RAVERS DESCRIBE THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF ECSTASY USE

Dear Ann Landers:

This is in response to the letter about the drug ecstasy from Drug
Enforcement Administration administrator Donnie Marshall. The ecstasy
knockoff known as PMA, which has been taking the lives of many young
Americans, is today's version of bathtub gin. The black market has no
controls for quality or user age. Unlike legitimate businesses that sell
alcohol, illegal drug dealers do not ask for ID. The drug war fails
miserably at its primary mandate: protecting children from drugs.

Politicians should stop worrying about the message drug-policy reform sends
and start thinking about the children.

ROBERT SHARPE, program officer, The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy
Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Thanks for your interesting viewpoint. Here's more on the subject:

From Dallas: Ecstasy is fun. It gives you an overwhelming sense of
happiness and love. True, it's not real, but so what? If you take ecstasy,
be sure you get it from a trusted source and drink lots of water. Also,
don't take any alcohol with it. It could result in brain damage or death.

Nashville: It's been two years since my experience with ecstasy, and I am
still in therapy. I was almost raped and have lost my short-term memory.

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: While the letter about ecstasy was valid, I would
like to point out that glowsticks are not a dependable sign of ecstasy use.
Glowsticks are popular dance props with teenagers who listen to techno,
electronic, or rave music.

Oakland, Calif.: If ecstasy were legal, rave promoters and staff would be
able to help injured kids without fear of legal reprisal. People are
worried they will be arrested if they take someone to the hospital or call 911.

New York: I used ecstasy for five years, but only on weekends. I often felt
depressed on Monday mornings, but continued to take ecstasy because it was
so pleasant. This is classic addicted behavior. I can no longer ignore the
effect it has had on my health. My hair is thin and breaks off easily. My
skin is sallow, and I have perpetual acne. Due to the grinding, my teeth
have become crooked and sharp. Ecstasy is not worth the misery you suffer
later on.