|
What are Rave
Clubs?
“Raves” are large all-night dance parties, held
in unusual settings like warehouses or railroad yards that feature
computer generated high volume pulsating music, known as “techno” or
“house” music. Rave clubs got their start in England in the late
1980’s and are known for the music and use of drugs like Ecstasy.
Rave club goers are known as “Ravers”.
All “Ravers” do not consume drugs. The club scene seems to be attracting
adolescents from age 13 to young adults in their mid-to-late 20’s.
Party announcements can be found posted on colorful fliers, through
word of mouth, even on the Internet.
The phenomenon known as the “Rave
Movement” has been compared to the “Peace & Love Movement” of
the 1960 and 1970’s. Partygoers often can be found with surgical
facemasks (used to inhale various substances), baby pacifiers (used to
control the teeth grinding that goes along with Ecstasy use), glow sticks
(used to heighten the “high”
from hallucinogenic substances). and wild or elaborate costumes.
What
substances are being used on the Rave dance scene?
There are a variety of substances that have been
connected with Rave Clubs. This
is a brief list of some of the drugs by slang names and some of their
effects:
Ecstasy –
Hallucinogen/Stimulant Ecstasy
is a synthetic drug that is similar to methamphetamine and the hallucinogen
mescaline. Ecstasy can produce a significant increase in heart rate and
blood pressure and a sense of alertness.
The stimulant effects, which
enable users to dance for extended periods, may also lead to dehydration,
hypertension, and heart or kidney failure.
Ecstasy can cause brain damage.
It is one of the most widely used of the club drugs.
Ephedrine – Stimulant
This substance is sold over-the-counter at convenience stores, some food stores, and mail
order. It is sold often
as ‘Herbal Ecstasy’ and is touted as a ‘safe’ and ‘legal’ form
of Ecstasy. Ephedrine is in the Amphetamine family and can cause heart
attacks, seizures, agitation, palpitations, and other health problems.
Ephedrine is a common weight-loss substance. The FDA has proposed
restrictions on ephedrine after it received more than 800 reports of harmful
effects to people, among them coronary problems that could put patients at
risk for heart attacks, strokes and death.
Ketamine – Hallucinogen
Ketamine is an animal tranquilizer used by vets in
pet surgery. Users say the effects of Ketamine are similar to PCP.
Ketamine is usually snorted and is frequently used in combination with
other drugs like ecstasy, heroin and cocaine. The high lasts anywhere from
30-minutes to about 2-hours. Special
K or powdered Ketamine, emerged as a recreational drug in the 1970s and was
known as “Vitamin K’ in the underground club scene in the 1980s.
It has since resurfaced as “Special K” in the 1990s rave scene.
GHB –
Depressant
This substance comes in a liquid form and looks like water and
has a salty taste. GHB is used as a “club drug” for effects similar to
those of Rohypnol, also known as “date rape drugs.”
Coma and seizures can occur following of GHB and when combined with
methamphetamine. |
|
Mixing
GHB with alcohol could be a deadly combination. Excessive use of GHB can
result in loss of consciousness (G-hole), tremors, irregular and depressed
respiration and coma.
Methcathinone – Stimulant Known
on the street as Khat or cat it produces an amphetamine like effect.
The drug produces a burst of energy and feeling of invincibility,
accompanied by a state of well being and euphoria.
Effects include paranoia, hallucinations, nervousness and anxiety.
Physical effects can be pounding heart, headaches stomachaches, and
shakes. Khat is most often
snorted, but may also be injected with a needle or taken orally by mixing
with a beverage such as a soft drink.
LSD –
Hallucinogen LSD induces abnormalities in sensory perceptions.
Effects are unpredictable depending on the amount taken, on the
surroundings in which the drug is used, and on the user’s personality,
mood, and expectations. It
can be in the form of a tablet, capsule, liquid, or on pieces of blotter
paper that have absorbed the drug and is typically taken by mouth.
Effects come on within 30 to 90 minutes after taking and can
include physical effects of dilated pupils, higher body temperature,
increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite,
sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors.
Magic Mushrooms – Hallucinogen
The effects of Mushrooms or “Shrooms” are similar to LSD.
They include illusions and hallucinations, distorted perception of
time and distance. It is
ingested orally in the form of tablets or powder.
Trips or episodes can consist of psychosis, convulsions,
flashbacks, and possible death.
Methamphetamine – Stimulant Methamphetamine
affects many areas of the central nervous system. The drug is often made
in clandestine laboratories from relatively inexpensive over-the-counter
ingredients. Diverse groups, including young adults who attend raves, in
many regions of the country, are using it. It is available in many forms,
and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested.
Methamphetamine use is associated with serious health consequences,
including memory loss, aggression, violence, psychotic behavior, and
potential cardiac and neurological damage. Abusers typically are agitated,
have excited speech, decreased appetite, and increased physical activity
levels.
Some
of the substances on the list are not new to the drug scene.
At least half of them were being abused in the 1960’s, 1970’s
and 1980’s. During the 90’s emergency room admissions increased due to
club drug usage. It can be
very dangerous to mix some of these substances together and/or to take
with alcohol.
To
find out more about Raves/Club Drugs or other substances
TAADAS
Clearinghouse
1800 Church Street
Suite
100
Nashville, TN
37203.
615.780.5901 or
1.800.889.9789
The
Clearinghouse
is funded
by
the TN Dept of Health.
Revised 8/00
|
