ECSTASY IS 'PART OF LIFE' SAY USERS

Ecstasy is viewed as a normal part of recreational and social life by
drug users in Northern Ireland, ground-breaking research has shown.

Work carried out by Queen's University gives, for the first time, a
vivid insight into the lives of those who use Ecstasy and other drugs.
The study, which took a year and a half to complete, involved in-depth
interviews with around 100 current and former Ecstasy users.

Many reported positive rather than negative experiences when using
Ecstasy and many used it in combination with other illicit drugs or
alcohol. It was reported that Ecstasy tablets sold for around pounds 10
each in
Northern Ireland during the time of the study. Some heavy users
claimed to spend more than of pounds 500 on Ecstasy and other drugs
each month.

However, people's knowledge about the long-term effects of using drugs
was limited. The researchers, Karen McElrath and Kieran McEvoy, recommended
that "if we are to ensure that the harm caused by such drugs is minimised,
then we must educate users, and potential users, with accurate and
objective information and avoid the tendency to exaggerate or
sensationalise drug information".

Few of those interviewed had any notion about safe levels of water
consumption while taking Ecstasy. Many mistakenly believed that alcohol is
a safe substitute for water. Many frequented dance or rave venues when
taking Ecstasy and it was found that there was a lack of concern about
driving while under the influence of the drug.

Work performance was another area affected by drug use. Some of those
interviewed reported that they had lost days from work, had poor work
performance and, in some cases, had even been dismissed as a result of
using Ecstasy.

The researchers recommended that health and safety information should
be made more widely available.

Funding for the research, which also involved observations in rave,
dance and club venues across Northern Ireland, was made available by
the Central Co-ordinating Group on Action Against Drugs.

The report, Ecstasy Use in Northern Ireland, is available from the
Stationery Office bookshops for pounds 15.