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What is a Rave?
Raves are all-night dance parties held in warehouses, large arenas or clubs. The opinion of those who attend Raves (Ravers) is that the events make them feel safe, supported and surrounded by positive energy. The Rave culture includes its own clothing, music, art, and language that promotes the ideals of peace, love, unity and respect (P.L.U.R.) among Ravers.
While most Raves are held in large venues with professional security services and police in attendance, there is also a concern about underground Raves held at undisclosed locations. Due to a lack of regulations surrounding the events, the wide age range of participants is of great concern. Drugs have been associated with Rave culture since its inception. The most common and publicized of these drugs is Ecstasy.
What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a hallucinogen related to amphetamines. Pure Ecstasy (also known as E, XTC, Adam, Euphoria, X, Love Doves, or the Hug Drug because it makes people want to get close to each other), is MDMA or methylenendioxymethamphetamine.
Ecstasy drains the brain or an important chemical called seratonin, and can cause users to dance to the point of exhaustion, at which point they may collapse and even die. Water consumption makes the effects of the drug more harmful. Although Ecstasy causes dehydration, drinking too much water can cause the brain to swell.
Ecstasy use can cause:
permanent chemical changes in the brain
brain damage
liver damage
kidney failure
anxiety or panic attacks
memory loss
mood swings
disturbed sleep patterns
irritability
paranoia (delusions of persecution)
flashbacks
psychosis
poor concentration
jaw clenching and teeth grinding
blurred vision
vomiting
increased blood pressure and heart rate
While rare, Ecstasy has caused death. Usually these fatalities are the result of heat stroke from dancing too long in a hot environment, but death can also be caused by dehydration, abnormal heart rhythms and liver or kidney failure.
For more information on Raves and Rave Drugs
 Contact AADAC, listed in the telephone directory White Pages under Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
Contact Medicine Hat Police Service at 529-8400
Facts on Raves and Drugs by Alberta Children's Services
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