cannabisnews.com: DrugSense Weekly February 2, 2001 #185 DrugSense Weekly February 2, 2001 #185 Posted by FoM on February 02, 2001 at 15:18:37 PT 'Just Say No' Wins Few Points With Ravers Source: DrugSense The big news out of a recent key study measuring trends in high school drug use was that while the use of all illegal substances had leveled off last year, regular Ecstasy use among 12th-graders had increased significantly up from 5.6% in 1999 to 8.2% in 2000. A survey released in November by the Partnership for a Drug Free America showed a similar pattern. This information culminates a year of news about Ecstasy, also known by its chemical name, MDMA. Nearly 1,000 news reports told of increased supply and demand, as indicated by Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs seizures, as well as arrests of distributors associated with organized crime.There were reports of adverse reactions to the drug, even fatalities. Emergency room visits increased as several "ravers" attending huge, all night dance parties collapsed and convulsed. Nine young people died from taking adulterated substances (known as "fake Ecstasy") containing poisonous substitute chemicals. Finally there were National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, reports of possible changes in the brains of users and fluctuating levels of the mood controlling chemical serotonin. This troubling news inspired a federal program designed to alert the public, and young people in particular, to the dangers of Ecstasy.Although TV programs and ad campaigns have sent out the alarm about MDMA, use has continued to rise among teenagers. To understand why, it is important to understand the experience of Ecstasy.I first learned about MDMA in a 1985 Time magazine story. The then legal stimulant had a very small place on the drug scene since the 1970s. A clever marketing decision to call it "Ecstasy" resulted in attracting an eclectic mix of affluent enthusiasts. Avantgarde therapists were joined by New Age professionals, Deadheads and Dallas yuppies.I wanted to know more about the euphoric drug called "a six hour orgasm" by some and "penicillin for the soul" by others, so in 1987 I launched the first federally funded sociological study of Ecstasy users in the U.S.In interviews with 100 adults averaging 35 years old, we learned that regardless of the user's background, his or her descriptions of the benefits of Ecstasy were consistent. The feeling on MDMA was described as complete acceptance of and by others. Users talked of diminished fear and an increased ability to communicate. We heard much about expressions of tolerance and love as defenses melted away. Most striking, the individuals told us they derived these positive feelings from precious few other settings.If mature adults found MDMA use so fulfilling, I could only imagine how alluring it would be for teenagers in their adolescent struggles. Although teenagers hadn't been part of the Ecstasy scene back then, it was only a matter of time and availability.As a parent, I worry about possible adverse effects of Ecstasy on the human brain. I applaud a $ 54million research program supported by NIDA and urge further studies of potential long term damage. I urge careful dissemination of research findings because teenagers are not likely to be deterred by hysterical warnings about possible problems in their distant future. When I ask teenage users why they have not heeded government warnings of possible brain damage, these veterans of "just say no" express deep cynicism. "Oh yes," said one 18-year-old regarding problematic brain changes attributed to Ecstasy, "they told us about that with marijuana too. But none of us believes we have holes in our brains, so we just laugh at those messages."I am very concerned about the use of MDMA in dangerous settings. Most of the Ecstasy related problems at raves can be attributed to dancing too hard and too long and becoming overheated and dehydrated. Young people need to know that heatstroke can be avoided by cooling off and drinking water. Perhaps the most significant problem facing would be MDMA users is deadly adulterants masquerading as Ecstasy. I support efforts of organizations like DanceSafe, which tests pills to determine whether they are potentially dangerous look alikes or the real thing. Young people are concerned too, as evidenced by their own efforts to educate themselves about Ecstasy's dangers. We could, of course, continue to try (unsuccessfully) to scare teenagers into abstinence, as we have for two decades. But I believe a more realistic, pragmatic approach to Ecstasy is "harm reduction." While, of course, we would rather they abstained completely, teens should have accurate information about Ecstasy to avoid serious mishaps. This may sound heretical, but safety should be the bottom line. By Marsha RosenbaumMarsha Rosenbaum directs the San Francisco office of the Lindesmith, Center Drug Policy Foundation and is coauthor with Jerome E. Beck of, "Pursuit of Ecstasy The MDMA Experience" (SUNY Press, 1994). Web site: http://drugpolicy.org/Published: January 31, 2001Copyright 2001 / Los Angeles TimesClick the link to read of DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin.DrugSense Weekly February 2, 2001 #185http://drugsense.org/dsw/2001/ds01.n185.htmlCannabisNews MapInc. Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/MAP.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #6 posted by FoM on March 02, 2001 at 14:16:08 PT: DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin DrugSense Weekly March 2, 2001 #189http://drugsense.org/dsw/2001/ds01.n189.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on February 23, 2001 at 14:48:03 PT: DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin DrugSense Weekly - February 23, 2001 #188http://drugsense.org/dsw/2001/ds01.n188.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 16, 2001 at 17:02:03 PT DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin DrugSense Weekly February 16, 2001 #187http://drugsense.org/dsw/2001/ds01.n187.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 09, 2001 at 11:17:13 PT: DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin DrugSense Weekly News Bulletin February 9, 2001 #186http://drugsense.org/dsw/2001/ds01.n186.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Dan B on February 02, 2001 at 21:08:36 PT: I Second the Motion, Dr. Russo! I recently read her very well-researched, well-written pamphlet titled "Safety First: A Reality-Based Approach to Teens, Drugs, and Drug Education." Many of you might remember the famous letter to her son published in 1998 titled "A Mother's Advice About Drugs." This letter is included at the end of the pamphlet and mirrors many of the most powerful arguments for truthful instruction regarding drug use.So, I too think Dr. Marsha Rosenbaum would make a fine addition to Thom Marshall's debate team.You can find the pamphlet (and a whole lot more) at the The Lindesmith Center's website: http://www.lindesmith.org/Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on February 02, 2001 at 17:25:56 PT: Consistently Great Marsha Rosenbaum writes material that is absolutely outstanding for its common sense. Her logic and support based on available literature is rock solid. I'd vote for her to be in on Thom Marshall's debate. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: