Understanding Party Drugs: Types, Effects, and Potential Risks

Party drugs are chemicals used at social events like parties and clubs. People take them to feel happier, have more energy, feel more confident, or enjoy music and being with others more. These drugs can make you feel good for a short time, but they can also be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how much you’re taking, mix them with other drugs or alcohol, or use them in hot, crowded places. Knowing about party drugs, how they affect you, and the risks is important for making safer choices.

This article talks about the most common party drugs, their effects, and the risks, focusing on keeping you healthy and safe.

Harm-Reduction Disclaimer

This article is for learning and safety only. It does not support or encourage using party drugs or illegal substances. Using drugs can be dangerous, like having an overdose, getting hurt, or having long-term health problems—especially if mixed, taken in unknown amounts, or from unsafe places.

Harm reduction knows that some people might still use drugs even with these dangers. The aim is to lower possible harm, make things safer, and help with smart choices, not to judge or shame. If you or someone else has worrying symptoms, an overdose, or a medical emergency, get professional medical help right away.

What are Party Drugs?

Party drugs, used in social settings to enhance mood and experiences, include MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and more. While the term is informal, effects and risks vary widely, with some drugs posing higher risks of overdose and other negative consequences.

Risks from Party Drugs?

A lot of substances are not legal in Thailand, including some prescription medicines. Even tiny amounts found on you may lead to charges. Having drugs can mean up to 5 years in jail or a fine up to 100,000 Baht, or both. If you have 100 grams or more, it’s seen as planning to sell, which can lead to a more serious charge. Using drugs can mean 6 months to 3 years in jail or a fine of 10,000 – 60,000 Baht, or both.

Party drugs can feel fun or social in the moment, but they come with real short and long-term risks, especially in nightlife settings. Short-term risks include overdose, dehydration, breathing problems, heart problems, seizures, accidents, and injuries. 

Mixing drugs, especially MDMA, GHB, stimulants, and depressants, poses significant risks including dehydration, liver strain, overdose, and delayed help. Mixing drugs (even mixing drugs with alcohol) can be risky and unpredictable. Most deadly overdoses happen when more than one type of drug is used. This is dangerous because each drug affects the body differently. Just because the effects on your friends are good doesn't mean it will do the same to you.

Mental and emotional risks include anxiety, paranoia, mood crashes, and memory problems. A “crash” is the intense exhaustion following drug use, particularly stimulants like cocaine and meth. It involves recovery from drug toxicity, overexertion, lack of sleep, and other harms, lasting longer than the drug’s effects.

Party drugs also commonly known to put you at sexual health risks include unprotected sex, STIs, assault, and consent issues. Learn more about what to do to reduce your risk of STD if condom broke, unexpected unprotected sex, or have been sexually assulted. We are here to help, not to judge.

Why People Use Party Drugs?

People use party drugs for various reasons, including enhancing pleasure, increasing energy, and feeling more social. However, risks such as overdose, dehydration, and impaired judgment are associated with their use. Party drugs might sound like fun but they can even cause very serious effects such as:

• stroke
• over-heating
• coma from overdosing

Using party drugs can also lead to risky actions, putting your health and wellbeing in danger, as some party drugs might impair your judgement. After taking party drugs, you might feel a crash. This is like a hangover from drinking alcohol. The effects depend on the drug or drugs you’ve used. A crash may make you:

• very tired
• irritable
• have trouble sleeping
• feel worried

How Can I Identify Drug Overdosing?

Always assume overdosing can be fatal. Recognizing if someone is expericing a drug overdose early can save their life. Signs vary by drug type, but there are clear warning signals to watch for. General overdose warning signs include unconsciousness, irregular breathing, seizures, blue lips, vomiting, and confusion.

Opioid overdose signs

• slow breathing, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness.
  
• Naloxone can reverse overdoses if given early.
  
• Naloxone is currently not avaliable in Thailand outside hospitals.

Stimulant overdose signs

• high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, agitation, headache, and seizures.
• Hot, crowded environments can increse the risk.

Depressant overdose signs

• slow breathing, drowsiness, loss of coordination, vomiting, and bluish skin.
• Mixing depressants is dangerous.

Dissociative overdose signs

• unresponsiveness, confusion, hallucinations, slow breathing, vomiting, and loss of motor control.

Psychedelics overdose signs

• severe panic or psychosis, dangerous behavior, seizures, and overheating.
• Overdosing psychedelics is less common, but it is still a medical emergency if happens.

What to Do If Someone is Overdosing?

If you think someone is overdosing, act fast. You don’t need to know what drug it is, treat it as an emergency.

• DO NOT give food, drinks, or more drugs
• DO NOT force vomiting
• DO NOT put them in a cold shower
• DO NOT assume they’ll “sleep it off”

1. Call emergency services

• Call your local emergency number right away
• Tell them the person is unconscious / not breathing / overdosing
• Stay on the line and follow instructions

Don’t worry about getting in trouble, saving a life comes first.

2. Check responsiveness & breathing

• Try to wake them: shout their name, gently shake
• Look for breathing (chest movement, sounds)
• Condition may be critical if not breathing or breathing is very slow

3. Place them in the recovery position

If they’re breathing but unconscious:

• Lay them on their side
• Bend the top leg and tilt the head slightly downward
• This helps prevent choking if they vomit.

4. Give naloxone (if available)

• Naloxone is currently not avaliable in Thailand outside hospitals.
• Use naloxone (Narcan) if you suspect opioids
• If you aren't sure, give them naloxone. It’s safe and won’t harm them if opioids aren’t involved.
• You can repeat doses if trained and advised by emergency services

5. Stay with them

• Do not leave them alone
• Monitor breathing and consciousness. This is important in saving their life.
• Be ready to give CPR if instructed

Types of Party Drugs

There are many types of party drugs, which are categorized by how they affect the brain and body. Party drugs vary widely in effects, legality, and health risks, especially when combined or taken without knowing purity or dose.

Here are the common types of party drugs:

Get Help

If you’re having trouble after using a substance, even if it's long-term or short-term talk to your doctor. They can help you feel better and recover. 

Treatment Plans

• Each plan is different based on your needs and the substance you use. Doctors can help make your journey as smooth as possible.
• You might need medically-supervised detox to safely stop using the substance. Some drugs have sever side effects when trying to stop after long-term use.

Other Treatments

• Psychotherapy: This include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational enhancement therapy. Therapy can be done at home or in a hospital. Therapy helps you address the root causes that may have contributed to your substance abuse.
• Medication: Your doctor might give you medicine to help with withdrawal and prevent going back to using the substance.
• Mutual Support Groups: Support groups near you can offer support and resources. Talking with someone who went through the same thing as you will help with the feelings of isolation and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share experiences, and coping strategies.

For help with substance use, call the Institute of Drug Abuse Treatment use helplines at 1165