RAVES

The rise of Ecstasy abuse paralleled the growth of the underground "rave" culture in Europe in the late 1980's. Raves began as gatherings of thousands and revolved around techno music. They originated in England and were traditionally held in large warehouses or open outdoor areas. These events then moved into established clubs and were identified by police as "Drug Taking Festivals." In the late 1980s, the rave scene migrated to the United States by way of promoters and entertainers. By the mid 1990's, there was an appreciable growth of the dance club scene that was widely popular with young persons. Concurrent with that social benchmark was the explosive growth of the Internet, and dance clubs became a popular item of discussion among youth in chat rooms. It was inevitable that the "rave" form of dance club began to flourish at that time along with the rise in the use of Ecstasy.

Raves, under any name, are a lucrative business. While many participants of raves are not interested in using drugs or taking part in any illegal activity, the rave scene also draws a significant criminal element. As a result, crimes such as pharmaceutical diversion, rape, property damage, and drug sales often occur at raves.

Raves are organized, promoted, and financed by local and national enterprises. Organizers employ bands, disk jockeys, or both. Advertising is via flyers, posters, telephone, radio, and the Internet, which entice the prospective participants. Because alcohol use is not popular, many events are advertised as "alcohol free," giving parents a false sense of security.

Raves feature hard, rapidly pounding music that is usually accompanied by psychedelic lights, videos, smoke, fog, fire, and sparks. A typical rave club layout often consists of a large dance area with no air conditioning, a separate "cool down room," and a VIP Room. They often are scheduled at unusual hours (e.g., 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.) to avoid local curfew restrictions. "After Hours Clubs" have opened to extend the rave experience. These clubs also advertise no alcohol and often remain open until noon.

Paraphernalia used at raves include: menthol nasal inhalers, Vicks Vapor Rub, eye drops, surgical masks, glow sticks (to enhance the visual effects of Ecstasy); Skittles, M&Ms, or similar candies (to hide the drug); lollipops and pacifiers (to prevent involuntary teeth clenching); water, juice, sports drinks, and soft drinks (sold at inflated prices and used to manage excessive body heat and dehydration) and drug testing kits.

MDMA has become such an integral part of the rave circuit that there no longer appears to be an attempt to conceal its use. Rather, MDMA is sold and used openly at these parties. Traditional and non-traditional sources continue to report the flagrant and open drug use at "raves." Intelligence indicates that it has also become commonplace for security at these parties to ignore drug use and sales on the premises.