REALIST'S GUIDE TO PARTY DRUGS

Katherine Hoby reports on a booklet that aims to keep risks to a minimum.

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; lst
floor, 1 Trading Place, Henderson, on 836-6166; and 19 Charles St,
Papatoetoe, on 277-8080.