Club drug

Club drugs are a loosely defined faux-category of recreational drugs which are associated with use at dance clubs, parties, and raves. In particular, these drugs are associated with the rave scene, and tend to have stimulating and/or psychedelic properties. Examples of drugs typically categorized as club drugs include ecstasy, various amphetamines (such as speed), LSD and less obviously suitable substances like GHB and ketamine (which do not act as stimulants, but are commonly referred to as club drugs). Although the previously mentioned selection of drugs are generally categorized as club drugs by the media and the United States government, this distinction probably does not have an accurate correlation to real usage patterns. For example, alcohol is generally not included under the category of club drugs, even though it is probably used more than any other drug at clubs. Similarly, Ketamine is often considered a club drug, but it has effects that are not at all suited to the typical club environment, so it may be used outside of clubs to a greater extent than in them. Other drugs which among users are considered more suited for club usage than Ketamine, such as cocaine and 2C-B, are usually not included in the category of club drugs by the media and government.

In recent years, synthetic phenethylamines such as 2C-I, 2C-B and DOB have been referred to as club drugs due to their stimulating and psychedelic nature (and their relationship with MDMA).