Drugs - The greatest fear of many parents PART 2
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 One particular dangerous drug in recent years has been - ECSTASY
Its really important to ensure your children know that club drugs aren’t fun. Although users may think these substances are harmless, research has shown that club drugs can produce a range of unwanted effects, including hallucinations, paranoia, amnesia, and, in some cases, death. When used with alcohol, these drugs can be even more harmful. Some club drugs work on the same brain mechanisms as alcohol and, therefore, can dangerously boost the effects of both substances.

Many of the risks users face with Ecstasy use are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They are:

Psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia - during and sometimes weeks after taking Ecstasy (even psychotic episodes have been reported).

Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.

Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease.

Other signs of use:

Staying out very late. Most raves begin late and end at daybreak. Raves are the primary distribution point for Ecstasy and other club drugs.

Extreme or moderate irritability the day after consuming these drugs. A depletion of serotonin in the brain causes irritability the day after use.

Possessing a baby pacifier or a pacifier made of candy. Some club drugs cause the users to clench their teeth tightly which causes discomfort. The pacifier eliminates this discomfort.

Inability to sleep.

Possession of fluorescent light sticks. Because drug users' sensory preceptors are heightened, fluorescent light sticks are popular with club drug users.

Use of Tiger Balm for cramps.
Also, there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks like acne after using Ecstasy may be risking severe side effects, including liver damage, if they continue to use the drug.

Also, there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks like acne after using Ecstasy may be risking severe side effects, including liver damage, if they continue to use the drug.


Drug Abuse Treatment and Recovery
Parents and families must be informed and should be involved in their child's prevention and if necessary recovery.

No single treatment is appropriate for everyone.
It is important to match treatment settings, interventions, and services to each individual's particular problems and needs. This is critical to his or her ultimate success in returning to healthy functioning in the family, school, and society.


Effective treatment must attend to the multiple needs of the individual--not just the drug use.
Any associated medical, psychological, social, and cognitive problem must be be addressed.


Remaining in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness and positive change.
Each person is different and the amount of time in treatment will depend on his or her problems and needs. Research shows that for most individuals, the beginning of improvement begins at about 3 months into treatment. After this time, there is usually further progress toward recovery.

Counselling (individual and/or group) and other behavioral therapies are critical components of effective treatment.
In therapy, teens look at issues of motivation, build skills to resist drug use, replace drug-using activities with constructive and rewarding behaviors, and improve problem-solving skills. Behavioral therapy also facilitates interpersonal relationships and the teen's ability to function in the home and community.

Addicted or drug-abusing individuals with coexisting mental disorders should have both disorders treated in an integrated way.
Because addictive disorders and mental disorders often occur in the same individual, individuals should be assessed and treated for the co-occurrence of the other type of disorder.

Medical detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug use.
Medical detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective drug addiction treatment.

Treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective.
Strong motivation can facilitate the treatment process. Sanctions or enticements in the family, school setting, or juvenile justice system can increase significantly both treatment entry and retention rates and the success of drug treatment interventions.


Recovery from addiction can be a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment.
As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to drug use can occur during or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may require prolonged treatment and multiple episodes of treatment to achieve long-term abstinence and fully restored functioning. Participation in self-help support programs during and following treatment often is helpful in maintaining abstinence. Parents should ask what aftercare treatment services are available for continued or future treatment.



The drugs information is for general advice only. For individual medical advice, please consult your GP or other health professional.

For more information; www.ndh.org.uk

NHS direct 0845 4647
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