EXTASY: THE 'HIGH' THAT KILLS

They are increasingly available, these little pills that flow freely
from labs, offering an extreme sense of wellbeing to young people
looking for intense stimulation. The growing popularity of "raves"
contributed in no small way to the expanding market for this drug,
little known ten years ago, but now a regular topic of news reports.

The increase of ecstasy consumption is certainly not a cause for
celebration. This extremely dangerous hallucinogen creates an
illusion of wellbeing and confidence, which belies the extreme, even
irreversible, mental and physical health risks it entails.
Depression, paranoia, memory loss, suicidal thoughts, brain damage,
coma, cardiovascular damage, pulmonary lesions, internal hemorrhaging
and convulsions are only a few of the possible consequences of
repeated use. And that's not including the undesirable secondary
effects, such as nausea, overheating and blurry vision, which can
result from even a single dose. The exact nature of these risks can
never be accurately calculated, because there is no quality control
exercised in the production of ecstasy.

As with all drugs, it is essential that those who are at risk of
being tempted by the false promises of this drug receive clear and
accurate information. Prevention remains the best way to save lives,
and it's a responsibility shared by each and every one of us.