ECSTACY IS THE 'LOVE DRUG' WITHOUT A HEART

Julie came home from a date with some serious problems. Her heart rate was
elevated and her body temperature was through the roof, she had muscle
cramping and chills. As her parents took her to the hospital emergency room
they thought this was a bad case of the flu, but they learned that she was
suffering side effects from the use of ecstasy. It turns out that her date
had taken her to a party where she was given a tablet to "unwind."

The result was near death.

Dr. Peter Galvan, coroner for St Tammany Parish, stated that ecstasy or
MDmA has some of the characteristics of methamphetamine "a poor man's
cocaine." He further states that ecstasy is sometimes found at small group
parties of high school students in the parish. He knows of local deaths
related to ecstasy overdose and one case where ecstasy contributed to a
suicide. It acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogenic drug. Its' toxicity
makes it dangerous and can create a paradoxical effect of unusual behavior.
He advises parents to look for signs of extreme sleepiness in their
children as a sign of possible ecstasy use.

Ecstasy has become a popular "designer" drug for our youth. Tablets come in
more than 150 colors and shapes with different symbols like the Calvin
Klein logo embossed on the surface. It is concealed in containers
originally designed to carry legal products such as mints, gums or vitamins.

Termed 'the feel good" drug, devotees say it produces profoundly positive
feelings, empathy for others, elimination of anxiety and extreme
relaxation. Also known as the "hug drug" or "love drug." Its effects last
about six hours while the unpleasant after-effects may last 24 hours or longer.

Parties such are raves are a haven for ecstasy use. Loud music and bright
flashing lights are more vivid and stimulating under the influence of
ecstasy. It is estimated that more than three million teenagers in America
have already tried ecstasy while only 1 percent of parents believe their
son or daughter is among them. Ecstasy is easy to conceal.

Here are some signs that your child may be under the influence of ecstasy:
elevated heart rate; blurred vision; confusion; faintness; trance like
state; clenching of teeth; overly affectionate behavior; muscle tension;
paranoia.

Typical paraphernalia found with ecstasy includes pacifiers used to relieve
jaw tension; glow sticks used to heighten sensory stimulation while under
the influence; and excessive water consumption to help relieve the high
body temperature resulting from use.

About 80 percent of ecstasy comes from the Netherlands. Because it is lab
produced it is very difficult to know exactly what is in the tablet. They
can be laced with other chemicals unrelated to ecstasy. In its pure form or
mixed with other substances it can and has been fatal.

Teens are often told that ecstasy is not harmful or addictive. This is not
true. Even small amounts of ecstasy can cause brain damage and loss of
memory. Other side effects that have been observed include kidney and
cardiovascular system failure as well as muscle breakdown. Ecstasy can make
people do things they regret later. Users can loose self-control, and
others may take advantage of them. It has been recently discovered that
some users are mixing ecstasy with Viagra. Go figure....

As a Schedule 1 drug, ecstasy is illegal to use, posses or distribute. Talk
to your children about this and other drugs and explain the risks.
Remember, they think they are invincible. It is our responsibility as
parents to teach them otherwise.

For more information or help please call PRIDE at 893-5247 or visit our
website at www.preventionwithpride.org. At this site we link you to
information about all types of drugs, their effects, treatment and
parenting tips.

TONY VOLZ is executive director of PRIDE, The Parents Resource Institute
for Drug Education.