Home      Login

Abstract: 

Alcohol—a staple beverage of Western civilization running the gamut from vintage wine to white lightening—has often been referred to as a legally and socially acceptable “recreational drug of choice.” Keg parties and beer blasts have traditionally been as much a part of college and university life as Homecoming and Spring Break. This long history has insured that the potential adverse effects and addictive properties of alcohol are well known, whether or not the knowledge results in wise choices. Unfortunately, modern pharmacology has added many new “recreational drugs” whose effects, and dangers, are not as familiar, particularly to those most likely to use them—teens and young adults. This article looks at common drugs used by teens and young adults and legislation meant to fight them.

Keywords: MDMA; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); PMA; One4b; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); Rohypnol; GHB; 1996 Act; 2000 Act;

Affiliations:  .