by Mona Gallagher

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2008

Parents need to know that club drugs are available to their children at various parties and that most youth know they will have access to the drugs. They should also know that date rape drugs are part of the drug party scene for many young people and most importantly, they need to know the effects of these drugs and how to talk to their children about them.

Youths go to parties where certain drugs are available and all but novice party goers know drugs will be available. Studies show that children as young as 13 years are participating in these parties and their parents may not have a clue as to the danger their children face.

Certain drugs, because of their mood altering effects, low cost, and availability are popular at all night dance parties called "raves" or "trances". Among the most popular drugs at these dances are MDMA, GHB, Ketamine, Rohypnol, and methamphetamines. Marijuana is still popular too, but the newer drugs act on bodily functions with more intensity.

What is the attraction to these drugs? Some of them produce a heightened sense of sensual touch, intoxicating highs and dream like states while others produce hallucinations. What are these drugs and how do the young people get hold of them? Many are produced illegally and sold on the streets and the quality and strength are questionable.

Others, like ketamine, are anesthetics that have been approved for human and animal use. Ketamine is legally sold and mostly used by veterinarians. It is injected or snorted and is known on the streets as vitamin k or special k. In high doses, this drug can cause delirium, amnesia, high blood pressure and fatal respiratory problems.

Club drugs are known on the street as Roofies, ecstasy, marijuana, meth and other assorted names. The danger increases significantly when these drugs are mixed or consumed with alcohol. These drugs pose a danger even if taken in small amounts.

Some of the myths about recreational club drugs is that it's safe to take them in small amounts, but this is not true because of the variations in strength from one batch to another and because people react differently to them. Many of these drugs are addictive and there is no control on how illegal drugs are manufactured.

Date rape drugs like GHB, ketamine and Rohypnol can cause seizure and induce comas because they act on the central nervous system. When used in combination with alcohol, these drugs cause nausea and breathing difficulty. Rohypnol can incapacitate people and it produces anterograde

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>