The Rise of Party Drugs in South Africa: What Young Adults Need to Know

The rise of party drugs in South Africa has been growing increasingly since the early noughties, with younger people (between the ages of 18 and 30) being the most likely to engage in substance use, particularly those in club and festival scenes.

MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, tik (methamphetamine), and LSD are the most commonly used substances in South Africa’s club scene. Their popularity is primarily due to their wide accessibility through peer networks and social media channels.

Researchers identified some key reasons for the rise in drug use among South African youth, including wider accessibility to certain drugs, an increase in drugs being trafficked through the borders, and sustained unemployment and poverty.

Drugs like ketamine and ecstasy are often marketed as tools to ‘enhance the experience’ of social activities like music or dancing.

However, it’s crucial to remember that behind the allure of the club scene, these substances pose severe risks to personal safety, physical well-being, and mental health. 

The dangers are real, and it’s essential to be aware of them to make informed decisions about your health and safety.

This article explores what young adults in South Africa need to know to take care of themselves when out in clubs or at festivals, the types of party drugs often used in these settings, such as their effects, and how to get help.

What are party drugs? Understanding the basics

Often referred to as recreational drugs or club drugs, party drugs can profoundly affect the brain, producing feelings of intense pleasure, energy, and euphoria, altering one’s perception of people, places, and surroundings.

The most commonly used party drugs in South Africa include:

Ketamine

A dissociative drug, labelled initially as an anaesthetic by medical professionals, ketamine causes hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. 

Side effects

Ketamine can be highly addictive and produce severe life-threatening side effects, including memory loss, high blood pressure, lower urinary tract and bladder problems, seizures, confusion, learning difficulties, and addiction.

Long-term use can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other organs.

MDMA/Ecstasy

Known as a stimulant drug that can boost your energy and mood, ecstasy/MDMA can cause various adverse side effects, including anxiety and feelings of detachment.

Side effects

Even moderate use of MDMA/ecstasy can increase an individual’s chance of developing health problems like memory issues, poor appetite, sleep disorders, and emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression. 

LSD/Acid 

LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that can alter or distort your senses and perception of time. 

Those taking LSD may experience rapid heartbeat, mood swings, and, for those who have a ‘bad trip’, intense anxiety and paranoia.

Side effects

LSD can lead to unpredictable effects due to the drug’s unreliable potency. 

For instance, users may react differently, resulting in unpredictable and often dangerous ‘trips’.

A ‘bad trip’ refers to a negative and often terrifying experience that can occur when using hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. It can include intense anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations that can be distressing and potentially dangerous.

LSD can also worsen existing or underlying mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or psychosis.

Tik (Methamphetamine) 

Tik, also known as crystal methamphetamine, is a synthetic psychostimulant that can be injected, snorted, or smoked. 

Common street names include ‘tik,’ ‘crystal,’ ‘ice,’ and ‘glass,’ referring to the substance’s glass-like or crystalline appearance. The term ‘tik’ originates from the ticking sound the substance makes when heated.

As a stimulant, tik increases alertness, energy, and mood, often producing an intense sense of euphoria. Its powerful high and relatively low cost have contributed to its popularity as a party drug.

Side effects

Tik is highly addictive, often leading to severe dependency and long-term health consequences.

It affects the central nervous system and heart and can lead to aggression, violence, high-risk sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted diseases and crime.

Cocaine 

Cocaine is another stimulant drug often used for its short-term euphoric effects. Frequent use can make you feel run down or depressed. 

Side effects

Those who ingest excessive amounts of cocaine are at a higher risk of panic attacks, heart attacks and stroke. Due to its pleasurable effects, users often become highly dependent and may develop full-blown cocaine addiction if left untreated.

The above drugs are often taken in certain party scenes across South Africa and are commonly mixed with alcohol and other substances, which further exacerbates the risks for users.

It’s important to note that drug use, possession, and trafficking are illegal in South Africa, and those caught can face severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and hefty fines.

Understanding the legal implications of drug use is crucial for making informed decisions and avoiding potentially life-altering situations.

Why are party drugs so popular among South African youth?

As mentioned earlier, there are various reasons why party drugs have gained such popularity among South African youth, 

particularly in the past decade.

Some common reasons for the rise in party drugs in South Africa, particularly among young people, include:

• Peer pressure and social expectations/acceptance, particularly in nightclub and festival scenes. 
• Easier accessibility to certain drugs through popular online channels like encrypted messaging apps and social media.
• Using party drugs as a coping mechanism to deal with anxiety, depression and daily stress.
• High exposure to certain party cultures, such as music events and festivals, which is often cultivated by influencers.
• Lack of understanding and education around the dangers of drug use.

Studies show a particular increase in drug use in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where youth nightlife scenes are vibrant.

What else does the research say?

Kennedy Mutai, author of a recent study, highlights a growing concern around the rise of drug use in South Africa: 

‘Drug trafficking through South Africa’s borders has increased, and with it, greater availability of substances on the local market. Naturally, this rise in supply is driving prices down, making these drugs more accessible.’

Moreover, after apartheid ended and international sanctions were lifted, South Africa experienced an increase in global trade, opening the door not only to legitimate goods but also to illicit ones, fuelling the drug problems the country experiences today.

Symptoms of party drug use

Individuals may react differently to different drugs. However, there are some common signs and symptoms of party drug use to be aware of, including:

Physical symptoms

• Excessive sweating.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Jaw clenching or grinding the teeth.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Dilated pupils.
• Sleep issues and strange or erratic sleep patterns.

Psychological symptoms

• Hallucinations or delusions.
• Severe mood swings and agitation.
• Paranoia and anxiety.
• Emotional numbness and depression (which can signal a comedown from drugs).
• Confusion and memory loss.

Behavioural symptoms

• Destructive or risk-taking behaviours such as reckless driving, unprotected sex, and volatile behaviour toward others.
• Frequent partying and disappearing for long periods.
• Social isolation and being secretive toward family and friends.
• Financial issues due to funding substance use.
• Poor performance at school or work. 

Health risks and long-term impact

Using party drugs is linked to various risks, including impaired judgement and risky behaviour while under the influence, potential toxicity and overdose, as well as mental health issues and physical health complications.

These dangers are significantly heightened when multiple substances are used together, especially when sedatives are involved.

As well as the above, using party drugs carries additional risks, both short and long-term, including:

• Risk of overdose, particularly when drugs are combined with alcohol or other substances.
• Neurological issues such as memory loss, confusion, and impaired brain development.
• Cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks.
• Mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and psychosis.
• Higher risk of addiction, especially with substances like cocaine and tik.

What treatment options are available for young adults in South Africa?

Fortunately, there are various treatment options available for young adults struggling with drug use in South Africa.

Many drug rehab centres in South Africa offer personalised addiction treatment programmes to help people manage their addictive behaviours and sustain wellness and sobriety even after treatment ends.

Why is this important?

The temptation to engage in substance use within South Africa’s party scene is rife, particularly among young people who are especially vulnerable and at risk of relapse.

Alcohol and drug rehab centres in South Africa help individuals not only understand and manage their addictive symptoms and triggers but also develop healthy coping skills and relapse prevention strategies.

This approach enables individuals to maintain wellness without resorting to unhelpful coping patterns that no longer serve them or their future goals, allowing them to move forward and lead a fulfilling, substance-free life.

Treatment options include:

• Comprehensive, personalised addiction treatment, including drug and alcohol rehabilitation. 
• Inpatient treatment and/or outpatient support, tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences.
• Mental health treatment, including behavioural therapy, individual counselling and trauma-informed treatment to address co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression, which often worsen substance use.
• Family support and group therapy help individuals stay accountable and receive community and peer support from loved ones and others in recovery.
• Aftercare and support programmes to help individuals stay on track with their recovery, helping them manage any triggers, urges or other issues that may arise after treatment.

White River Recovery Centre: A holistic approach to healing

At White River Recovery Centre, we take a holistic approach to substance use recovery, integrating a range of evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities to support your healing journey. 

Every rehab programme is fully tailored to your individual needs, goals, and preferences, ensuring a recovery experience that truly works for you.

Need support for addiction or mental health?

Whether you’re facing challenges with alcohol or drug use, experiencing mental health difficulties, or simply exploring your treatment options, we’re here to help.

You can reach out to our compassionate, multidisciplinary team at any time for a confidential conversation.

No matter where you are on your journey, our friendly team is ready to guide and support you with professional, personalised care.

Contact us today.