Health & Wellness
Everything you need to know about dangerous club drugs
Since the early 90’s there has been a drastic increase in the use of substances referred to as “club drugs”.
Since the early 90’s there has been a drastic increase in the use of substances referred to as “club drugs”.
Effects on young people
These dangerous club drugs are most common among teens, young adults, and those a part of the LGBTQ community.
The term most specifically refers to ecstasy, or MDMA, ketamine, and LSD. In small doses, these drugs may not be terribly harmful, but they do have a potential for addiction which can lead to health problems as well as mental health problems. The biggest concern is the mimicking of these drugs with the use of “designer drugs.”
Dangerous Club Drugs : Designer Drugs
Designer drugs have gained massive momentum since the early 2000s. They include cathinone derivatives, or bath salts, and many other obscure research chemicals.
Little is known about these drugs, but many overdoses, seizures, panic attacks, and psychotic episodes have been reported. These drugs are used because they produce similar effects as club drugs like euphoria, stimulation, and hallucinations.
Designer drugs can be pressed into tablets to mimic ecstasy, in powder to mimic “molly” (MDMA), or dropped on blotter paper to mimic LSD. This makes the drugs extremely hard to detect by the user, until it is too late. This has triggered organizations to form, like Dance Safe, whom test drugs at music festivals and sell affordable drug identification kits. This is known as a form of harm reduction with the aim of enabling people to use drugs safer. Although no drug is “safe”, the goal of harm reduction in the club community is to deter harmful and deadly adulterants.
One should never consume drugs purchased in a club or music festival. These are hotbeds for dealers who want to make a quick buck and often fake their drugs with harmful additives. These designer drugs are typically purchased on the internet for extremely cheap prices because they are produced in giant labs in China and are extremely hard to detect compared to more common drugs like MDMA.
MDMA
Even real MDMA has a high potential for addiction and injury while in a club. Often MDMA users will dance for many hours without consuming food or water. MDMA produces a huge rush of energy and euphoria. It is a stimulant which means it also suppresses appetite. This can often lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. The body temperature rises while on MDMA, this combined with dancing for long periods of time can lead to dangerously high fevers.
Drugs like GHB and MDMA are very common among the LGBT clubbing community. More than 20% of LGBT community members abuse substances. These club drugs are known as aphrodisiacs and unsafe sex is often a result. Unwanted or unprotected sex is common among the drug-using LGBT community, and trauma or STDs potential is very high. GHB also has a high potential for overdose or black-outs, which can leave a person vulnerable to assault.
LSD
LSD can also leave a person very vulnerable. LSD can cause delusion and hallucinations, and can sometimes cause panic attacks while in a crowded club. On its own the drug is not very physically harmful, but it has been reported to trigger mental illness like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Health & Wellness
Hydeia Broadbent’s father launches GoFundMe following the activist’s death
Hydeia Broadbent passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, February 20th.
HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent’s father has launched a GoFundMe following her death.
Hydeia passed away Tuesday, February 20th, at 39 years old.
She passed away peacefully
Her father, Loren Broadbent, shared the news Wednesday on Facebook that she died peacefully from natural causes.
Hydeia was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.
Several years later after her diagnosis at age 6, Hydeia became a steadfast HIV/AIDS activist, committed to spreading awareness about the disease.
She appeared on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.
In 2014, Hydeia became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation.
Hydeia Broadbent GoFundMe
In light of Hydeia’s untimely passing, her father has set up a GoFundMe.
“Hi, I am Loren Broadbent, the father of Hydeia Broadbent. Yesterday afternoon Hydeia unexpectedly passed away. Our hearts are broken. Hydeia spent her whole life since the age of five showing us all how to love, fight, and speak up for those affected with HIV and AIDS. And as much as I wish she was still here fighting the great fight, God called her home. Letting us all know. Job well done”, the GoFundMe reads.
“In honor of her memory the family would like to lay her to rest. So at this time we are asking for donations. Along with well wishes and prayers. We would like to thank you in advance. Thank you, and let’s all keep her memory alive and continue the fight where she left off.”
The family is seeking to raise $20,000. At the time of this posting, they have raised approximately $14,000.
If you are interested in donating to Hydeia’s celebration of life and supporting the family, please visit the GoFundMe for more information.
Health & Wellness
Hydeia Broadbent, AIDS activist and motivational speaker, dies at 39
Hydeia Broadbent passed away at 39 from natural causes.
Hydeia Broadbent, a prominent AIDS activist and motivational speaker, has passed away at age 39.
Confirmation of Hydeia Broadbent’s passing
Her passing was confirmed by her father Loren Broadbent, in a post on Facebook, sharing Hydeia died from natural causes.
“With great sadness, I must inform you all that our beloved friend, mentor, and daughter Hydeia, passed away today after living with AIDS since birth,” his post read.
“Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Hydeia remained determined to spread hope and positivity through education around Hiv/AIDS.”
Her incredible story
According to her website, Broadbent was abandoned at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas and, as an infant, was adopted by Loren and Patricia Broadbent.
At three years old, she was diagnosed as HIV-positive with advancement to AIDS.
Hydeia Broadbent and her activism
Hydeia became an activist at age 6, telling her story to the masses on various national television programs, including “A Conversation with Magic Johnson” on Nickelodeon, “Oprah,” “20/20,” and “Good Morning America.” She also appeared in New York Times, People, Teen People, Essence, Ebony and Sister 2 Sister Magazine.
Motivational speaker
In 1996, she was a speaker at the Republican National Convention, she stated “I am the future, and I have AIDS.”
In 2002, her family published a book entitled “You Get Past The Tears,” she appeared with her family on “Extreme Home Makeover” in 2004.
Until her passing, she was an international motivational speaker and AIDS activist.
In 2014, she became a spokesperson for the Magic Johnson Foundation, as well as other AIDS activist organizations, in order “to educate people about HIV/AIDS, raise awareness, and fight discrimination against those living with HIV/AIDS.”
“People think because I was born with HIV my story does not apply to them. Well, this same disease I am living with is the same disease you can get if you are aware and informed,” Broadbent said.
“I use my testimony as a warning of what you don’t want to go through.”
Most of us watched Hydeia and her bravery as she shared her story on this autoimmune disease. Her courage was something to be admired.
Unheard Voices sends its heartfelt condolences to Hydeia’s family and loved ones.
Health & Wellness
Snoop Dogg’s daughter suffers “severe” stroke
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed in an instagram post she suffered a “severe” stroke.
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke.
Cori Broadus suffers stroke
On Thursday, the 24-year-old posted a photo on her Instagram Story from the hospital following the health scare.
“I had a severe stroke this a.m. I started breaking down crying when they told me,” she wrote. “Like I’m only 24, what did I do in my past to deserve all of this.”
Although Broadus didn’t provide any specific details on what led to her stroke or her recovery, the singer has had a difficult health journey for years after being diagnosed with lupus at age 6.
What is lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart.
Let’s keep Cori and all those battling autoimmune diseases like Lupus in our prayers. It is certainly a daily fight.
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