NCJ Number
189878
Date Published
April 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This information bulletin provided a detailed overview of “raves,” high energy, all-night dance parties and clubs, the integral role of “club drugs” within the rave culture, and “Operation Rave Review,” an anti-rave initiative.
Abstract
Beginning as an underground movement in Europe in the 1980's, raves evolved into a highly organized, commercialized party culture. Raves were secretive, after-hours, private dance parties. By the early 1990's, rave parties and clubs were present in most metropolitan areas in the United States. Teenagers overtook the young adult ravers and a new culture emerged; events were highly promoted, heavily commercialized, and less secretive. Attendance can range from 30 in a small club to tens of thousands in a stadium or open field. With techno music and light shows essential to raves, “club drugs” such as MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or Ectasy), ketamine, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol, and LSD, became integral components of the rave culture. The increase in club drug use accounted for the increased number of drug overdoses and emergency room visits. This rampant use of club drugs at raves may lead to the use of other and highly addictive drugs by youths, such as the use of Asian methamphetamine tablets known as “yaba” in California. The growing awareness of the nature of rave activity and the effects of club drug use moved many communities to action. One such action taken was “Operation Rave Review” a successful law enforcement anti-rave initiative in New Orleans. In addition, communities and law enforcement agencies were taking steps in enforcing existing fire codes, health and safety ordinances, and liquor laws, and establishing juvenile curfews and licensing requirements. Communities required rave promoters and club owners to pay for building or liquor licenses, medical services, and security for their events in an attempt to force rave promoters to move or cease their operations.