Substance Use and Rave Parties-Global Scenario

Across the country, teens and young adults enjoy all-night dance parties known as “raves”. Following the craze in the Western countries, rave parties have in recent years become trendy amongst youngsters. Dangerous substances known collectively as club drugs-including Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol are gaining popularity. Although users may think these substances are harmless, research has shown that club drugs can produce a range of unwanted effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, amnesia, and, in some cases death. Apart from causing health hazards to the users concerned, the associated physiological and psychological effects manifested upon taking the drug(s) often induce abnormal behaviour, which in turn poses a threat to other people at the party. It is known that triads have been making their presence at a number of raves and criminal activities such as selling drugs at the venue, bringing weapons into the venue and sex crimes have become major concerns. These substances whether taken voluntarily or by deceit leave women vulnerable to sexual assault and rape. As protectors of public health and safety, Governmental bodies, notably the Narcotics Division are taking effective measures to help solve the problem.