Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Ecstasy Fact Card: Are We Saying It’s Ok To Use Illegal Drugs?


Every parent wants to protect their child from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. It has become increasingly difficult to control the places our teens go and the people they socialize with, so some people have taken on a different approach.

Los Angeles County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich, is criticizing a county Public Health Department flier warning rave attendees about the dangers of Ecstasy, and has asked the agency to stop distribution. The flier was intended to be handed out at large-scale rave dance parties in the city of Los Angeles. The flier explains the effects of Ecstasy overdose and "how to minimize potential harms," including warnings that taking Ecstasy with other substances, especially alcohol, can increase risks. The flier also advises to "aim low" in dose and frequency, because "Ecstasy risks increase with larger doses." The flier also advises rave attendees to not drive, to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. It also advises that people "stay away" from Ecstasy, saying that "the only way to completely avoid the risks is to avoid the drug." In a statement, Antonovich stated, “Counseling young people on the use of the illegal drug Ecstasy is stupid and contrary to Los Angeles County's zero-tolerance policy on drugs.”

So, the question here is if this Ecstasy card is actually providing information on how to stay safe or giving the green light on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if acknowledging the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel that drugs and raves have been accepted as part of their culture or will it actually help protect them. Most adverse events associated with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided or mitigated by taking common-sense steps, many of which are detailed on the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy appear often, including, "Most medical emergencies or deaths are from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia (increased body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia is a real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy to stay hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent could see that it may actually provide insight and strike fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved with the substance.

According to a statement released by the county Department of Public Health, officials said the flier was intended to address the harmful effects of Ecstasy and provide potentially life-saving information to rave attendees who choose to use the illegal drug despite its consequences. The card was developed out of recommendations of a rave safety task force convened by the county Board of Supervisors.

So the question here is if this ecstasy card is actually providing information on how to stay safe or giving the green light on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if acknowledging the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel that drugs and raves have been accepted as part of their culture or will it actually help protect them. Most adverse events associated with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided or mitigated by taking common-sense steps, many of which are detailed on the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy appear often, including, "Most medical emergencies or deaths are from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia (increased body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia is a real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy to stay hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent could see that it may actually provide insight and strike fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved with the substance.

Over the years, it has been pretty obvious that no measures can be taken or have been taken to prevent ecstasy related deaths. Ignoring this social dilemma hasn’t in any way helped to change the outcome as well, so perhaps the Department of Public Health did the right thing by including this risk factor on the card. Isn’t it always better to be forewarned?

If your teen is abusing drugs reach out to us. We at Inspirations Teen Rehab understand the unique challenges of being a parent. If you have any questions, please know that we are here to provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions free of charge about teen drug rehab, teen substance abuse, adolescent addiction, teen intervention, teen behavior, teen depression or other related matters.

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237




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