Pubdate: Mon, 18 Nov 2002 Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX) Copyright: 2002 San Antonio Express-News Contact: http://www.mysanantonio.com/expressnews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/384 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) PARENTS IN DENIAL ON ECSTASY Although many kinds of drug abuse can destroy a person's life, no illegal substance is more dangerous than ecstasy. There is scientific evidence that the synthetic psychoactive drug can cause permanent brain damage. But despite warnings, organizations such as Partnership for a Drug-Free America report that 12 percent of American teenagers use, or have used, the drug. Equally disturbing is that most parents, though they know how dangerous ecstasy is, are in denial. A recent national survey showed that only 1 percent of parents think their children use ecstasy, according to the partnership. What will it take to make parents see that their children could be using the drug? A tragic death or a bad experience that leaves a youngster a vegetable? Law enforcement agencies, schools and other institutions that look after the welfare of young people can only do so much. Ultimately, parents must be on the alert for signs of drug abuse, such as rebellious behavior, unexpected mood changes, attention problems, anxiety and poor memory. Parents also can talk to other parents, school counselors, law enforcement agencies and -- most important -- their children. Ignoring the danger could have tragic consequences. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk