Recreational Drugs are not Completely Safe

Rave parties, held in the clandestine locations, are parties with loud, electronic “techno-rock” music, laser light shows, and all-night dancing. The concept of rave parties is not new to India. They have been common since the late eighties in Goa and continue to take place every year. It is not that other Indian states are far behind. Rave parties have been seen in Himachal Pradesh, Pune, Bangalore and Mumbai.

Recreational drugs have become a common site at rave parties. Use of drugs like cocaine and ketamine has been found in the Goan rave parties. Other commonly used drugs are ecstacy, gamma-hydroxybutyrate and flunitrazepam. These drugs are popular since they give a feeling of euphoria to the user. They are claimed to be free of side effects, however, this is not entirely true. They could cause problems to the user at higher doses. Also, people may react differently to the drugs due to genetic differences. If two or more of these drugs are combined, the chances of side effects further increase.

Among the popular recreational drugs is ecstacy, also called by a number of names like X, M, E, XTC, rolls, beans, Clarity, Adam, lover's speed, hug drug. It could cause increase in temperature and low sodium levels of the body. It could also affect mental tasks and mood leading to depression. Another drug Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB, also called Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop and by other names, has been notorious for its use in date rape. It is known to cause a number of side effects affecting important organ systems of the body. Ketamine, an anesthetic that is also abused, also affects the important body systems. Long-term use affects attention, learning and memory.