Troubled Teens Resources

Raves are typically depicted as glamorous, daring, and a guarantee for unusual and sensuous highs. The scene is a seductive one, luring teenagers from all walks of life to the pulsing primal dance floors that bloom temporarily in squat ugly buildings. They are also a sure bet for finding some of the most dangerous drugs a teenager can abuse.

About.com has provided the nitty gritty on raves, scraping away the glitter to the bare bones of a very dangerous recreation.

Club drugs can cost you more than a few bucks.

Club drugs are easily found at most raves and teen clubs and are often cheaper than any available alcohol making them a more appealing high to many teens. It is a sad reality that most teens who frequent clubs or raves try these club drugs. What many teens do not realize is that club drugs are often the same things as date rape drugs. If you take them you may become a victim instead of a partier.

You will be at a greater risk of date rape.

Clubs and raves are places where strangers come together to have a good time. For some people a good time comes at the expense of others. The more people around you that you do not know the more you are at risk of being victimized by a stranger. Date rape drugs are a big problem at legal and illegal nightclubs. Be aware and always look out for you!

After hours or unregulated clubs are not usually fire safe.

If you frequent clubs or raves that are “underground” or “after hours” you could be in danger since they are not monitored by fire and safety agencies. Although you may get in to these clubs without a hassle, if there is a fire you may be unable to get out. Often the doors on these clubs are chained shut and the windows nailed shut leaving you with no escape route other than the front door.

Sex is NOT a party favor.

In the touchy-eel environment of a nightclub or rave it is very easy to get caught up in the sensuality of the moment. Dancing can be very seductive and if you are intoxicated you may misinterpret the moment turning a simple dance in to a silent love affair. Try to keep a level head about sex, nothing ruins a night faster than an unwanted advance or a regret filled intimate encounter.”

The site also provides extensive fact sheets on the drugs most likely to be abused in a rave setting; GHB and Roofies and Special K

For a drug abusing teenager, any setting they choose is likely to include a menu of drugs. The vigilance parents must exercise today to prevent their teenager from succumbing to drug abuse is daunting. Share this information with your teen. If your communication is so far strained that an honest discussion about raves and drug abuse cannot be rationally carried out, then your problems may have already begun. But print out the fact sheets. Trust me, your teenager will get around to reading them and it might make them think twice.