Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001
Source: Houston Chronicle (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Houston Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.chron.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/198
Author: Ann Landers

WHAT USERS AND OTHERS SAY ABOUT THE DRUG ECSTASY

Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to the letter from DEA 
administrator Donnie Marshall about ecstasy. The ecstasy knockoff 
known as PMA that has been taking the lives of young Americans is 
today's version of bathtub gin. The black market has no controls for 
quality or user age. Unlike legitimate businesses that sell alcohol, 
illegal drug dealers do not ask for ID. They push trendy, synthetic 
"club drugs" when given the chance. The drug war fails miserably at 
its primary mandate -- protecting children from drugs.

The Netherlands has successfully reduced overall drug use by 
regulating and taxing marijuana as a legal drug and establishing age 
controls. Politicians should stop worrying about the message drug 
policy reform sends and start thinking about the children.

- -- Robert Sharpe, program officer, the Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy 
Foundation, Washington, D.C.

Dear Robert Sharpe: Thanks for your interesting viewpoint. I hope 
your letter will wake up some of those "sleeping beauties." Here's 
more on the subject:

 From Dallas: Ecstasy is fun. It gives you an overwhelming sense of 
happiness and love. True, it's not real, but so what? If you take 
ecstasy, be sure you get it from a trusted source and drink lots of 
water. Also, don't take any alcohol with it. It could result in brain 
damage or death.

Nashville: It's been two years since my experience with ecstasy, and 
I am still in therapy. I was almost raped and have lost my short-term 
memory.

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: While the letter about ecstasy was valid, I 
would like to point out that glowsticks are not a dependable sign of 
ecstasy use. Glowsticks are very popular dance props with teen-agers 
who listen to techno, electronic or rave music.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: A lot of ravers use drugs, but it is not fair 
to label all of us as drug users. I am 17 and go to raves every 
Saturday, and I don't use drugs. Ecstasy is available in lots of 
places, including rock concerts and college parties. If I want 
ecstasy, I don't have to go to a rave to get it.

Oakland, Calif.: If ecstasy were legal, rave promoters and staff 
would be able to help injured kids without fear of legal reprisal. 
People are worried they will be arrested if they take someone to the 
hospital or call 911. That's the real problem.

Cincinnati: Some raves let you in for a reduced fee if you bring 
canned goods for food drives. Others raise money for local charities. 
Ravers have a saying, P.L.U.R., which means Peace, Love, Unity, 
Respect.

New York: I used ecstasy for five years, but only on weekends. I 
often felt depressed on Monday mornings but continued to take ecstasy 
because it was so pleasant. This is classic addicted behavior. I can 
no longer ignore the effect it has had on my health. My hair is thin 
and breaks off easily. My skin is sallow, and I have perpetual acne. 
Due to the grinding, my teeth have become crooked and sharp. Ecstasy 
is not worth the misery you suffer later on.

Write to Ann Landers care of Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century 
Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe