Parties, raves, nightclubs, bars and dances are a way for young people to enjoy themselves – not put their lives on the line.

But that’s what some are doing by taking so-called party drugs.

Sadly, many think the pills they are buying – from unscrupulous dealers – are safe.

But nothing could be further from the truth.

There are many dangers associated with taking drugs such as ecstacy and amphetamines, which can also cause short and long-term psychological problems.

In hot and humid dance or rave environments, the combination of taking party drugs and dancing for long periods can lead to dehydration and raise body temperatures to dangerous levels.

Dealing with the fall-out of these drugs is nothing new to staff in our hospital emergency wards.

These drugs can also cause a “hangover effect” that lasts for several days.

The deaths of two young men – at Kurri Kurri and Cessnock – have once again highlighted the dangers of taking illegal drugs.

Central Hunter commander Superintendent John Gralton said the two men, aged in their early 20s, are believed to have died from a combination of drugs thought to be ecstacy and amphetamines.

Supt Gralton warned that the tag party drugs is dangerous and that there is a great deal if misinformation about them.

Be warned. There are no safe party drugs.

It’s just not worth the risk.