LSD, just to name a few. These popular club drugs have been dubbed this name due to their effects which include:

• Increased energy
• Feelings of enjoyment
• Feelings of love
• Empathy
• Euphoria

The ‘down’ and adverse effects of the high from these drugs include:

• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Dehydration
• Overheating
• Incontinence
• Tremors
• Disorientation

These drugs hold a high potential for addiction and can also have very serious withdrawal symptoms as well. Since these drugs give individuals increased energy, the high can last all night long leaving the individual ‘crashing’ at the end of the night. This ‘crashing’ could involve anything from delirium to anxiety, vomiting, and sweating. The down from a drug can be rough and withdrawal symptoms can be hard to tolerate. The best decision is to not utilize club drugs in the first place as they hold some very hazardous side effects and can even be life-threatening as they work to increase heart rate.

How to Manage Club Drugs

Club drugs tend to appeal to those in their teens years which happen to be the most impressionable time in an individuals life. Becoming friends with a crowd of individuals who do drugs can easily influence a vulnerable teen to try these drugs out, despite their negative side effects. Through educating our youth on the dangers of using club drugs, and any drugs for that matter, will allow them to make the conscious decision not to try them when the temptation is there.

It’s important that those who are considering taking these dangerous club drugs understand the dangers involved. These drugs are dangerous and can be laced or ‘cut’ with a number of other harmful substances. This, in turn, can be life-threatening as you do not have any idea of what sort of substances make up the product that you purchased.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.