In 2010
We've taken the
Drug Free message
to over 26932 teens
In 2010
We've taken the
Drug Free message
to over 26932 teens
Tips for Teens:
Slang : party pills, herbal highs
These pills are marketed as 'herbal highs' or 'party pills' and are available anywhere from clothes shops to dairies. They have names such as Charge, Rapture, Frenzy, Jet and Bliss, with new brands arriving almost daily (or so it seems). The common misconception with these pills is that they are 'herbal', this is not the case!
BZP is a common name for the synthetic drug N−benzylpiperazine, a stimulant that is approximately 10 to 20 times more potent than amphetamine. It is derived from pepper plants which can also be produced synthetically, says Dr Bob Boyd, the chairman of the advisory committee and the Food Standards Australia−New Zealand Authority chief medical adviser. Pills with these pepper−derived chemicals have been illegal in the United States since 2002 and are illegal in two Australian states.
The “herbal highs” are under investigation by the independent Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs, a heavyweight group of police, Customs, health and drug experts, are legal and their use is soaring. All are central nervous system stimulants that cause an adrenalin−type rush.
BZP tablets, especially those that also contain the hallucinogen TFMPP(1−(3−trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine),often are sold as MDMA (3,4−methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy) or promoted as an alternative to ecstasy. BZP typically is available as a powder, which may be packaged in small glass or plastic vials or in small plastic resealable bags. BZP powder often is pressed into tablets, many of which are embossed with logos. BZP is occasionally available in capsules.
Piperazine derivatives have been identified in cases involving “club drugs” sold to adolescents and young adults. Sometimes sold as “ecstasy”, but most often sold as “BZP”, “legal E”, “legal X” or “A2&”, these piperazines are increasingly showing up in federal and state laboratories. Piperazine produces stimulant and hallucinogenic effects similar to MDMA (ecstasy).
Piperazines have been used since the early 1950's as an agent to rid the bowel of parasitic worms, but apart from diethylcarbamazine none have found a significant place in human therapeutics (Webster LT, 1985).
BZP usually is consumed orally. The drug also can be snorted or smoked, but these methods of administration are less common. Common oral dosages of BZP range from 20 to 200 milligrams. The effects of BZP generally last from 6 to 8 hours. BZP primarily is abused by teenagers and young adults. The drug often is used at raves, nightclubs, private parties, and other venues where the use of club drugs, particularly MDMA, is well established.
A dose − which can be more than one pill − costs about $40. Some, such as Exodus, are sold with an R18 warning and most warn against mixing with alcohol.
They are similar to those associated with amphetamine abuse. Stimulants, including BZP and amphetamine, decrease appetite, dilate pupils, and increase blood pressure and heart and respiration rates. Other effects include anxiety, blurred vision, dizziness, and insomnia. Chronic abuse of stimulants can cause irregular heartbeat and can lead to delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia. Compounding these risks is the uncertainty of the BZP dosage in a particular tablet, capsule, or quantity of powder. High dosages can cause overdoses. Further, BZP tablets often contain additional substances. Laboratory testing of some tablets that contained BZP showed that the tablets also contained TFMPP, cocaine, and dextromethorphan (DXM).
It is legal in New Zealand. These same pills are illegal in the United States.
An estimated 5 million have been sold in NZ since 2000
An official advisory panel wants the marketing and sale of party pills restricted to people over 18 years.
The head of the police national drug intelligence bureau, Detective Inspector Gary Knowles, a member of the committee, has been quoted as saying that it is of “grave concern to me that these pills are being labelled as a natural high, when people taking them have no way of really knowing what's in them and what they could do to them.”
Bottom line : Just because it's legal doesn't make it right or good for your health
Ammo Drink pulled from sale.
25.04.05
A controversial fizzy drink containing “party pill” ingredients has been voluntarily withdrawn from sale at dairies by its manufacturers.Herbal drink Ammo was withdrawn following a complaint from the Social Tonics Association of New Zealand (STANZ) on Friday that the drink contained benzylpiperazine (BZP), which was not a permitted food ingredient. Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton, who is pushing for the pills to be classified as Class D drugs, described the drink as “irresponsible”. “People are pushing the envelope to way out further than many New Zealanders would be comfortable with.” he said. STANZ said the case underlined the need for “sensible” regulation of the industry. “Clearly some legal controls are required” said STANZ's Matt Bowden. − NZPA
If you know someone who uses Party Pills, urge him or her to stop or get help. If you're using Party Pills−−stop! The longer you ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with your life.
It's never too late. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counsellor, a teacher, or another adult you trust.
Do it today!