Going on spring break is a great adventure. All of that wonderful youth; future leaders of the free world; libations pouring freely; harmones running amuck.

In the frenzy of all the good times and shaking your "bun-buns", unfortunately, there are people out there who will, in some way, try to take advantage of you or even physically hurt you.

Sorry to sound so dire, but I want this to be a "shake you awake" article and to provide some suggestions for you. So, it is not all bad.

Protect your personal safety and your identity safety (i.e. credit card compromised, identity stolen, etc.). See article titled "Spring break - Protect your Identity listed under "Travel"

Unfortunately, for personal safety the young women are the most victimized. One of the major tools used in the victimization of the young women is the "date rape" drug. Actually, there are 3 types of "date rape" drugs used to take advantage of the young women, which could lead to more physical harm up to and including death - either at the hands of the "perp" or by the drug itself. All of the "date rape" drugs can affect you quite quickly. Of course the time it takes to affect you will depend on how much of the drug is consumed; what other substances (alcohol or other stuff) is mixed with the "date rape" drugs.

All of the "date rape" drugs have the same basic affects on the body - i.e. relaxation; seizures; loss of memory or you don't know what happened while you were drugged; sweating spells; drowsiness; blurred vision; and other bad things, even death.

The 3 "date rape" drugs are:

GHP(gamma hydroxybutyric acid) can be liquid with no color or odor; white powder; or a pill.

Ketamine is a white powder and dissolves quickly in liquid. It can even be inhaled.

Rohypnol is normally in a pill form, which can be easily dissolved in liquid. Some of the pills turn blueish when you put them in liquid. Some of the pills exhibit no color when dissolved in liquid.

Here are some suggestions that might help with your personal safety

With harmones running amuck, always, always use a condom. No exception

Take lots of pictures with your i-phone or other cell phone device. Those pictures might help in identifying the people you were with

Travel in groups. Go with with 3 or 4 of your friends when you go out and don't take that "adventure" alone. If you are so inclined always tell at least 2 of your friends where you are going and who you are going with. In fact, have a picture taken of you and the "adventurer" with whom you are leaving.

Establish a schedule with your family and friends for when you will call them - an operations report to say all is well; when you will meet them and where, etc.

Don't drink from public drinking bowls. you want to see what you are drinking and where the booze came from. Even if you see someone "open" a "new" bottle and pour the contents in a bowl of punch - beware.

Don't leave your drink - like going to the restroom with your "bestest" friends. If you do buy another drink.

Be aware of strange colored drinks or strange tasting drinks.

When in doubt CALL A COP

Have a great spring break and get back safely to your loved ones.

Please visit Spring break planning and Floridaful souvenir

Have a Great, Safe Spring break

About the Author: Willie R. Williams is a Viet Nam Veteran, retired Human Resources professional, husband, father and grandfather with college aged kids. Please visit Travel America-ful advisory and tips which is a site that allows visitors to share their travel experiences with other visitors to the site. His hobbies are reading, fishing, listening to the blues, and golfing.