Booklet aims to minimise risks of party drugs

By KATHERINE HOBY

What are the types of drugs commonly found at raves and clubs? What are the effects? Can you combine drugs? Should you drink water with them? And how much is too much?

A new booklet, Sorted, A Party Drug Info Guide, aims to help partygoers to make informed choices about drugs commonly used in clubs and at parties.

The guide has been published by Auckland's Regional Alcohol and Drug Services to help partygoers to minimise risks at dance parties.

Manager Jenny Wolf said there was an enormous gap in the understanding of partygoers of the potential risks and how to reduce them.

"We saw a real need to get information out on to the streets," she said.

"This is not an invitation to do drugs. Our view is that abstinence is the best option, but we are realists."

Jenny Wolf said the public needed to be educated not just about the risks but how to avoid them.

The recent Customs seizure of nearly $2.5 million worth of Ecstasy, and a focus on the party drug One4b, had highlighted the increasing use of recreational and party drugs in New Zealand, she said.

Although it applies to all drug users, Sorted has been targeted at partygoers and the music scene.

The guide includes practical information on safer partying, including sections on planning ahead, heatstroke, intravenous drug use, HIV, and coming down from stimulants.

It lists drugs that might be found in clubs or at raves.

There is also a section in the guide on legal alternatives to drugs.

* To get a copy of the guide apply to the Community Alcohol and Drug Service, 14 Como St, Takapuna, on 488-2701; 9 George St, Mt Eden, on 623-2323; 1st floor, 1 Trading Place, Henderson, on 836-6166; and 19 Charles St, Papatoetoe, on 277-8080.