CLUBBERS WARNED OF AGEING RISK OF ECSTASY

Clubbers are being warned that taking the drug ecstasy, even in small
doses, could make them old before their time.

Scientists say the drug is robbing its users of important quantities of
seratonin, causing an accelerated ageing process in the brain.

"In disorders like Alzheimer's disease, which normally occur in later life,
it is usually characterised by the loss of various transmitters such as
seratonin" said researcher Dr. Michael Morgan.

"Ecstasy causes an accelerated ageing process and these people are
predisposing themselves to dementia-type problems in middle age."

However, clubbers have dismissed the concerns highlighted on the BBC's
'Frontline Scotland' to be broadcast tonight, claiming there is no
definite proof of the worrying findings. "I don't think people are really
concerned with what's going to happen to them in 30 or 40 years," said one.

Studies in Scotland, Wales and the USA are currently investigating the
links between ecstasy and brain damage.

The scientists are collaborating in an attempt to draw conclusive and
definite answers to the worrying problem.

Dr David Semple at Edinburgh University is conducting pioneering research
into the effects of the drug with a revolutionary brain scan.

Using a special scanning technique called Spet imaging, Dr Semple is
studying the possible connections with ecstasy and effects on the mind.

"In the short term they may suffer from depression, panic attacks and
psychosis but in the longer term, and perhaps more worryingly, chronic
depression and chroninc memory impairment," he said.

Dr George Ricaurte of John Hopkins University in Baltimore said the damage
caused to their brains by ecstasy users might be irreversible.

"Every individual who is using ecstasy is at risk of depleting a reserve
of brain seratonin that might otherwise protect them in future years from
developing depression, anxiety and eating disturbances," he said.

Dr Ricaurte's team has put his theories to the test using a number of
animals and are currently working with 14 ecstasy users.

Shug
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