Pubdate: Sun, 6 Dec 1998
Source: Sun Herald (Australia)
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.fairfax.com.au/
Copyright: 1998 John Fairfax Holdings Ltd
Page: 50

ECSTASY DOES BLOW YOUR MIND

Scientists warn of rave party drug danger

LONDON: Scientists meet today to discuss growing evidence that ecstasy
can cause long-term brain damage.

Ecstasy, or MDMA, became popular as a recreational drug in the
mid-1980s and an estimated 500,000 tablets are now taken in the UK
each weekend.

It has also spread to the discos and clubs of Australia.

But recent research has shown that users may pay a heavy price for the
euphoric "rush" they obtain from the drug.

Ecstasy boosts levels of a nerve message chemical in the brain,
serotonin, which leads to feelings of happiness and euphoria.

However, this is soon followed by a period of serotonin depletion,
resulting in temporary lethargy and depression.

Research with animals, and most recently long-term users, is now
starting to show ecstasy causes lasting damage to serotonin pathways
in the brain.

The result may be impaired memory, thinking ability and concentration,
depression, eating disorders and panic attacks. Professor Andy Parrot,
who is chairing today's meeting at the Novartis Poundation in London,
said: "Many questions remain over whether MDMA is neurotoxic in
humans, and if so, how much needs to be taken before these problems
develop.

He said that given the widespread use of MDMA among the young, even if
neurotoxicity was occurring in only a proportion of drug users, it
still had serious implications for their future health.

Prof Parrot, head of psychology at the University of East London, said
he had seen patients witb severe depression and concentration problems
at least a year after they had stopped taking the drug.

Since 1989 more than 120 deaths have been attributed to ecstasy. Most,
however, were caused indirectly by ecstasy - for instance from
dehydration.

A recent survey found that 13 per cent of university students had
taken the drug, but the true number was probably higher.

Many users mix ecstasy with other drugs, such as amphetamines or
cocaine, which can have dangerous consequences.
- ---
Checked-by: derek rea