Pubdate: Thu, 02 May 2002
Source: Cranbury Press (NJ)
Copyright: Packet Online 2002
Contact:  http://www.cranburypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2181
Author: Alec Moore
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

FAMILY NIGHT ADDRESSES ECSTASY DRUG

Seventh- and eighth-grade members of the Hillsborough Middle School's 
Student Leadership Corps will highlight the dangers of the "club drug" 
ecstasy during the school's fourth annual Family Night on Wednesday.

"We've learned from national research that this is a drug that is quickly 
rising in popularity among young people," said Anna Mahler, coordinator of 
the program. She added that while many parents may be able to recognize the 
warning signs of alcohol or other drugs, they might not be able to 
recognize the warning signs of ecstasy as easily.

Ecstasy is an illegal stimulant drug that has the effects of both a 
methamphetamine (speed) and a hallucinogenic, such as mescaline, Ms. Mahler 
said.

The drug is known as the "love drug" or "hug drug" since the drug 
accelerates the release of seratonin in the brain, creating an intense high 
that causes the user to crave love, acceptance and physical contact with 
others, according to Ms. Mahler. Ecstasy is known as a "club drug" because 
it was once used largely at dance clubs and all night parties, known as 
"raves." More recently, however, the drug has made its way into parties 
held at the homes of teens in suburban households everywhere.

"We're not immune to this here in the suburbs," Ms. Mahler said, noting 
that Internet propaganda has given many teens the misconception that 
ecstasy is not harmful, but she emphasizes that nothing could be further 
from the truth.

Research conducted by the Partnership for a Drug Free America indicates 
that the mix of "acid" and "speed" found in ecstasy can cause irreversible 
brain damage.

During the Family Night presentation parents and their children will be 
informed of the dangers of the "club drug" through an entertaining and 
interactive program presented by the Student Leadership Corps, whose 
mission is to serve as peer counselors and promote a healthy, drug-free 
lifestyle.

Family Night will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Hillsborough Middle School 
Media Center. The evening will include information booths, a drug trivia 
contest, door prizes, small group discussions and refreshments.

Ms. Mahler noted that the program is especially geared towards children and 
parents in grades 5 and up. There is no charge for the evening but 
pre-registration is necessary.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom