|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| 15 February 2002 - Lakeside Gazette Ecstasy – What parents should know In a relatively short period of time, MDMA – commonly called Ecstasy – has secured a prominent place for itself in the world of substance abuse. Teen experimentation with Ecstasy has increased by 71 percent in the last three years. According to Partnership’s annual study on drug abuse in America, more teens in America have now experimented with Ecstasy than cocaine, crack or heroin; teen Ecstasy use is now on par with teen use of LSD and methamphetamine. Some 2.8 million teenagers in America have tried MDMA. Research indicates that this number may double unless immediate intervention is employed to reverse trends. “When the coroner came to that office, I said, “What is Ecstasy?” -Elsa Heird, mother of Ecstasy overdose victim Danielle Heird. What is it? Chemically known as 3-4 methylenedioxy methamphetamine, Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug with amphetamine like and hallucinogenic properties. It can be extremely dangerous, especially in high doses. The drug, which accelerates the release of serotonin in the brain, provides users with an intense high, characterized by extreme feelings of love and acceptance (emotions teens crave). Drug traffickers have demonstrated keen marketing skills and instincts for the teen market. Ecstasy tablets are manufactured with more than 150 different dye stamps, many of them familiar corporate logos, such as the Nike “swoosh” and the Mitsubishi star. Street names for Ecstasy include “X,” “E,” “XTC,” “Roll,” “Adam,” “Bean,” the “Hug Drug,” and the “Love Drug.” How dangerous is the use of Ecstasy? Ecstasy is called the “Hug Drug” or the “Love Drug” because users report it lowers their inhibitions and breaks down social barriers. Ecstasy can cause dramatic increases in body temperature and can lead to muscle breakdown, as well as kidney and cardiovascular system failur3e, which have been reported in some fatalities. Mixing Ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of adverse reaction. Research shows that Ecstasy, used in heavy doses, is neurotoxic. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, research findings link Ecstasy use to long-term damage to parts of the brain critical to thought and memory. Researchers believe MDMA causes damage to the neurons that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other neurons. How widespread is the use of Ecstasy? In all, some 2.8 million American teens – roughly one of every 11 teens in the nation – have now tried Ecstasy. That means more teens now have experimented with Ecstasy than with cocaine, crack or heroin. Ecstasy use is more common among older teens (16- to 17-year-olds) than younger teens; it is most common among young adults (18- to 25-year olds). “I didn’t know what Ecstasy was; I’d never heard the word. I do now.” - Jim Heird, Danielle’s father. What are the warning signs that your kid could be using Ecstasy? There are some general drug use symptoms to watch for, as well as physioligical and behavioral effects specifically linked to the use of Ecstasy. “I would have given anything for some warning signs.” - Jim Heird General warning signs your kid could be using drugs, including Ecstasy: Change in his peer group; change in her sleeping pattern; declining grades and loss of interest in his hobbies or favorite activities; lack of motivation; hostile and uncooperative attitude; household money is disappearing. Warning signs your kid could be using Ecstasy specifically: Confusion; depression; headaches and/or dizziness; muscle tension; panic attacks; severe anxiety and/or paranoia; sore jaw (involuntary jaw clenching is a notable short-term side effect of Ecstasy use); vomiting or nausea. Warning signs that your kid could be high on Ecstasy: Complaints of blurred vision; rapid eye movement; chills or sweating; dehydration; confusion; faintness; severe anxiety and/or paranoia; trance-like state; transfixion on sights and sounds; clenching of the jaw and/or grinding of teeth. Also, watch for the presence of paraphernalia associated with Ecstasy or the rave/club culture where use of the drug is prevalent. These items include pacifiers, lollipops, candy necklaces, glow sticks and/or glowing jewelry, a child-like backpack, mentholated vapor rub and surgical type masks. Notice if your teen likes to attend all-night, “alcohol-free” dance parties. Bottled water is often sold at such events, and bottled water is often associated with raves. Ecstasy users are often counseled to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. What should I do if: I’m worried about my teenager and Ecstasy. Stay involved in your teenager’s life, be aware of anything in his life that might prompt him to use drugs. Let him know you love him, and talk with him about the risks and dangers of drugs, including Ecstasy. Give him the reason you don’t want him using drugs and listen to what he has to say. Work with your teen to establish firm but reasonable house rules – and consequences for violating them. Reinforce a “no drug use rule.” “She tried Ecstasy and she paid the ultimate price. Her life – and ours.” – Elsa Heird I think my child may be using Ecstasy. Voice your suspicions to your child when she’s sober. Avoid making direct accusations. Stay calm and rational during your discussion. Also, watch for the warning signs noted above, but remember some of these warning signs can be caused by emotional problems or physical illness. Discuss the possibilities with your teenager’s doctor and, if necessary, take your child in for a physical exam to see if a medical condition exists. I have a child who’s definitely using drugs and needs help. Call the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Routing Service at 800-662-4357 for referral to a treatment program near you. The source for information in this document is the National Institute on Drug Abuse. For more information on Ecstasy, other drugs of abuse or ways to talk with your kids about drugs, visit the Partnership for a Drug-Free America at www.drugfreeamerica.org. If you’re a prevention advocate looking for more information and tools you can use to help prevent drug use, visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information at www.health.org. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America thanks the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and the National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information for their assistance in distributing this information. |
||
|
