Introduction

What is a party drug?

Recreational drug use (i.e. non-prescription) is endemic. Party drugs are illegal in most countries, but the underground market continues to thrive.

All party drugs effect the central nervous system. There are several categories of drugs with differing effects. 

DEPRESSANTS slow down or depress the functions of the central nervous system. Examples of depressant drugs include alcohol and heroin.

STIMULANTS stimulate the central nervous system. Users can feel more awake, alert or confident, and their heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure may increase. Stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, 'speed', 'ice', 'crystal meth' and cocaine.

HALLUCINOGENS create illusions for the user. The user may be more talkative than usual, laughs often for no apparent reason, may clench their jaw, sweat a lot and have stomach cramps. They often undergo a sense of euphoria or panic, depending on the user's current mood and surroundings. Hallucinogens cause them to see and hear things that don't exist. Some examples are LSD and ‘ecstasy’.

What is a 'magic mushroom'?

A psilocybin mushroom is a HALLUCINOGENIC party drug. It's used to induce hallucinations. They are often referred to as 'magic mushrooms', 'shrooms', 'caps' and 'mushies'.