by E K Stapleton

Created on: April 26, 2008

The term club drug, refers to the types of drugs being used at night clubs, raves and parties. This is something I have just started to gain knowledge about. Being the mother of a preteen son, I try to keep on top of what evils exist out in the world. These drugs are definitely evil and extremely dangerous. Coming from a generation where marijuana was the drug of choice, this has certainly been an eye opener. The drugs that kids today are exposed to are far more serious than I ever imagined. They can be fatal, and kids are playing with their lives. Parents need to stay aware and informed. Keep an open line of communication with your child, and stress the risks involved.

There are three main drugs of choice.Each equally as dangerous. Whether taken by choice or unknowingly, thee effects are the same.

Ecstasy ( XTC, hug drug )

This is a synthetically made drug. The effects are psychoactive. Ingesting the drug leaves the body unable to regulate it's temperature. When the body reaches a dangerously high temperature it can result in liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure and even death. Mixed with alcohol, it creates an even more deadly cocktail.

GHB

It works by depressing the central nervous system. Overdose can result in seizures, coma and death. Mixing it with alcohol can cause nausea and breathing difficulties.

Ketamine ( Special K )

Mostly used for veterinarian purposes, it is an anesthetic. Kids usually inject or snort it. It can cause hallucinations, delirium, impaired motor skills, amnesia and fatal respiratory problems.

Both Ketamine and GHB are colorless, odorless and tasteless. They are easily slipped into a drink without anyone's knowledge. Given the severity of their effects, a victim can be sexually assaulted or raped. The victim is rendered incapacitated, and may not even remember the attack. To avoid this, drinks should never be left sitting unattended. This can't be stressed enough to young people, or anyone for that matter.

Parents need to be aware of what their children are doing. A lot of these raves are advertised as non alcoholic events. Parents feel their child is safe, because there will be no drinking. They don't understand the prevalence of these drugs at such functions. These gatherings take place in abandoned warehouses, fields, after hours clubs or anywhere they can find, to assemble a large group of people. There is no supervision and things often get out of hand. Especially with all the drugs being passed around like candy.

Lately they have begun to show up on college campuses, high school parties and even in the hands of elementary school children. They are readily available and are as easy to get as a can of pop. The problem is, kids don't fully understand the risks involved with taking these drugs. They also have a tendency to be of the mind set, that will never happen to me.

As a parent, the best thing you can do is stay informed. Talk with your child often, even if it gets annoying for them. Remind them of staying safe and aware, while they are out. You can't make their choices for them, but with your guidance, they'll probably make the right ones anyway. Taking an active role in your child's life, just may save their life.

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