Club drugs (or party drugs) are a group of synthetic drugs typically used in night clubs and house parties. These drugs are usually created in home labs, garages, and basements, using many different types of chemicals. Because of their homemade nature, it is very difficult to predict how strong what their effects will be.
Popular Synthetic Club Drugs
The following are the most commonly used club drugs for which a person might encounter punishment from law enforcement.
- Ecstasy (also known as “E”, “X”, MDMA) is a pill or capsule, which often comes in different shapes and colors to entice buyers. It is either swallowed or crushed into a powder and sniffed or poured into a drink. You may feel the effects within 30 minutes, and it lasts about 12 hours.
- Rohypnol (also known as roofies, Flunitrazepam) is a sedative that dissolves in liquids. You may experience loss of memory, impaired judgment, blurriness, and blackouts. Sedation takes about 30 minutes and lasts for about eight hours.
- Ketamine (also known as Special K) comes in capsules, powder, crystals, and solutions. You may experience temporary amnesia and hallucinations, which may be intense or terrifying, dizziness, and numbness.
- GHB (also known as Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X) is as a colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid. Intoxication begins immediately and lasts about 60 minutes. You may feel euphoric and relaxed on a lower dose, and you can experience loss of consciousness, seizures, shortness of breath, or slip into a coma on a higher dose.
GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol are often referred to as “date rape” drugs because of their prevalent use by perpetrators of sexual assault. Since date rape drugs are designed to be odorless, tasteless, and colorless, they can easily be poured into a person’s drink, causing the drinker to feel intoxicated and sedated shortly afterward.
Are Club Drugs Illegal in Illinois?
Although it is not 100% known what is in them, club drugs are a group of synthetic drugs that fall under a category of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). In Illinois and under federal law, possessing, distributing, and selling a CDS is a felony. Possessing more than 15 grams of a CDS can mean a fine up to $200,000 and four to 15 years in prison. If the possession, sale, or delivery of a CDS is within 1,500 feet of a school (including college campuses), church, public park, or movie theater, the Court may double the fine and you will face a higher sentence.
What if I am Caught with Club Drugs?
Protecting your future after an arrest is a priority when facing criminal charges. If you or a loved is charged for a drug crime, being arrested and sent to jail can affect your job, licensure, future, and relationships. The drug lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson are knowledgeable in drug crimes and are committed to protecting you from overly harsh sentencing by the Court. Illinois residents in Chicago and Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, or DuPage counties who have been arrested for possessing, delivering, or selling drugs should contact us at 847.577.8700 for an initial consultation or visit us online and complete the consultation form.
(image courtesy of Simone van der Koelen)