1. Ecstasy: (also known as E, X, XTC, Adam, or Essence)

QAFolk: What Stuart (UK-QAF) and Brian (NA-QAF) thought they were taking before they ended up redecorating their apartment (first episode).

What: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine); a white powder usually seen in pill form; usually swallowed, but can be snorted, smoked or injected as well; its analog MDA was first synethsized in 1917 as an appetite suppressant.

How Long: If eaten, the effects will manifest themselves in about 45 minutes and physical effects last about 6-8 hours while mental effects last longer trailing off over a period of 1-2 days; snorting, smoking or injecting it produce much more rapid effects but the duration of the effects is reduced and the intensity of the mental effects will not be much greater than if swallowed.

Effects: Physical effects may include euphoria, hyperexcitability, extreme nervousness, accelerated heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, tooth grinding, and incessant talking. Mental effects vary more, and may include a generalized feeling that all is right and good with the world and that common everyday things may seem to be abnormally beautiful or interesting (entactogenesis), a feeling of emotional closeness to others coupled with a breakdown of personal communication barriers (empathogenesis; the "hug drug"), and an enhancement or distortion or all senses Ecstasy typically does not cause hallucinations.

Risks: People with a history of high blood pressure, heart trouble, stroke or hypersensitivity to drugs should not use Ecstasy. It should never be combined with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (usually found in prescribed antidepressants, but if you are taking ANY prescription medication you should first check the label or ask a doctor or pharmacist to see if it is a MAOI. Also be aware that some antidepressants (most notably Prozac and Zoloft) can inhibit some of the effects of Ecstacy.

Water absorption by cells in the body together with dancing for long periods in a hot club can quickly lead to dehydration and heat stroke, a cause of some reported deaths. Therefore it is always important to have enough water or juice on hand; note as well that there have also been reported deaths from individuals who went overboard and drank TOO much water too fast.

One of the biggest risks of Ecstasy is that lesser-quality brands often mix it in other substances, some more dangerous than ecstasy itself. Known additives include amphetamines (ie. speed), LSD (acid), PMA, dextramethorphan (a cough suppressant), caffeine, ephedrine (herbal E), ketamine (see below), and aspirin.

Addiction: Ecstasy itself is not physically addictive, but as with all drugs can become an important part of some people's lives and can be abused. Mental effects will start to fade with repeated use and can only be fully brought back by ceasing intake of the drug for a period of time - usually about a week.

(UPDATED) Mixing E with Viagra: This combination is becoming more popular among male clubbers in major cities. There is however little medical research into the risks of this combination. One property that makes Viagra so unique is that it can cause your vessels to both widen (dilate) and constrict. Dilating the vessels in a penis is how it can help to maintain an erection. 'E' is thought to prolong the effects of Viagra and increase sensation.

Side effects of Viagra include headache, dizziness, flushing, increased blood pressure, and abnormal vision. Fatalities have been reported in men with heart conditions that were made worse by the use of Viagra. (NOTE: Although this combination is not recommended for anyone, it is far more dangerous in men who require Viagra for a specific medical condition or who shouldn't be on Viagra in the first place ie. allergic reaction, heart conditions, etc).

There is an increased risk of heart attacks associated with combining Viagra with "E" because both can raise your blood pressure, and both can increase your risk of heart arrythmias.

So, if you plan on taking the combination, do take care and be aware of the potential side effects of combining both. Without minimizing the risk, that being said the combination is more dangerous in people who require Viagra vs. those who choose to take it recreationally.

More info: More comprehensive info exists on the net. Check out the following links for more info:
Ecstasy.org / Dancesafe.org / Come.to/ecstasy / Streetdrugs.org / FAQ1

2. Special-K (also known as Breakfast cereal, Date-rape drug, K, Ketaject, Ketalar, New Ecstasy, Psychedelic Heroin, Super-K)

QAFolk: What Brian (UK-QAF) offered Justin when he took him for the first time to his apartment (first episode).

What: Ketamine hydrocholoride; created and still used as a general anesthetic; comes as a liquid (that can be injected into muscle, not the vein) and often cooked into a white powder for snorting or swallowing. Special-K is generally snorted, but is sometimes sprinkled on tobacco or marijuana and smoked. When mixed with Pot, it is referred to as MaryK; when mixed with cocaine it is referred to as CK.

How Long: Injecting iquid into the muscle produces effects within 2 - 4 minutes, less is needed to enter a K-hole (see Effects) than by snorting; users will experience a semi-conscious state for one hour, with recovery over another 30 minutes. If swallowed, the effects come on in 10 - 20 minutes on a medium-full stomach, and as little as 5 minutes on an empty stomach; effects extend over 2 - 3 hours.

Effects: Smaller doses (ie. snorting small lines or "bumps") give the user a mild, dreamy feeling (similar to nitrous oxide aka. laughing gas). Users report feeling floaty and slightly outside their body. Numbness in the extremities is also common. Larger doses create a hallucinogenic (trippy) effect, and may cause the user to feel very far away from their body. This experience is often referred to as entering a "K-hole" and has been compared to a near death experience with sensations of rising above one's body. Some find the experience spiritually significant while others find it frightening. While in a K-hole it is often very difficult to move; people usually remain seated or lying down during the experience. Visual hallucinations are most notable in low light.

Risks: Some useres become nauseus. While small doses of Special-K can increase heartrate, at larger doses it depresses the consciousness and breathing and is extremely dangerous to combine with downers like alcohol, Valium or GHB. Frequent use can cause disruptions in consciousness and lead to neuroses or other mental disorders. Seizures can also develop, espeically when mixed with alcohol. People with high blood pressure should avoid Special-K which can increase it.

Caution is recommended regarding the use of K in public places like clubs; users will be semi-sedated and may not have much control of what happens around them (hence the 'date-rape' label). Users often have a sober friend that they can trust by their side

Addiction: Ketamine can cause a tremendous psychological dependence. The dissociation from one's consciousness experienced with ketamine can be highly seductive to some people, and there have been many cases of ketamine addiction.

More info: More comprehensive info exists on the net. Check out the following links for more info:
Dancesafe / DF America / Ketamine Vault / Lycaeum / K-Land / Erowid

3. Speed (also known as Crystal, Crank, Meth, Chalk, Glass, or Ice)

QAFolk: What Vince (UK-QAF) claimed his friend could get as he snorted with Stuart in the bathroom stall.

What: Methamphetamine; usually referred to as Speed or Crystal when swallowed or snorted, Crank when injected, or Ice or Glass when smoked. Infrequently used in obesity management; used in WWII in soldier to fight fatigue and enhance performance. Closely related to amphetamines, but the effects are greater.

How Long: Swallowing is the safest method of using speed. The effects come on gradually and last longer than with other methods. Snorting speed takes effect faster than swallowing but it can damage the nose. Smoking speed takes effect immediately and can more easily lead to addiction. Injecting is the riskiest method of using speed.

Effects: Immediately after smoking or injection, the Speed user experiences an intense sensation, called a "rush" or "flash," that lasts only a few minutes and is often described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces euphoria - a high, but not a rush. Users may become addicted quickly, and use it with increasing frequency and in increasing doses.

Commonly, Speed is reported to produce alertness, confidence, euphoria, and raise levels of energy and stamina. It also reduces appetite and lessens the desire and ability to sleep. Speed works by releases high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement.

Risks: Other side effects include hyperthermia, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, dryness of the mouth, sweating, high blood pressure and strokes, confusion, tremors, convulsions, and aggressiveness. Deaths have been reported from the hyperthermia and convulsions.

Over time, Speed appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine, which can result in symptoms like those of Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.

The risks of injecting Speed are greater. Injecting means the dose reaches the brain almost immediately, increasing the possibility of overdose, Impurities are introduced directly into the bloodstream and can more easily spread infections such as HIV and hepatitis. Repeated injections can damage the veins, leading to thrombosis (clotting) and abscesses (a pool of inflammatory substances).

Addiction: Regular use can produce a need to increase the dose to get the same effect, and can lead to physical dependence on the drug. Speed can produce a powerful craving for more of the drug. The 'comedown' off speed can make the user feel tired, lethargic and depressed. This may tempt users to take more, and can lead to dependency.

More info: More comprehensive info exists on the net. Check out the following links for more info:
Dancesafe / Streetdrugs.org / Narconon

4. GHB (also known as Cherry meth, Liquid X, Scoop, Liquid E, Goob, Gamma-10, Liquid Ecstasy; a product of GBL)

QAFolk: What Ted (NA-QAF) got sick on after mixing with alcohol.

What: Gamma hydroxybutyrate; sold as an odourless liquid (slightly salty or bitter) in small bottles, a powder, or a capsule form. Sometimes advertised as an "aphrodisiac". Medically used as an anesthetic, sleeping aid, childbirth aid, and treatment for alcoholism. Was used by body-builders for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release which aids in fat reduction and muscle building. GBL (another drug) turns into GHB in the body and thus has the same effects.

How Long: The effects are usually felt between 10 - 30 minutes after ingestion. The main effects last about 2-3 hours, but residual effects can last up to a whole day. The effects may not peak for up to 2 hours, and many overdoses have occurred from people not waiting long enough before taking more.

Effects: At lower doses, GHB has a euphoric effect similar to alcohol, and can make the user feel relaxed, happy and sociable. Most users describe a pleasant state of relaxation and tranquility. Anxieties and inhibitions tend to dissolve into a feeling of emotional warmth, wellbeing, and pleasant drowsiness. The "morning after" effects of GHB lack the unpleasant or debilitating characteristics associated with alcohol and other relaxation-oriented drugs. The "aphrodisiac" association of GHB may be related to its reported ability to disinhibit, heighten the sense of touch, enhance male erectile capacity, and increase the intensity of orgasm.

Risks: Slightly higher levels feature greater giddiness, silliness, and interference with mobility and verbal coherence. Depending on the dose, other possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, amnesia, visual hallucinations, reduced blood pressure, decreased heart rate, hypnotic effects resembling petit mal epilepsy, convulsions, severe respiratory depression, and coma. Overdoses will cause loss of consciousness after 15 minutes and coma within 30 - 40 minutes, and will slow down breathing; overdosers who survive or are managed in a hospital usually regain consciousness within 2 - 4 hours. Sometimes (especially if mixed with alcohol which potentiates GHB's depressive effects), GHB can slow breathing down enough to lead to death. One dose can impair motor coordination by as much as six drinks of alcohol.

Addiction: Regular, daily use of GHB can cause physical dependency with harsh withdrawal symptoms.

More info: More comprehensive info exists on the net. Check out the following links for more info:
Dancesafe / Streetdrugs.org / Erowid

Circumcision

Controversy about the role of routine male newborn circumcision continues to exist on the grounds of ethnic and cultural beliefs. However, the North American medical perspective on circumcision is often unreasonably debated when in fact there exists current, researched, medical policy statements. Here presented are these policies put out by the two leading committees: the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Pediatrics Society.

1. American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement (March 1999) (click here for original source):

Statement: "the benefits are not significant enough for the AAP to recommend circumcision as a routine procedure"

Reasons Parents May Choose Circumcision: Research studies suggest that there may be some medical benefits to circumcision. These include the following:

- A slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A circumcised infant boy has about a 0.1% chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life; an uncircumcised infant boy has about a 1% chance of developing a UTI in the first year of life.

- A slightly lower risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, the AIDS virus.

- Prevention of foreskin infections.

- Prevention of phimosis, a condition in uncircumcised males that makes foreskin retraction impossible.

- Easier genital hygiene.

Reasons Parents May Choose Not to Circumcise

- Possible risks. As with any surgery, circumcision has some risks. Complications from circumcision are rare and usually minor. They may include bleeding, infection, cutting the foreskin too short or too long, and improper healing.

- the foreskin may be necessary to protect the tip of the penis. When removed, the tip of the penis may become irritated and cause the opening of the penis to become too small. This can cause urination problems that may need to be surgically corrected.

- circumcision may make the tip of the penis less sensitive, causing a decrease in sexual pleasure later in life.

- Almost all uncircumcised boys can be taught proper hygiene that can lower their chances of getting infections, cancer of the penis, and sexually transmitted diseases.

2. Canadian Pediatric Society in conjunction with the Infectious Disease Committee of the Canadian Pediatric Society (February 2000) (click here for original source):

Statement: "Circumcision of newborns should not be routinely performed"

So what are physicians in the U.S. and Canada taught to tell parents with questions about circumcision? That routine male circumcision is NOT recommended, but that it is legitimate (by current laws or lack of) for parents to take into account cultural, religious and ethnic traditions in deciding to have the surgery performed on their baby's body.