Party drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, amphetamines, ketamine and nitrous oxide are becoming increasingly common in nightlife, festivals, workplaces, and even casual social circles. Many people assume they are harmless, especially when used occasionally or among friends.
But the truth is this: These drugs can quietly harm your brain, heart, emotional wellbeing and decision-making, even long before you realise something is wrong.
This blog explains why people take them, their short- and long-term effects, and where to get help — without judgement, shame, or stigma.
Why Do People Take Party Drugs?
People use substances for many reasons, often rooted in emotional or social needs:
- To escape stress, trauma or difficult feelings
- Curiosity or social pressure
- To feel confident or energised
- To stay awake during long work shifts or nights out
- To numb emotional pain
- To “fit in” at parties or with certain groups
- To cope with loneliness, boredom, or low self-esteem
Drug use is rarely about the drug itself, it is about what the person is trying to feel or avoid.
Understanding this is key to supporting recovery and reducing harm.
How Party Drugs Affect the Heart?
- Tightens arteries → reduced oxygen to the heart
- Increases risk of heart attack, even in young people
- Can cause irregular heart rhythms
- Long-term use weakens the heart muscle
- Raises body temperature dangerously
- Can lead to dehydration, heart strain and heart failure
- Increases blood pressure and heart rate
Amphetamines (including speed)
- Forces the heart to work harder
- Increases risk of stroke and sudden cardiac arrest
- Can permanently damage blood vessels
Often seen as “safe”, but frequent use can cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Higher risk of heart rhythm problems
- Chest pain in people with underlying conditions
Indirect effects include:
- Low oxygen levels
- Poor judgement, leading to accidents or cardiac stress
Even occasional use can strain a healthy heart, especially when combined with alcohol.
How Party Drugs Affect the Brain and Mental Health?
Short-Term Effects
- Anxiety, paranoia or panic
- Impulsive decisions you would not normally make
- Mood swings
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Dangerous risk-taking (unsafe sex, unsafe people, unsafe environments)
Long-Term Effects
- Depression
- Chronic anxiety
- Psychosis
- Loss of motivation and purpose
- Addiction or dependence
- Difficulty concentrating or working
- Emotional numbness
- Relationship breakdown
- Heightened vulnerability to exploitation
These drugs alter brain chemistry, especially dopamine and serotonin, meaning the brain can struggle to regulate mood naturally.
This is why many people describe feeling emotionally flat, unmotivated or mentally drained even days or weeks after use.
Why the Risks Feel “Hidden”?
Many people look “fine” on the outside.
They work, study, parent, or run businesses.
But internally, their body and mind may be under heavy strain.
Party drug use can also lead to:
- Financial difficulties
- Legal problems
- Risk of grooming or exploitation
- Loss of housing or employment
- Self-neglect
- Poor mental health
If You Need Support — You Are Not Alone
There is absolutely no shame in reaching out.
Support is confidential, non-judgemental and designed to meet you where you are.
Where to Get Help?
NHS Drug & Alcohol Services: Free, local support in your area
Change Grow Live (CGL): National support for alcohol and drug use
Turning Point: Mental health and substance support
GP: Can refer to specialist services
Samaritans (116 123): If you feel overwhelmed
Emergency: Call 999 if someone is unwell or at risk
Cranstoun: Cranstoun offers a range of services for people struggling with addiction, including community-based recovery programmes, detox support, and counseling.
You Deserve a Healthy Mind and Heart
Party drugs may offer a temporary escape, but they often create long-term harm that affects your mental health, your body, your relationships, your stability and your future.
No matter where you are in your journey, change is possible.
Help exists.
You are not alone.
And your future is worth protecting.
