FAMILY NIGHT ADDRESSES ECSTASY DRUG

Seventh- and eighth-grade members of the Hillsborough Middle School's
Student Leadership Corps will highlight the dangers of the "club drug"
ecstasy during the school's fourth annual Family Night on Wednesday.

"We've learned from national research that this is a drug that is quickly
rising in popularity among young people," said Anna Mahler, coordinator of
the program. She added that while many parents may be able to recognize the
warning signs of alcohol or other drugs, they might not be able to
recognize the warning signs of ecstasy as easily.

Ecstasy is an illegal stimulant drug that has the effects of both a
methamphetamine (speed) and a hallucinogenic, such as mescaline, Ms. Mahler
said.

The drug is known as the "love drug" or "hug drug" since the drug
accelerates the release of seratonin in the brain, creating an intense high
that causes the user to crave love, acceptance and physical contact with
others, according to Ms. Mahler. Ecstasy is known as a "club drug" because
it was once used largely at dance clubs and all night parties, known as
"raves." More recently, however, the drug has made its way into parties
held at the homes of teens in suburban households everywhere.

"We're not immune to this here in the suburbs," Ms. Mahler said, noting
that Internet propaganda has given many teens the misconception that
ecstasy is not harmful, but she emphasizes that nothing could be further
from the truth.

Research conducted by the Partnership for a Drug Free America indicates
that the mix of "acid" and "speed" found in ecstasy can cause irreversible
brain damage.

During the Family Night presentation parents and their children will be
informed of the dangers of the "club drug" through an entertaining and
interactive program presented by the Student Leadership Corps, whose
mission is to serve as peer counselors and promote a healthy, drug-free
lifestyle.

Family Night will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Hillsborough Middle School
Media Center. The evening will include information booths, a drug trivia
contest, door prizes, small group discussions and refreshments.

Ms. Mahler noted that the program is especially geared towards children and
parents in grades 5 and up. There is no charge for the evening but
pre-registration is necessary.