ECSTASY FOCUS OF MILITARY'S NEW DRUG FIGHT

The armed forces are reported to be worried about skyrocketing use of
Ecstasy and other so-called club drugs among troops.

Ecstasy is the nickname for the synthetic amphetamine MDMA. The drug,
which is the size of an aspirin tablet, has hallucinogenic effects on users.

Drug testing by the three service branches has shown that Ecstasy usage has
jumped as much as 12 times from where it was two years ago, according to a
report today in USA Today.

"The availability of club drugs is absolutely a major source of concern,"
the paper quoted Col. Peter Durand, a drug and alcohol-abuse program
manager for the Air Force.

It said the armed services are taking steps to counter the drug abuse problem:

The Air Force, which tests 70% of its personnel each year, is increasing
random tests and weekend screenings.

The Navy has formed a task force to examine sailors' use of "club drugs."

Next year, the military expects to unveil a test that can better detect
Ecstasy.

Less than 1% of military personnel have tested positive for illegal drugs
in recent years, the paper reported, but screening through random urine
testing might be failing to detect the extent of Ecstasy usage.

Ecstasy, unlike other substances, can pass from the body within 48 hours.

Tests are conducted at least once a year by most of the services.