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The 1990s saw emergence of high energy, all night dance clubs known as “rave clubs,” which feature hard pounding techno-music and flashing laser lights. R Common to rave clubs are “clubs drugs,” a group of synthetic drugs often sold at the club site and used by young club goers. Among the most popular club drugs is MDMA (3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine), which provides users with the energy and heightened sensory perception most seek to enhance their rave experience. Rave clubs are often promoted through flyers and advertisements distributed at other rave clubs, in record shops and clothing stores, on college campuses, and over the Internet. Rave club owners and promoters sell specialty items to dancers in a way that arguably promotes MDMA use. They provide bottled water and sports drinks to manage hypothermia and dehydration; pacifiers to prevent involuntary teeth clenching; and menthol nasal inhalers, chemical lights, and neon glow sticks, necklaces, and bracelets to enhance the effects of MDMA. Rave clubs rarely sell alcohol because most attendees are not old enough to purchase it. Many believe alcohol counteracts the effects of MDMA. Although rave club owners and operators clearly cater to MDMA users, there is no direct evidence that they are taking part in direct MDMA sales or receiving any profit from MDMA sales within their clubs. Despite the lack of evidence, law enforcement should remain suspicious of rave club owners because many of them have long criminal histories that include drug charges. At least one MDMA trafficking organization tried to build its own rave Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, last year. With their high energy atmosphere, rave clubs with names like “The Buzz,” “The Artery,” “Fever,” and “Vertigo” will continue to attract college-age, middle– and upper-class youths. Inside the clubs—usually dangerously overcrowded, dimly lit buildings—the dancers will be exposed to rampant drug use and a high crime environment, risking their health and safety. The likely increase in news reports of rave club deaths may result in greater community and law enforcement pressure against rave clubs and their promoters. |
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