How Summer Heat Increases the Dangers of Club Drugs

club drug dangers

It is an unfortunate fact that along with the increase in outdoor activities, including music festivals, concerts, and big parties, summer brings along with it an increase in club drug use. Considering that most drug use occurs in response to a problem the individual feels they have encountered and are either unable or unwilling to address and resolve in some other way, one could safely assume that club drug use has a lot to do with an individual’s desire to “fit in” and “have fun” among their peers. They may even come to the erroneous conclusion that club drugs are not only acceptable but also somewhat safe—since they appear to be used by many other individuals in these situations. Unfortunately, all club drugs are extremely dangerous—even more so when coupled with summer heat.

The Relationship Between Club Drugs and Summer Heat

All drug substances produce physiological changes in the user, which is the primary reason why individuals choose to take them. However, while the user is often expecting very specific and measurable changes as a result of drug use, there are many things that can cause their experience to vary widely and dangerously. One of these things is the increase in temperature that occurs during the summer. Following is an explanation some of the most commonly used and abused club drugs, and how summer heat can make them even more dangerous:

  • Cocaine. Cocaine is a popular club drug because it is a stimulant drug substance, elevating the individual’s energy and excitement levels and allowing them to remain awake and alert for longer periods of time than is normal. What few cocaine users know, however, is that this stimulant drug disrupts their body’s natural ability to regulate a safe temperature while it simultaneously makes them feel agitated. In the summer heat, this means that the even as the individual’s body temperature rises dangerously they are driven to constantly move about, driving their body temperature even higher. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to fatal overheating, which is why cocaine deaths often spike during the summer time.
  • Alcohol. Alcohol consumption is particularly dangerous in the summer heat because it can cause severe dehydration. Alcohol actually decreases the body’s natural production of the hormone that is used to reabsorb water, which means more fluid is lost through urination. Alcohol consumption can also lead to vomiting, which further depletes body fluids. Many individuals who are consuming alcohol are unaware of the symptoms of dehydration, which can include a sticky mouth, sleepiness, decreased urination, headache, and dizziness, which can lead to their body’s inability to properly regulate heat.
  • MDMA, Molly or Ecstasy. There are many Ecstasy pills names and effects, and the symptoms of taking Ecstasy are extensive and alarming on their own. When one adds summer heat to the mix, things only grow exponentially worse. Unfortunately, this popular club drug has become viewed by many as a safe drug, which is shocking considering the fact that there is absolutely no way to know for certain how it was manufactured or what is included in each pill’s formulation. MDMA use during the summer heat is especially dangerous, as the drug interrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can, therefore, cause overheating that will lead to a potentially fatal shutdown. For this reason, it can be useful to know and watch for signs of Molly addiction while participating in any sort of club or party activity during the summer.
  • Amphetamines. These drugs are also stimulant substances that work to raise body temperature and agitation while delaying the individual’s ability to sense that they are tired or hot. Individuals who use amphetamines during summer heat are therefore highly likely to over-work themselves until they become dangerously overheated.

Even individuals who are not at all involved in any amount of drug use yet recognize the very real dangers posed by the heat of summer, including dehydration and overheating. Since drugs in general and club drugs specifically can markedly increase these dangers, it is wise to avoid their use altogether.

AUTHOR

Erica

NARCONON ARROWHEAD

DRUG EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION