UNECSTATIC

Re: "Joy of ecstasy," Letter, Dec. 8.

Jean-Pierre Grenier compares a report of 22 deaths due to the drug ecstasy
to the "thousands" of deaths due to alcohol, and asserts that ecstasy is
"statistically safer" than alcohol. Rhetorical nonsense aside, Grenier's
statistical reasoning neglects the basic fact that both a numerator and a
denominator are required to calculate risk.

Ecstasy (which is a name for the chemical substance 3-4
methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA) can produce elevations in
temperature and blood pressure that can be fatal. This drug also causes
brain damage.

Brain-imaging studies have clearly and repeatedly shown that MDMA damages
or kills brain cells that use the neurotransmitter serotonin. This damage
can result in long-term, perhaps irreversible, changes to mood and
thinking. Why do some people insist on obfuscating the dangers associated
with this drug?

Scott B. Patten, M.D.

Calgary

Dr. Scott Patten is an associate professor of medicine at the University of
Calgary.