Many said they don't take drugs but relish the atmosphere of acceptance at raves that they do not find among the cliques at school. Drugs are everywhere. It's all about the music, the love, the vibe.'' Even those who shun the drugs admitted that an Ecstasy undercurrent defines the party, the music and even the fashion. The concession stand catered to Ecstasy users. The drug causes involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and nonstop dancing leads to dehydration.
Ravers suck pacifiers to unclench their jaws and lollipops to lubricate their mouths.
As the night wore on in North Bergen, teenagers huddled cross-legged in clumps, knees and shoulders touching or bodies intertwined like nesting hamsters. New acquaintances kissed for hours or massaged one another's shoulders. Her name is being withheld because of her age. Raving is not a crime,'' she said. Possessing and taking Ecstasy are illegal, but the police rarely raid these well-publicized raves.