Ecstacy
and GHB barely registered on police and hospital radars five years ago.
Now these drugs are common on Seattle's streets and party scene.
Understanding the new drug culture and knowing what's out there are crucial
for protecting yourself or your child.
New
generation of drug users faces a chemical onslaught
Marijuana,
acid and mushrooms just don't cut it for today's young drug-users.
Ecstasy, ketamine and GHB are the party drugs of the late '90s. But most
young adults who use these drugs have no idea what they're getting, where
the drugs come from, or what the effects might be on their bodies.
Just
say 'know': Activists fight for information, not intolerance
Harm
reduction is probably the dirtiest term in drug prevention circles. Its
proponents assume that even though users know drugs are bad for them, they
will continue to use them. They believe that to prevent overdoses and other
disasters, it is best to inform users of the safest possible way to use
drugs.
The
drugs
Ecstacy:
Controversy abounds over MDMA effects
Usually
available in powder and pill form, Ecstasy -- also known as "E" or "X"
-- is a massive part of the party scene, especially raves.
Test
helps confront Ecstacy dilemma
Ecstasy
users might think they know what they're getting, but chances are
they're wrong.
Inhalants
are common, yet especially dangerous
It
makes sense not to inhale something that cleans bathroom tiles. But kids
have been "huffing" solvents, aerosols and adhesives for years. And as
more expensive drugs grow in popularity, more kids are seeing inhalants
as a cheap high.
Hallucinogenic
ketamine resonates at raves
Everything
at a rave is geared to trip you out and put you in a trance state.
This atmosphere explains the popularity of hallucinogenic drugs, where
the idea is to have an out-of-body, spiritual experience while having the
energy to dance all night.
GHB,
Rohypnol take sedatives into the party scene
One
of the most common sedatives ingested at parties has been GHB. Its use
as an anesthetic was discontinued because of the high incidence of seizures
and vomiting.
Trippers
tell their personal tales
Nothing
speaks like experience. That's why we asked young drug users and
abusers
in Seattle -- from the sidewalks of Fremont to the needle exchange center
on Capitol Hill -- to share their personal trips.
Tips
to avoid unwanted trips
Deciding
to take a drug is one thing. Having someone slip something in your drink
-- or "dose" you -- is quite another. There's no need to be paranoid, but
if you don't like surprises, here are some ways to avoid trouble |
