NCJ Number
201056
Date Published
February 2003
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the dangers of “party drugs” such as MDMA (ecstasy), ketamine, GHB, and methamphetamines.
Abstract
“Party drugs” is a general term for a number of illegal drugs that are popular with youth. They are commonly encountered at nightclubs and “raves,” but are also found in homes and at private parties. These drugs have gained popularity primarily from the false perception that they are not as harmful, or as addictive, as mainstream drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. Party drugs pose serious health risks, including long-term damage to the brain, short-term damage to the heart and kidneys, and even sudden death. Overwhelming numbers of users experience anxiety, depression, and memory loss -- conditions that are especially harmful during the formative teen years. The quality of these drugs may vary significantly, and customers can often be duped as drug substitutions occur when suppliers cannot provide drugs currently in demand. This can complicate the task of emergency medical personnel, who might not know what drugs a patient admitted for overdosing has ingested. Drug traffickers package the drugs in pill form and make them look like medicine or candy so they can be easily concealed. They create colorful Web sites set up to advertise raves and drugs. The drugs come with colorful die stamps and tablets with appealing, name-brand logos. The drugs GHB, GBL, 1,4 BD, and Rohypnol have been used in the commission of sexual assaults and other crimes of violence. They render a victim incapable of resisting and may cause memory problems that complicate case prosecution. These drugs have been called “predatory drugs.” Young people need to educate themselves about what these drugs are really about. Parents need to know that “alcohol-free” dance parties may be havens of drug dealing. Schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and civic groups need to help dispel the myths about party and predatory drugs and ensure that new generations do not fall prey to their dangers.