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The following drugs are available for a relatively cheap price at parties which may be attended by your teenager. While most of the time it is up to your child whether to purchase drugs or not there is the danger of being slipped something without their knowledge.

MDMA - Ecstasy "Hug Drug" "XTC"
This drug is a synthetic, psychoactive agent which gives the user a high sometimes with hallucinations. Taken in high doses it can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature. This can lead to a high fever which can result in liver, kidney and heart failure. Also this drug has the potential of interfering with its own break down in the body. So dangerous levels can be reached quickly, particularly by repeated use over a short time.

GHB - "Liquid Ectasy" "Easy Lay" "vira-G" "Georgia home boy"

This is a central nervous system depressant and was available over the counter until 1992.
Body builders purchased the drug to help them reduce the fat level in their bodies. This agent can be odorless, tasteless and colorless. Because of these properties it has been termed one of the "date-rape" drugs. It can be slipped in someone's drink without their knowledge. This drug can cause a coma and seizures and if mixed with alcohol can produce nausea or trouble breathing. If used over a period of time the individual may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Rohypnol - "Rophies" "Roofies" "Roach" "Rope"
This is another central nervous system depressant and is also considered a "date-rape" drug.
Like GHB it can be slipped into a drink undetected by the victim and when mixed with alcohol can render a person helpless. Another frightening side effect is anterograde amnesia which means an individual will not remember what happened while under the drug's influence. It can be fatal when mixed with liquor or other depressants. Rohypnol is not legal in the U.S.
Klonopin (clonazepam, Rivotril and Xanax have replaced Rohypnol in some areas of the country.

Ketamine - "Special K" "Vitamin K"
This is an anesthetic used primarily used for veterinary use. Depending on the dose this drug can cause a dream-like state and hallucinations. In high doses delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, depression, high blood pressure and difficulty breathing can result. Death can be the outcome.

These drugs often make a presence at events labeled "non-alcoholic". Trance or rave parties often are put together quickly and last from dusk to dawn. They are held where there is space available and the party will probably go unreported. Warehouses, open fields and clubs are likely places.

Talking to your teenager or young adult can make the difference. Certainly not all (probably most) of the young people attending indulge or drugs or are out to harm anyone. But kids need to know the dangers that lurk even in a seemingly friendly environment. Provide a cell phone so they can call you for a quick rescue and deal with the discipline problem (if there is one) later. Tell them never to leave their drink unattended. You'll likely get the rolled eye look but the message will probably hit home.

The best defense against this and other problems is shared knowledge and being aware of one's surroundings.

Learn more about this author, Cindy Abbate.
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