CANBERRA SUMMIT HEARS OF PARTY DRUG DANGERS

A national drug summit being held in Canberra today has heard there have
been around 20 recorded deaths from ecstasy in Australia in the last 10 years.

The Australian Medical Association has brought together key drug support
agencies, doctors and nightclub representatives for the one day summit on
party drugs.

The focus of the talks will be on harm minimisation in the dance party culture.

AMA president Kerryn Phelps says party drugs are a significant public
health issue.

"There is emerging evidence that drugs many of the users consider are
probably safe in the short-term may have adverse long-term effects and I
think that we certainly need to encourage more research into that area so
that people are able to make a more informed decision," she said.