PARENTS IN DENIAL ON ECSTASY

Although many kinds of drug abuse can destroy a person's life, no illegal
substance is more dangerous than ecstasy.

There is scientific evidence that the synthetic psychoactive drug can cause
permanent brain damage.

But despite warnings, organizations such as Partnership for a Drug-Free
America report that 12 percent of American teenagers use, or have used, the
drug.

Equally disturbing is that most parents, though they know how dangerous
ecstasy is, are in denial.

A recent national survey showed that only 1 percent of parents think their
children use ecstasy, according to the partnership.

What will it take to make parents see that their children could be using the
drug? A tragic death or a bad experience that leaves a youngster a
vegetable?

Law enforcement agencies, schools and other institutions that look after the
welfare of young people can only do so much.

Ultimately, parents must be on the alert for signs of drug abuse, such as
rebellious behavior, unexpected mood changes, attention problems, anxiety
and poor memory. Parents also can talk to other parents, school counselors,
law enforcement agencies and -- most important -- their children.

Ignoring the danger could have tragic consequences.