FAQ

1. What does "binge drinking" mean?

Answer:
For young people "binge drinking" means having 5 or more drinks at one sitting.

Having more than one drink an hour increases your chances of getting drunk - and injuring yourself and others. Drinking to get drunk increases your risk of problems, including severe alcohol dependency.

2. What is "powering"?

Answer:
To beat the cost of drinks in a bar, some teens or young adults may drink a number of drinks at home before they leave for a night at the bar. This can be another way to "binge drink" putting you at increased risk. Best to eat before and while you go out, drink less and space your drinks.

3. Are there date rape drugs in my community?

Answer:
Alcohol is the most common date rape drug anywhere. There is always a risk of some of the date rape drugs being in your town. Don't take any chances. Beware and watch your drink at all times so you stay in control.

4. What are the effects of Ecstasy?

Answer:
Ecstasy causes the release of the chemical serotonin, which regulates mood, sex drive, appetite and sleep. Serotonin is also thought to be associated with the high of being in love. The "feel-good" chemical leads to elation, heightened senses and increased energy. It can also backfire. Every user is at risk of overheating. If ravers don't drink enough water and take rest breaks from dancing, they can suffer extreme heat stroke leading to seizures, kidney and liver failure, and possibly death. Yet a smaller number of ravers have died from too much water and failing to urinate which led to either brain swelling from reduced sodium levels in the blood or ruptured bladders. Long term effects are still unknown.

More about raves and party drugs

5. Is cocaine addictive?

Answer:
Yes, cocaine is a very addictive drug. The faster the cocaine gets in your brain (and the higher a person gets) the more addictive it is. Cocaine that is smoked or injected gets into the brain very quickly.

6. Can steroids hurt me?

For the answer, click on Steroids