ECSTASY RISK A MATTER OF DEBATE

WATERLOO -- Local police called in an expert yesterday to help stem the
growing popularity of ecstasy among young people.

Known for its energizing, euphoric and mildly hallucinogenic effects, the
amphetamine-based drug has already been blamed for several non-fatal
overdoses in Waterloo Region, including three cases in a two-week period
this summer.

But while use continues to increase among kids as young as 12, police are
worried that ecstasy's reputation as a relatively harmless drug is still
going unchallenged.

"It's not safe,'' said Staff Sgt. Ray Massicotte, head of the drug branch
for Waterloo regional police. "We need to remain vigilant and we need to
educate ourselves about the pitfalls.''

To that end, an ecstasy expert from the Centre for Addiction and Mental
Health in Toronto was invited to address about 100 student staff members at
the Turret, a campus nightclub at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Dr. Stephen Kish, a researcher, pharmacologist and associate professor,
carefully avoided a sermon on the evils of a drug first made popular at
underground raves, or all-night dance parties.

While users stubbornly insist it's a risk-free high, he said, the fact is
scientists have yet to produce results proving serious long-term health
effects.

"There's a major issue in regards to ecstasy,'' said Kish. "How dangerous,
really, is the drug? It depends who you ask."

In the United States, he said, the federal government has said even one
dose of ecstasy causes brain damage. In Switzerland, officials have come to
the completely opposite conclusion, deeming it a safe substance to take.

Kish said the ongoing confusion and controversy have made it "almost
impossible to obtain accurate information.''

Still, based on his own research and review of studies from around the
world, he said there is undoubtedly enough evidence to make users think
twice about the risks.

Most troubling is a small but real chance of death as ecstasy increases
body temperature. Even in relatively modest doses, often coupled with
strenuous physical activity such as dancing, it can trigger fatal hyperthermia.

In some cases where users experiencing extreme overheating try to
compensate by drinking huge amounts of liquids, Kish said, the result can
be fatal "water intoxication.''

Although ecstasy is probably not addictive, he said, users typically have
day-after hangovers including mild depression and exhaustion.

And while the scientific jury is still out, suspected effects of prolonged
use include psychiatric disorders, insomnia and short-term memory loss.

Kish said the key question, as yet unanswered, is whether ecstasy causes
permanent brain damage, a consequence that would clearly push it into the
category of hard drugs like cocaine.

Meanwhile, users unwittingly acting as guinea pigs should also be worried
about other drugs and substances that are often added to pure ecstasy
during production in crude facilities.

Massicotte said that is one of his main concerns after tests on ecstasy
seized locally revealed some of the colourful tablets, usually stamped with
logos or cartoon characters, also contained cocaine, speed or heroin.

"The problem is, we don't know what it is and people don't know what
they're taking,'' he said. "It's very frightening.''

Sold for about $25 a tablet, enough to produce a high lasting several
hours, ecstasy use exploded in the region last year and has been building
ever since.