The Truth About Raves
By Kimberly, age 19, California
Sweet Designs Staff Intern
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Most people know that there are major drugs happening during a rave. People who go to raves are usually 13 years old and older, but it is not like a club where you have to be 18 years old or older to get in. With that said, there has been talk about shutting down raves here in California because recently a 15 year old girl died from overdosing on "X" (slang term for ecstasy). For a person to go into a rave not knowing what really goes on could mean getting hurt.
Raves can be a really fun environment to go out, dress in colorful clothing, and meet strangers you probably would have never met otherwise, but something to be aware of when going to a rave is that no matter what, if you leave a drink somewhere, do not go back and drink out of it - go and get a new drink. This is a huge lesson, not only for raves, but for parties in general.
Another thing is that if you see your friend's water bottle or something sitting there do not pick it up because there might be something in it that you don't expect; instead, go get your own drink and watch it carefully. These two factors are very important because, if you don't know this going into a rave, then it can get you hurt, or even worse. Like almost everything else in life, we need to know how to have a good time while staying safe. Parents should know where their minor children are at all times, because if they don't, then something might happen like with the 15 year old girl at the EDC (Electric Daisy Carnival) rave in June 2010.
I actually went to my first rave this year. It happened to be the Electric Daisy Carnival rave that took place in 3 states, one of them being California. It was a two day event, and for me, knowing what I was getting myself into was very important. During raves a lot of drugs are being taken left and right, no matter what age, since there are no age restrictions. You have to know how to handle yourself in a situation like that, and know beforehand, so you can be prepared.
The truth about raves is that they aren't bad at all if you know how to handle yourself and if you are ready for the kinds of things you will see at raves. As long as you are responsible and old enough to go to one of them there is no reason why you shouldn't have tons of fun. Just be careful if you decide to go.
