GBH Analysis 
 
The issue of whether rave parties should be abandoned has recently come into the media. This issue has arisen because at a dance party that was recently held in Melbourne, 11 youths were taken to hospital after overdosing on GBH. The articles that directly address this issue are ‘We can’t rant about raves’, ‘Call for dance party ban rejected’ and ‘One in five try killer drug GHB‘.

In an article entitled ‘We can’t rant about raves’ written by Jim Stynes, Mr Stynes argues that banning rave parties will not solve the drug problem. Stynes believes that society is focusing on the wrong thing. He believes that society resorts to demanding the raves be shut down instead of focusing on the real issue about why youths are taking drugs in the first place. Stynes, co-founder of Reach, goes on to argue that most of the people who are commenting on the raves, have in fact, never been to a rave themselves.

Stynes clearly supports rave parties and says that they are a way for many people to express themselves in ways that they perhaps can’t do in their normal day to day lives. Most of the people that attend these rave parties are there for the music and not for the drugs. He goes on to say that these rave parties are a ’tribal experience’ for many people and that these rave parties give people of various backgrounds a reason to come together and ’feel like they belong, like they matter’.

In separating the rave party scene from the use of GBH, Stynes does not condone the use of GBH or the drug problem itself. However, he believes that until the problem is properly addressed, nothing that is done will be successful. He makes it clear that to properly address the issue, the government must identify why young people are taking drugs and then taking positive actions to help rectify the problem.

In an article entitled ’Call for dance party ban rejected’ written by Christine Caulfield, the consequences of taking drugs are outlined. Josh Brooker, who has lost a number of friends to drug overdoses, wants raves to be banned before they claim more lives. He believes that rave parties encourage drug taking and dangerous behaviour among ‘impressionable’ youth.
Brooker clearly opposes rave parties and has campaigned against them after he was introduced to the raving culture as a teenager. He believes the government should consider restricting raves to people aged 18 years and over. He believes that young, impressionable 15 and 16 year olds should not be allowed to go to rave parties.

Acting Premier John Thwaites rejected the proposed ban and argues that if raves were banned, they wouldn’t disappear and that they would only be driven underground. He maintains that a rave is really only a dance party and that dancing has been around for a long time. He believes that what needs to be addressed is not the raves themselves but the attitude young people have towards drugs like GBH. Thwaites clearly supports rave parties and believes the message that needs to get across to young people is that drugs like GBH are dangerous because you can’t control what it is that you are actually getting.

In an article entitled ‘One in five try killer drug GHB’ written by Patrick O’Neil and Christine Caulfield, the dangers of taking GBH are made known. According to a recent study, estimates of about 1 in 5 Victorian drug users have tried GBH. Paul Dillon from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre said the drug has already caused at least 6 deaths in New South Wales and that Victorian deaths would be inevitable.

The research also found that GBH is more available than speed and just as available as ice. GBH is considered a cheap alternative to ecstasy at under $5 a dose, yet still causing the same effect. According to drug experts and drug users, overdoses are very common with the use of GBH because drug is extremely potent even in small doses. Dillon said that deaths that are caused by GBH are difficult to calculate because post mortem tests need to be done before the drug becomes untraceable in the body. Therefore an accurate number can’t be established. Dillon believes that organised crime is responsible for young people easily getting their hands on GBH and that young users are at a high risk of death because their friends may be too scared to call the ambulance.

Supt Mick Williams of Victoria police said that an awareness campaign that educates rave partygoers about the dangers of taking drugs was crucial to trying to address and solve the problem. He believes that banning the raves would not solve the problem and it would only make it worse. This would drive them underground and we would face even more devastating consequences.

Overall, the articles caution people against demonising the rave culture and also caution young people against taking drugs. It is the drugs not the youths that are the problem.

THE TRUTH ABOUT GBH

Gamma hydroxy-butyrate or GBH as it’s more commonly known, has recently made it’s way into almost every paper in the country after an incident with a number of youths overdosing at a rave party in Melbourne. Given that it is youths that are the focal point of these GBH overdoses, I believe it is imperative that the important facts about GBH are made known by youths, for youths.
 
Although GBH has only recently made its way into the headlines, it has been around for a number of years. It was first manufactured in the 1920’s and was used as an anaesthetic agent in the late 1960’s. It is a fast acting central nervous system depressant that is abused for its ability to induce overjoyed and hallucinogenic states and also for its alleged function as a growth hormone. It was used as a performance enhancing additive in bodybuilding formulas until it was banned in late 1990. GBH is usually taken orally and is sold as a light-coloured powder that easily dissolves in liquids or as a pure liquid packaged in small bottles. When in liquid form, it’s clear, odourless, tasteless and virtually undetectable when mixed with a drink. Given that it is undetectable when mixed with a drink, it’s is being termed the new ’date rape’ drug and a number of cases have been reported to date. In addition, it is very easy to get hold of and very inexpensive at $5 to $10 per dose. The fact that it is a low-priced drug is perhaps what young youths find so appealing about it. A quick and cheap thrill.
 
The effects of taking GBH vary greatly and that is just another complication. It can make it difficult for doctors to identify what drug the patient has overdosed on. Being addicted to GBH is no different than being addicted to heroin, marijuana or cocaine. An addict is an addict. So I urge anyone with a problem or knows someone who has one, to go and get help. Who knows ? It may just save you’re life.   

Melissa Cvetanoska
409 Wellington Parade
Richmond
VICTORIA 3121

 
15 March 2004

 
SRC Representative
300 Collins Street
Melbourne
VICTORIA 3000

 
Dear SRC Representative,

I am writing to you regarding an article that I read recently in the Herald Sun, titled ‘Class of Lost Kids‘. It gave a clear indication of ministers’ and school council presidents’ views on student absenteeism in Victorian schools. It was stated that truancy, parental apathy, extended holidays and family shopping trips are reasons why student attendance levels are decreasing. In fact, parental attitudes were strongly criticised. However I believe that parents may have various reasons for permitting absence at given times. Parents may make judgements that take into account the overall well being of their child and given the increased pressures on families, it may be appropriate at times for a child to be absent from school. In addition, absence does not always equate to time mismanagement.

Although ministers’ have outlined reasons why absenteeism is reaching crisis levels, they fail to point out that another reason for absenteeism could be motivation, or lack thereof. In my opinion, motivation is one of, if not the most important keys to a student’s success in their studies at school. It becomes an even more crucial factor once they commence their Victorian Certificate of Education. As a student currently undertaking my VCE, I have noticed how difficult it is to put effort into my studies when I have a lack of motivation. Not only have I noticed it within myself, but also within my peer group. I see many of peers struggling with their studies because they aren’t interested in the tasks at hand. Is it really the parents that are at fault or could changes to schools curriculum assist in making students more motivated?

Instead of pointing the finger, education ministers’ could take it upon themselves to call for more activities for students that are based outside the school grounds. As Mr Andrew Blair, Victorian president of the Secondary Principals Association stated, school may not be the right place for students in Years 8 and 9. I believe Mr Blair also makes a valid point about community learning programs and how they could be beneficial if introduced. I am rather confident that parents, teachers and students alike would embrace a system where students are taken out of the school environment and placed into one that is more motivational and nurturing.

A system such as this could also be beneficial to students’ mental and psychological health in the long term. I personally have seen peers suffer from breakdowns and depression caused by the pressure and stress of school. This can have a devastating effect on not only to the student involved but also to all of the students’ peers. Being a part of a group that has low morale can further increase strain on the individual.

In conclusion, I believe that something does need to be done about the increase in absenteeism. Perhaps, instead of placing the blame on others, everyone could do their bit to help. Since all are trying to help the students, let’s try to actually help the students‘.

 
Sincerely, 
 
Melissa Cvetanoska
 

I remember... Part Two

When we got to the hospital Dad lead us to a ward with lots of beds and lots of babies. Dad then stopped, opened a door and walked in. My sister and I followed. My mum was resting on a hospital bed holding a bundle of blankets with my brother inside. I walked over to the bed. Dad picked me up so I could see my brother. He was so small and had no hair. I was surprised. I though babies had hair. I placed Pam Pam next to him but Dad picked Pam Pam up and gave him back to me. I was really confused. I thought that that was what my parents wanted. “Pam Pam is your special toy. Adrian will have one too.” Adrian. My baby brother finally had a name.

At that moment I realised that I was now a big sister and that I had to take care of my brother. 10 years on I still watch out for my baby brother and I still care about him as much as I did the day he was born. But he’s not a baby anymore. Although I would like it if he doesn’t grow another day older, I know that he will and soon he can take care of himself. 

I remember...

I remember...the day my brother was born. I mean how could I forget a day that significant? It was a significant day for two reasons. Obviously my brothers’ birth was quite a change but what struck me as strange was the day he was born. He was born on Christmas Day, 1993.

It was a lovely summer morning. The sun was out early, a pleasant day to spend with your family. I got up nice and early so I could go and wish my family a Merry Christmas and of course, to see whether I got any presents. But to my surprise, I found no one in the lounge, kitchen or any of the bedrooms. I thought this was quite strange seeing as they never left me alone in the house without telling me where they were going or when they‘d be back. So I did what any other 6-year-old would do, I pinched myself. I felt pain so I was obviously awake.

All of a sudden, I heard the back door close. I was scared. I thought that the boogie monster had come into the house. And so I ran to my room, jumped on my bed and hid underneath my covers. I was panting loudly. Then whatever it was came into my room. It started towards my bed, reached for my covers and pulled me out from under them. I had my eyes closed tightly until I heard a familiar voice. “Mimi, what are you doing under there?” My sister blurted out. I slowly opened my eyes and saw my sister standing there, quite bemused. “What’s wrong?” She asked puzzled. “Nothing! I thought you were the boogie monster.” She began to laugh. Then I remembered that she was the only family member that I had seen. “Where’s mum and dad?” I asked. “They’ve gone to the hospital”. “Why?” I asked. “Mum’s about to have the baby, silly.” I almost fell over. I didn’t believe her so I went and checked every room in my house twice. When I was satisfied that my sister wasn’t lying, I asked her when we were going to go to the hospital. “When dad comes to get us” she said.

I sat there thinking for a while. Before that I hadn’t really thought about what it would be like having a younger brother. Did I have to give him all of my toys? Did he get my bedroom? Would mum and dad love him more? I sat in my room all day thinking about how everything would change.

At about 5pm dad came home from the hospital. He told us that mum and my new baby brother were both fine and that we could go and visit them. On the way there in the car, I kept staring at my favourite toy, Pam Pam. I knew that my baby brother had no toys and so I made the decision to give him Pam Pam.

STOLEN

9th January 1966

I see ... mum. She is not looking at me. She is twisting the tea towel. There is no noise but I feel something is wrong. She turns to me and smiles. She asks me what we are going to do, maybe go to the lolly shop or buy a new dress. Yes, mum is going to buy me a big present. She tells me that she is going to the shop and she will be back for me. Water is coming out of my eyes. She leaves and I look outside the window. There is a woman there waiting. She puts her arm around my mum and there is a man, he is walking to my house. He does not look friendly. He sees me looking at him through the window. My pants are wet now. I see a white mist and I remember nothing after that.

10th January 1966

I see ... dull, colourless walls. I am moving down a long corridor and I wonder where I am. A woman who I don’t know leads me into a room with double doors. I see five beds with drab bedspreads. There are five beds but only four children. They are staring at me and I feel afraid. The woman tells me that it is my new home. I don’t understand what happened to my old home.

11th January 1966

I see ... the children rush to get into a straight line when a bell rings. The woman tells me that I must get into the line and get into my place which is next to the children closest to my skin colour. They are strangers. A man and another woman come into the room. They look at us. I don’t understand what they are looking for. Maybe I can help them look for it. It must be hidden or invisible. The man stands in front of me now. He points at me. The other children are angry with me. A boy kicks me from behind. It hurts. The woman plunges my bag into my arms. My feet are moving in the direction of the couple. I am hungry. I follow the couple to a shiny, black box. The man gets inside and the box suddenly makes noises. It is breathing. We get inside and then the ground is moving. The man is telling the box where to go and the box is listening to him. Pretty soon we stop moving. I carry my bag inside. The building is big. It must be a hospital.

12th January 1966

I see ... the potatoes on the man’s plate. They are hot and they have a yellow paste melting over them. He likes potatoes like me. He is putting them in his mouth and watching me watch him. The potatoes are getting smaller but my stomach is getting louder. Be quiet silly stomach. The man is finished. He is looking at me. His mouth is not moving. The woman puts a bucket into my hand and a cloth in the other. She tells me that I must wipe the floor before I get some food. I dream of potatoes in my stomach but the bucket is heavy in my hand. I put the cloth inside. The water is cold. It smells funny. The hospital is big but I don’t see any other people. I wipe the floor and the man is looking at me. My knees hurt on the hard floor. The woman tells me that I missed a spot under the man’s shoes. When I am finished the woman points in the direction of the trough and I put the bucket inside it. I hang the cloth over the side of the trough just like my mum does when she is finished the dirty dishes. My hands smell funny. The woman gives me another cloth. They must be my potatoes inside but my potatoes don’t smell good. In fact they don’t smell at all. My potatoes are bread. The bread is white and hard. It crumbles when I try to break it with my fingers. My bread begins to taste like my hands. My bread is gone very quickly.

I see ... no people in the hospital except the man and the woman. Maybe the people are upstairs. I follow the woman upstairs but there are no people and no doctors or nurses. I am not in a hospital but rather a very big house with nobody in it. I wonder what the man and woman are trying to keep inside their big house. The woman tells me to put on my other dress and I do it. I struggle with the buttons but she does not help me like my mum does. I want to know where my mum is but I don’t know where to look for her. We return downstairs and the man points to the shiny black box that we came in. We go to the playground. We go to the shop. He buys me fish and chips. He puts a white doll in my hands. Then we go back into the shiny black box. He must be hot, he is taking off his pants. He takes my dress off.

14th January 1966

I see ... the children again. I cannot feel my legs but I somehow struggle to my bed. They ask me questions about where the man and woman took me and what they gave me. I cannot tell them everything because the man said that I couldn’t.

18th January 1966

I see ... the man again.

25th January 1966

I see ... the man again.

1st February 1966

I see... the man again.

18th February 1966

I see ... a girl. She is in the mirror. She is not smiling. She is not looking at any direction in particular. She has bruises on her body. She is me. Scream. Scream. Scream. Scream.