Early indicators show that teens and young adults across the country are using "club drugs"�Ecstasy, Ketamine, GHB, and Rohypnol�at all night dances or "raves." These drugs, which are often used in combination with alcohol, have potentially life-threatening effects. NIDA and its partners will launch a national research and public education initiative. Later in the day, NIDA will sponsor a scientific meeting open to the news media where experts will discuss these drugs and current research.

WHAT: News Conference
WHEN: 10 A.M., Thursday, December 2, 1999
WHERE:

Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
  2660 Woodley Road,N.W., Washington, DC
  Room: Wilson A and B

Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Bennett Leventhal, M.D., American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
David Rosenbloom, Ph.D., Director, Join Together
Sue Rusche, Executive Director, National Families In Action

Also available at the news conference will be two college students involved in efforts to educate young adults about the dangers of club drugs.

NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute also carries out a variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA Home Page at http://www.drugabuse.gov or through NIDA's Infofax at 1-888-NIH-NIDA (1-888-TTY-NIDA for the deaf).