Scientists in the United States have identified
a key protein involved in one of the most lethal side effects of the
popular but illegal drug ecstasy. Most ecstasy-related deaths are caused
by an increase in body temperature, or hyperthermia, which leads to organ
failure.
One Story of the Fatal Effects of Ecstasy: Coroners report: 18-year-old female who attended a RAVE PARTY between
the hours of 2230 and 0230 hours at a vacant lot at 3rd and Santa Fe
in Los Angeles. Mother of decedent picked her up at which time the decedent
appeared to be under the influence. Mother drove straight to Good Samaritan
Hospital where decedent told staff that she had taken 3 Ecstasy pills
at the party. Decedent kept in ER and monitored until about 0800 when
she was released with doctor telling the mother that she would probably
sleep for 18 hours and wake up with a headache. Decedent unable to get
to car on her own and seemed to sleep the entire trip home to Sylmar.
Decedent put to bed and check on every 30 minutes or so by family. When
checked on at about 1600 hours she was found not breathing so family
called 911. Decedent taken to Olive View Hospital where she was declared
dead in the ER at 1701 hours.
In this story the young girl died after being sent home from the hospital.
The doctors failed to realize the actual lasting effects of ecstasy and
thus were unable to help this girl:
If doctors don't know
how to handle a drug like ecstasy, just imagine the state of affairs
our youth are in !
They need the correct knowledge in order to make
the right decisions.
Some recent (US) statistics:
- About 8% of high school seniors surveyed had tried Ecstasy at least
once in their lives.
- About 5.5% of 19-22 year-olds surveyed had used Ecstasy in the previous
year.
- Ecstasy-related emergency room incidents increased nationwide from
250 in 1994, to 637 in 1997, to 1,142 in 1998, to 2,850 in 1999.
As if the drug ecstasy wasn't bad enough, in many cases
the tablets also have other things added to them. Examples of such
additions include rat poison, sedatives and
other
chemical combinations. While it is the drug ecstasy itself that does
the most damage, many young consumers don't know what
they are taking.
This situation is happening around many schools, colleges and youth
groups today. Many of the drugs involved are much
more
powerful
then
they
were
30 years ago.
“We have an opportunity to reach kids about this drug before
they go down the dark side of using Ecstasy. I hope the above story
illustrates
the importance of this for all of you”
For help
with overcoming drug and alcohol addiction or to request drug education
personnel
to your school or group, go to www.DrugAddictionHelpLine.com
This newsitem was released by The
Drug Addition Help Line on 27th July 2005. |
