Pubdate: Wed, 6 Feb 2002
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association (US)
Copyright: 2002 American Medical Association.
Contact:  http://jama.ama-assn.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/219
Authors: Alan Leshner, Richard Glen Boire
Note: Vol. 287 No. 5

WHAT SHOULD THE PUBLIC BE TOLD ABOUT THE RISKS OF ECSTASY?

To the Editor:

Judging from the content of Mr Vastag's Medical News & Perspectives 
article, it appears that he missed the big-picture message from the 60 
researchers who presented the latest science findings on MDMA 
(methylenedioxymethamphetamine; "ecstasy") at the National Institutes of 
Health (NIH). The overarching message from this international conference 
with over 500 attendees was that MDMA is quite dangerous both in the short 
term and in the long term.

There is substantial scientific and clinical evidence to show that MDMA 
damages brain cells, which may account for the long-lasting behavioral 
effects that users report, such as memory loss and mood changes. 
Admittedly, there is still much that is not known about the consequences of 
using this drug; however, the conclusion from this NIH conference is that 
ecstasy is clearly anything but benign. Because of its stimulant properties 
MDMA can dangerously increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body 
temperature. Scientific experts at the conference have confirmed that it 
damages brain cells, even in occasional users. This is a message that the 
public needs to hear.

There is no disputing that MDMA use is increasing and that effective 
prevention messages must be matched with the appropriate population. The 
NIH will continue to support and disseminate research on this important 
topic as the science continues to unravel the consequences of this drug.

Alan I. Leshner, PhD National Institutes of Health Washington, DC

1. Vastag B. Ecstasy experts want realistic messages. JAMA. 2001;286:777. 
FULL TEXT  |  PDF  |  MEDLINE

Dr Leshner is now affiliated with the American Association for the 
Advancement of Science.ED.

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To the Editor:

In Mr Vastag's Medical News & Perspectives story,1 I applaud those ecstasy 
researchers who are bravely challenging the effectiveness of the 
anti-ecstasy scare campaign promoted by the National Institute on Drug 
Abuse (NIDA). As pointed out by the researchers quoted in the article, 
ecstasy is a complex drug, and the reasons various people use it are 
equally complex.

Portraying ecstasy as nothing but a brain deadener is not only inaccurate, 
it is ineffective and dangerous social policy. With million of young adults 
saying "yes" to ecstasy it is NIDA's duty to provide them with complete and 
accurate information about the drug. The fact that NIDA still does not do 
so is an artifact of the larger "war" policy with respect to illegal drugs.

Richard Glen Boire,

JD Center for Cognitive Liberty and Ethics Davis, Calif

1. Vastag B. Ecstasy experts want realistic messages. JAMA. 2001;286:777.

In Reply: Dr Leshner argues that my article missed the big picture from the 
meeting that MDMA is dangerous. That message, promoted heavily by NIDA, has 
received plenty of press. Instead of rehashing it, I decided to present 
another viewpoint, one held by several of the conference's presenters. As I 
reported, these social scientists emphasize the need for more realistic 
prevention messages. The weight, originality, and underexposure of their 
research made it newsworthy.

Brian Vastag JAMA Medical News & Perspectives
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens