Pubdate: Wed, 04 Sep 2002
Source: Daily Telegraph (UK)
Copyright: 2002 Telegraph Group Limited
Contact:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/114
Author: David Harding-Price
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

DRUG USERS RISK MENTAL HEALTH

Sir - If ecstasy or any drug use, including alcohol and nicotine, are so 
safe, as three leading psychologists have claimed, why is it that people 
die from using them?

The reality is that any drug is dangerous if used illicitly or not in the 
way it was designed to be used by the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Evidence shows that prolonged use of ecstasy affects the serotonin levels 
in the brain. Altering one's serotonin level can lead to depression, sleep 
problems and anxiety.

Just because a tenth of 15- to 29-year-olds have used ecstasy does not mean 
that they will become mentally ill. However, prolonged use does appear to 
increase the risk of mental health problems in later life. And as we have 
also seen in a number of tragic though unusual cases, one tablet can kill.

From:  (MAPNews)
Nursing Practice, Royal College of Nursing, London W1
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager