Club and party drugs: staying safer and getting support 

Understanding the risks, the signs to look out for, ways to reduce harm, and available support can help people make safer choices and access the right support in West Northamptonshire. 

Quick answers about club and party drugs 

• Club and party drugs include substances often used on nights out or at festivals 
• The contents and strength of drugs can be unpredictable 
• Mixing drugs or using them alongside alcohol increases risk 
• Overheating, dehydration and anxiety are common concerns 
• Inspire offers free, confidential support in West Northamptonshire 

What are club and party drugs? 

“Club and party drugs” is a term used to describe a range of drugs often taken in social settings. 

These include: 

• Amphetamines (speed) 
• Cocaine 
• Crystal meth 
• MDMA (ecstasy) 
• Ketamine 
• GHB and GBL 
• Nitrous oxide 

These substances can work in different ways, but they are often: 

• Fast‑acting 
• Short‑lived 
• Taken more than once in a session 
• Used alongside alcohol or other drugs 

Because many are unregulated, it’s often impossible to know how strong they are or what else they may contain. 

How can club and party drugs make you feel? 

Different club and party drugs can affect people in different ways. Effects can also change depending on the amount used, the setting, and whether substances are mixed. 

People may feel: 

• Energetic or alert: Common with stimulant drugs like cocaine, amphetamines (speed) and MDMA. 
• Confident, sociable or euphoric: Often linked to MDMA, cocaine and some amphetamines. 
• Relaxed or detached: Sometimes reported with drugs like ketamine or GHB/GBL. 
• Calm but uncoordinated or confused: More likely with depressants such as GHB/GBL or ketamine. 

Club and party drugs can also cause unwanted effects, including: 

• Anxiety, panic or paranoia: Reported with stimulant drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and crystal meth, and sometimes with MDMA or ketamine. 
• Nausea or dizziness: Common across several substances, including MDMA, ketamine and nitrous oxide. 
• Loss of coordination or awareness: More likely with ketamine, GHB/GBL or nitrous oxide. 
• Changes in heart rate or body temperature: Especially linked to MDMA, cocaine and amphetamines. 

Effects can come on quickly and may change suddenly, particularly if someone re‑doses or mixes substances. 

Why do people use club and party drugs? 

People use club and party drugs for different reasons, including: 

• Enhancing music, dancing or their experience 
• Feeling more confident or connected 
• Curiosity or peer pressure 

For many people, use is occasional. For others, it can become more frequent or start to cause problems without them realising.

What are the risks of club and party drugs? 

Club and party drugs carry risks, particularly in busy or high‑energy environments like nightclubs or festivals. 

Physical health risks 

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure 
• Overheating or dehydration 
• Damage to the nose, mouth, teeth or lungs 
• Accidents due to reduced coordination 

Mental health risks 

• Anxiety or panic attacks 
• Low mood or irritability after use 
• Confusion or paranoia 

Increased risk when mixing substances 

Mixing club and party drugs with alcohol, other stimulants and depressants can put extra strain on the body and significantly increase the risk of harm. 

When use starts to feel risky or concerning 

You might start to feel concerned if: 

• You or someone else is re‑dosing frequently 
• The effects feel stronger or different than expected 
• Use is affecting sleep, mood or daily life 
• You’re worried about safety or wellbeing 

It’s okay to have questions or concerns, even if use feels occasional or social.

Reducing the risks of club and party drugs 

If someone is choosing to use club and party drugs, there are ways to reduce some risks: 

• Avoid mixing drugs or combining them with alcohol 
• Take breaks from dancing to cool down 
• Stay hydrated and eat before and after using 
• Take breaks between doses rather than re‑dosing quickly 
• Be aware that strength and contents can vary 

Drug checking services exist that can test substances anonymously, which can reduce uncertainty about what’s been taken. 

After a night out or festival 

After using club and party drugs, it’s common to feel different once the effects wear off. 

Some people experience: 

• Tiredness or exhaustion 
• Low mood or irritability 
• Anxiety or racing thoughts 
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating 

These feelings can happen even if someone doesn’t use drugs often, and may last from a day to several days depending on what was taken and the situation. 

Looking after yourself after a night out or festival can help your body and mind recover, including: 

• Resting and sleeping when possible 
• Eating regular, nourishing meals 
• Staying hydrated 
• Giving yourself time to recover before going out again 

If you continue to feel unwell, anxious or worried about what you took, it’s okay to ask for support.

When should I think about getting help? 

You might consider getting support if: 

• You’re worried about your use or someone else’s 
• The effects feel unpredictable or frightening 
• Use is happening more often than planned 
• You want to talk something through without judgement 

You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help.

How Inspire can help 

Inspire provides free, confidential support for people affected by club and party drug use across West Northamptonshire. 

We support: 

• Young people 
• Adults 
• People worried about someone else’s use 

Support may include: 

• One‑to‑one support 
• Advice to reduce harm 
• Ongoing, personalised support 

You don’t need a diagnosis to access support. 

Getting support 

There are different ways to access Inspire’s services: 

• Self‑referral – if you’d like support for yourself 
• Referral on someone else’s behalf – if you’re worried about a friend or family member 
• Professional referral – through work, GPs or other services 

If you feel like you need support, we’re here to help. 

Support for someone else’s use 

If you’re worried about a friend, partner or family member using club or party drugs, that can be stressful. 

We can support: 

• Friends 
• Partners 
• Parents 
• Carers 

Talking things through can help you understand what support is available for both you and them. 

When club and party drug use becomes an emergency 

If someone is very unwell, unconscious, struggling to breathe, overheating, or you’re seriously worried, call 999 or seek medical help immediately. 

You’re not alone 

Many people have questions or worries about club and party drugs at some point. Reaching out for support is a positive step. 

If club or party drug use is affecting you or someone you care about, Inspire is here to help.