tablets. However, users report that it takes at least five pills to get any feeling. Herbal Ecstasy is a blend or herbs, caffeine, and vitamins designed to give an X buzz without the hangover. Not surprisingly, according to Zukeran (1995), "most who have tried it say it isnt nearly as good as the real thing" (6). (Since some ravers feel they need to take more Herbal X to get the same buzz, there is a danger of overdosing. Due to the FDA investigation and fear of Herbal X being fatal in large doses, some stores have stopped selling Herbal X products). Luckily for law-abiding ravers, herbal highs still come in the form of "smart drinks." Alcohol is pass, and smart drinks are the beverages of choice at raves. McKusick (1992) notes that due to the high temperatures, ravers drink plenty of water and vitamin-enriched fruit smoothies called smart drinks. A $5 drink typically has a base of juice-blends with B complex vitamins, bee pollen, Ma Hung and Ginseng added as an extra energy supply. Because of the prevalence of herbal and synthetic drugs in the subculture, many rituals exist to heighten the drug experiences. Insider terms for these customary practices include body and hand rituals. For instance, "roll aid" spells relief. A roll aid is a baby-sitter, someone who watches over a first timer, or a "virgin"; a "rub down" is what a roll aid or fellow roller gives someone to loosen muscles. One of the side effects of X is tense muscles, relieved only by a massage. Plus, since X heightens sensual perceptions, being touched is extremely intense. Rub downs may involve baby oil or Vicks to further stimulate the senses. These massages may occur in a "love circle," a love-in type circle of ravers. In addition to body massages, hand rubs are also very popular. One ritual stemming from hand massages is a transference of energy called the "snap." When someone is massaging anothers hand, that person will quickly snap their hand away, causing a loss of ...
