THE DRUG ECSTASY AND RAVES SET OFF A LIVELY DEBATE

Dear Ann Landers

This is in response to the letter from drug enforcement administrator
Donnie Marshall about ecstasy. The ecstasy knock-off known as PMA
that has been taking the lives of young North 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. They push trendy, synthetic "club
drugs" when given the chance. The drug war fails miserably at its
primary mandate - protecting children from drugs.

The Netherlands has successfully reduced overall drug use by
regulating and taxing marijuana as a legal drug and establishing age
controls. Politicians should stop worrying about the message drug
policy reform sends and start thing about the children.

Robert Sharpe, MPA, program officer, the Lindesmith Centre-Drug Policy
Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Dear Robert Sharpe,

Thanks for your interesting viewpoint. I hope your letter will wake up
some of those "sleeping beauties".

Here's more:

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.

Johnstown, Pa.: I am a senior in high school and have been going to
raves almost weekly. I took my mother to a rave, and we danced until
5 a.m. She had the time of her life. We were drug-free and surrounded
by friends.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio: I am 19 and have been attending raves for two
years. People go for the music, not the drugs. Security personnel
frisk everyone.

Nashville, Tenn.: 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.

Sydney, Australia: Here in Australia, there are RaveSafe
organizations that provide guidelines on how to stay safe while using
ecstasy, including the need to drink water to prevent dehydration.
You also can buy testing kits that will tell you if the pills contain
MDMA or something more dangerous.

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 very popular dance props with teen-agers
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, but continued to take ecstasy because
it was so pleasant - classic addicted behavior. I can no longer
ignore its effect 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 are crooked and sharp. Ecstasy is not worth the
misery.