Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 Source: Miami Herald (FL) Copyright: 2002 The Miami Herald Contact: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/262 Author: Mary Louise Cole KIDS, PARENTS MUST KNOW DANGERS OF RAVES As CEO of Bay Point Schools, I am dedicated to turning around the lives of delinquent adolescent boys. I see how drugs can deplete the lives of today's youth. One of the most effective means of fighting this is to eliminate access to drugs, along with increasing awareness about the dangers of drugs used and sold at rave concerts. That's why I urge our community's support of the proposed congressional legislation, Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy Act or The Rave Act (S 2633). This bill would penalize those who manage, own or rent an establishment and promote or house an event where Ecstasy and other illicit drugs will be manufactured, stored, distributed or sold. Ecstasy is the most popular of the club drugs associated with raves. Teenagers are duped into believing that Ecstasy doesn't pose a threat. Thousands of teenagers, however, are treated for overdoses and Ecstasy-related health problems in emergency rooms each year, representing a 1,040-percent increase between 1994 and 1999. Raves are all-night dance parties with loud techno-trance music. Some promoters portray these events as alcohol-free safe places. Others market to teens with flyers depicting pictures of Ecstasy pills. Promoters know that Ecstasy causes body temperature to rise, resulting in increased thirst. They sell overpriced bottles of water and charge entrance fees to ''chill rooms.'' The price paid is far greater than dollars; it is damaged neurons in the brain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that this can lead to brain damage. Our youth deserve better. We must protect them from exploitation and stop this ''rave'' craze. MARY LOUISE COLE President/CEO, Bay Point Schools Princeton - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)