The rave culture came from Europe to American during the early 1990's. In the early days, all-night dance parties were held in clandestine locations with small numbers (usually less than 100) of attendees. Today's raves are often held in concert halls and warehouses and can attract thousands of people, mostly 15 to 25-year-olds. The parties have their own unique kind of "techno" music, which produces loud, repetitive, pulsating sounds.
             Because of the young age group at most raves, alcohol is generally forbidden. However, many (but not all) of the attendees use illicit drugs. One of the most popular rave drugs is Ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also called MDMA, XTC, X, Adam, Essence, and Clarity). Ecstasy stimulates release of serotonin (a brain chemical). People who take it report enhanced feelings of peace, closeness and empathy with others. Depending upon the dose and purity of the drug, the "high" can last from several minutes to an hour or more.
             According to a recent survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, high schoolers' use of some illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, is finally decreasing. But use of Ecstasy is up, and that increase has some health officials worried.
             Although many people think Ecstasy is a "safe" drug, it can have some risky side effects. Users can experience confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia for weeks after taking Ecstasy. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, which can have dangerous consequences for people with cardiovascular disease. Hot, crowded dancing areas and limited access to drinking water increase the risk of dehydration, hyperthermia (abnormally high body temperature), and heart or kidney failure. Users are also at risk of taking a dangerous drug which has been passed off as Ecstasy.
             A more serious danger for Ecstasy users is the drug's effects on the brai
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