SUMMER SCHOOL

We applaud and support the efforts of Sexual Assault and Violence
Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton and NRG/ Kingdom nightclub to
provide information to young people about the reality of date-rape drugs.

With the introduction of all-ages evenings at most clubs, the crowd that
heads out to seek a little weekend night life is now younger than ever.

Unfortunately, not all of those out enjoying the club scene are as street
wise as they need to be.

SAVIS is hoping to enlighten club patrons to the dangers of inadvertent
drug use at the hands of strangers.

The common culprits -- sedatives Rohypnol and GHB -- can be slipped into a
drink and are virtually undetectable.

Low doses of GHB can result in lowered inhibitions, a feeling of euphoria,
calmness, drowsiness, dizziness and amnesia. High doses may cause
confusion, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors seizures,
shortness of breath, loss of consciousness and even coma.

Sounds fun, doesn't it?

Meanwhile Rohypnol produces drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, muscle
relaxation, impaired thinking and poor motor co-ordination. It can also
produce aggressive behaviour. It is absorbed in the body very quickly after
consumption with effects occurring after about 20-30 minutes. It is
commonly referred to as the date-rape drug because of its ability to sedate
a victim and leave them with memory loss of what happened to them.

If SAVIS's first weekend at NRG is any indication, educating a youth
audience bombarded by the heavily-marketed sexuality of pop stars such as
Britney Spears is not going to be an easy sell.

A spokesperson for SAVIS reported some patrons in the 13-16 year old range
responded with vulgar remarks when the subject of safe sex was mentioned at
an information booth SAVIS had set up inside the popular nightclub last
Saturday night.

SAVIS's Lyndsay Daniel also said she was taken aback by how much skin was
being revealed by many of the teens in the crowd.

"Seeing what we saw Saturday night only reinforces we need to get out
there," she said.

Hopefully more clubs that host adult and all-ages evenings will be as
receptive to SAVIS's education program as NRG has been.