Pubdate: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 Source: Star (Malaysia) Copyright: 2000 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: 13 Jalan 13/6, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Website: http://www.thestar.com.my ECSTASY USE 'LEADS TO EARLY DEATH' PETALING JAYA: Chronic users of Ecstasy pills will experience brain damage, breakdown of the central nervous system and an early death. National Narcotics Agency principal assistant director Chung Tsu Tuan said most people do not realise that abuse of Ecstasy pills leads to loss of reasoning ability, muscle breakdown, kidney failure, schizophrenia including long-term depression and kidney failure. The drug comes in a pinkish or white powder, or in tablet form, and can be taken mixed in drinks or intravenously. Some of the signs of those on the drug are head-banging (shaking of the head to loud music), excessive talking, paranoia and drinking large amounts of water due to dehydration and excessive sweating. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D