Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Brian Blake/Jennifer de Vallance (202) 395-6618
July 30, 2001
ECSTASY NO LONGER JUST A RAVE DRUG: INCREASED AVAILABILITY AND MYTHS ABOUT HARMLESSNESS DRIVING DRUG INTO SCHOOLS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Dr. Donald Vereen, Jr., Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), testified today before the Senate Government Affairs Committee on the dangers of the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as Ecstasy. Dr. Vereen highlighted the dangerous misconceptions about Ecstasy and its growing popularity with American youth.
"We are especially concerned about Ecstasy because so many young people have been deceived by the myth that it is harmless. This misconception is resulting in serious short- and long-term health consequences and even deaths," remarked Dr. Vereen. Ecstasy depletes the brain of serotonin, a vital chemical that regulates mood, emotion, learning, sleep, and memory. "Initial studies by Johns Hopkins University, the National Institute of Mental Health, and others are showing that the damage caused by Ecstasy is long-term and possibly irreparable—even for first-time or infrequent users," said Dr. Vereen.
Recent trend analyses have shown that Ecstasy is no longer confined to the rave culture. Data from ONDCP's 2000 "Pulse Check" report demonstrates that the sale and use of Ecstasy has grown from nightclubs and raves to high schools, the streets, neighborhoods, open venues, and younger ages. "The migration of Ecstasy from the rave scene into our neighborhoods and schools poses a direct threat to the health of our children and the safety of our communities," said Dr. Vereen.
ONDCP is taking significant steps to curb Ecstasy use among America's youth. "We take the threat of Ecstasy seriously, and are making a concerted effort to warn youth and their parents. Through satellite broadcasts, targeted Web sites, new public service announcements and informational briefings with entertainment writers, directors, and producers, we are educating youth, parents, and community leaders about the dangers of this drug," said Dr. Vereen.
