To the Editor:

Shame on both the South Shore Record and Nassau Herald for their
hysterical, sensationalistic coverage of teen attendance at rave parties.
Both articles missed the real story; the vast majority of teen drug abuse
involves alcohol and tobacco right here in the Five Towns, not exotic drugs
in the demonized haunts of New York City. These articles mention every
illicit drug under the sun. But given that the most popular activity at
raves is dancing, I rather doubt that depressants like heroin and Rohypnol
are widely used.

These stories serve to mystify and entice our teenagers, much like the
propaganda of the Partnership for a DrugÒFree America. Mr. Snyder's piece
in the South Shore Record never tells us how many teenagers he spoke to had
actually attended a rave. Instead, he asks them if they'd be interested in
going to a party with open sex and drugs and rock În' roll. These stories
have done a far better job of publicizing the rave scene than any promoter
could have. Unfortunately, they do so by focusing solely on negative
behaviors.

The real question that faces our community is this: How can we make sure our
teens don't get into trouble at raves? We need to demonstrate and teach harm
reduction principles to our teens, and make sure they are implemented at
raves, including:

Making condoms and information about their proper use available.

Discouraging the wearing of hats and other garments (i.e., vinyl) that
might cause overheating.

Making a large supply of fresh water and other nonÒalcoholic beverages
available.

Providing honest, accurate information about drugs through literature
tables.

Testing substances (especially MDMA, a.k.a. "Ecstasy") for purity and
contaminants.

These may sound like radical measures, but the Europeans have found them to
be just good common sense. Denying and lying about drugs and drug use has
only confused our teens.

For example, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the HaightÒAshbury Free
Clinics have produced a set of flyers (in the style of rave invitations).
They advise readers to be sure of their source of Ecstasy, to use small
amounts, to be well rested, to drink plenty of fluids and to avoid alcohol.

I'd like to work on the above measures for the Thanksgiving weekend rave.
Interested parties may contact me via E-mail at Dougl28027@aol.com or AOL
screen name: Dougl28027

Sincerely,
Douglas Greene