http://www .txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/pr042804.htm
Information for the News Media
Public Information Office
April 28, 2004
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DPS Narcotics Service Fights Drug Use at Raves
The Texas Department of Public Safety is kicking off a statewide program to stop the use of illegal drugs at organized rave parties. The DPS Narcotics Service is spearheading this initiative that coordinates the efforts of law enforcement authorities across Texas in the fight against this growing threat to public safety.
The program focuses on educating the general public, law enforcement and rave participants about the dangers of club drugs. In addition, DPS Narcotics and the Texas Attorney General?s Office are sharing rave event information with local authorities, so that they are aware of illegal drug use in their areas.
Raves, increasingly common in both urban and rural areas, are all-night dance parties that feature music, light shows and illegal drugs. These events, often organized by professional rave promoters, are held in dance clubs, abandoned buildings and open fields and are especially popular in the summer months. Raves are promoted through the Internet, with flyers and by word-of-mouth.
These events are dangerous due to the use of potentially lethal drugs and a lack of trained medical professionals to respond to emergencies. Rave participants often use illegal drugs such as Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, LSD, PCP, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), inhalants and methamphetamines, as well as marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. In addition to these dangerous drugs, Ecstasy pills contain unpredictable dosages and ingredients that lead to unexpected side effects.
Use of Ecstasy, alone, can cause teeth clenching and muscle cramping, and overdose can lead to high blood pressure, panic attacks and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, Ecstasy can cause dehydration and a rise in body temperature (hyperthermia). Use of combinations of drugs can cause more severe problems, which require immediate medical attention by trained emergency medical personnel.
Promoters claim that security and drug checks are provided. Unfortunately, fire, safety and health codes are often not enforced, and free water may not be available. Security often is not of professional quality, and medical personnel may not be present in adequate numbers. Additionally, drug tests, which are advertised as verification that tablets contain Ecstasy, only show Ecstasy as an ingredient with no indication of other dangerous drugs or chemicals that may be contained in a tablet.
?Rave promoters have convinced party-goers that their events are safe, but the results are sometimes devastating,? said Col. Thomas A. Davis, Jr., DPS director. ?We want to encourage parents to look for signs that might indicate their kids are attending raves and then take the necessary steps to stop them.?
Warning signs that may indicate your son or daughter is involved in the use of Ecstasy or other party drugs:
? Extreme exhaustion after an all-night party
? Mid-week depression
? Trouble concentrating
? Use of pacifiers, nasal inhalers or vapor rubs (sometimes used with surgical masks)
? Chemical lights or neon glow sticks
? Drugs containing Coricidin (DXM), such as cough syrups
? Colorful, beaded bracelets and necklaces
? Princess, cartoon and other costumes
Although one or two of these warning signs may not indicate a problem, a pattern of this behavior or ownership of several of these items, may indicate that your child is involved in the rave scene.
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http://heffter.org
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