Tipton County Drug Coalition
|
Rave Club/ Club Drugs |
||
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. Also see
http://www.ncjrs.org/club_drugs/club_drugs.html Source: TAADAS Statewide Clearinghouse Revised 8/00 |
|
Contact Information
PO Box 127 / Munford, TN 38058 /
Phone - 901.837.8639
E-mail - tcdrugcoalition@hotmail.com