![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
Around the world the use of ecstasy and other party drugs appears to be increasing. LSD, amphetamines and cocaine, together with ecstasy and its derivatives, have been a part of the Australian dance party/nightclub scene for some time. In recent years, drugs such as ketamine ('Special K') and gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) have also begun to become popular with some sections of the dance community. Ketamine was developed as a short-acting general anaesthetic for human and veterinary use. Little is known about the illicit use of the drug but a study examining 100 illicit ketamine users found they may experience temporary paralysis, confusion and lack of awareness of time. GHB first appeared in Australia in 1996 when a number of patrons collapsed outside a nightclub after taking what was then called 'fantasy'. The street name of the drug has changed many times since, to names such as 'liquid ecstasy' and 'liquid E'. Over 200 people overdosed on GHB in Sydney in a two-month period in 1997, and GHB has caused significant problems for venues and dance party promoters. This paper examines the history of these drugs and their effects. The authors also suggest some possible harm reduction messages for GHB and ketamine users.