Pubdate: Thu, 06 Sep 2001
Source: Kitchener-Waterloo Record (CN ON)
Copyright: 2001 Kitchener-Waterloo Record
Contact:  http://www.therecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225
Author: Brian Caldwell

ECSTASY RISK A MATTER OF DEBATE

WATERLOO -- Local police called in an expert yesterday to help stem the 
growing popularity of ecstasy among young people.

Known for its energizing, euphoric and mildly hallucinogenic effects, the 
amphetamine-based drug has already been blamed for several non-fatal 
overdoses in Waterloo Region, including three cases in a two-week period 
this summer.

But while use continues to increase among kids as young as 12, police are 
worried that ecstasy's reputation as a relatively harmless drug is still 
going unchallenged.

"It's not safe,'' said Staff Sgt. Ray Massicotte, head of the drug branch 
for Waterloo regional police. "We need to remain vigilant and we need to 
educate ourselves about the pitfalls.''

To that end, an ecstasy expert from the Centre for Addiction and Mental 
Health in Toronto was invited to address about 100 student staff members at 
the Turret, a campus nightclub at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Dr. Stephen Kish, a researcher, pharmacologist and associate professor, 
carefully avoided a sermon on the evils of a drug first made popular at 
underground raves, or all-night dance parties.

While users stubbornly insist it's a risk-free high, he said, the fact is 
scientists have yet to produce results proving serious long-term health 
effects.

"There's a major issue in regards to ecstasy,'' said Kish. "How dangerous, 
really, is the drug? It depends who you ask."

In the United States, he said, the federal government has said even one 
dose of ecstasy causes brain damage. In Switzerland, officials have come to 
the completely opposite conclusion, deeming it a safe substance to take.

Kish said the ongoing confusion and controversy have made it "almost 
impossible to obtain accurate information.''

Still, based on his own research and review of studies from around the 
world, he said there is undoubtedly enough evidence to make users think 
twice about the risks.

Most troubling is a small but real chance of death as ecstasy increases 
body temperature. Even in relatively modest doses, often coupled with 
strenuous physical activity such as dancing, it can trigger fatal hyperthermia.

In some cases where users experiencing extreme overheating try to 
compensate by drinking huge amounts of liquids, Kish said, the result can 
be fatal "water intoxication.''

Although ecstasy is probably not addictive, he said, users typically have 
day-after hangovers including mild depression and exhaustion.

And while the scientific jury is still out, suspected effects of prolonged 
use include psychiatric disorders, insomnia and short-term memory loss.

Kish said the key question, as yet unanswered, is whether ecstasy causes 
permanent brain damage, a consequence that would clearly push it into the 
category of hard drugs like cocaine.

Meanwhile, users unwittingly acting as guinea pigs should also be worried 
about other drugs and substances that are often added to pure ecstasy 
during production in crude facilities.

Massicotte said that is one of his main concerns after tests on ecstasy 
seized locally revealed some of the colourful tablets, usually stamped with 
logos or cartoon characters, also contained cocaine, speed or heroin.

"The problem is, we don't know what it is and people don't know what 
they're taking,'' he said. "It's very frightening.''

Sold for about $25 a tablet, enough to produce a high lasting several 
hours, ecstasy use exploded in the region last year and has been building 
ever since.
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