From the trenches to raves

[bongme]

hi

The Times

May 22, 2002

By Richard Ford

 

Ecstasy, which can be bought for 50p a pill, contributed to 36 deaths in 2000

 

ECSTASY is an hallucinogenic amphetamine produced synthetically but modelled on oils contained in nutmeg, parsley, saffron, dill, vanilla, and sassafras. It is usually taken in a single tablet of 50mg to 150mg but regular users may take more pills to get the same reaction.

The drug, also known as MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), was identified in Britain in the early 1980s, after it had become popular as a recreational and therapeutic drug in New York.

Originally MDMA was an appetite suppressant for German troops in the First World War. It was patented in 1914 but never marketed. It was forgotten until the 1970s when it was used by psychiatrists supporting psychotherapy.

By the mid-1980s, Ecstasy had become one of the most popular dance-floor drugs, particularly at all-night raves. In 1995 it was estimated that 500,000 people used the drug every week; in 1998 the figure was put at one million.

Long-term usage of Ecstasy can produce blood vessel abnormalities in the brain which can lead to strokes. Ecstasy-related deaths increased from eight in 1993 to 36 in 2000.

The drug can be bought for 50p direct from a Dutch manufacturer in loads of between 100,000 and 200,000 for importation to Britain. It is sold to a dealer at £5 a pill and sold on for up to £15 for each dose.

When a person is on Ecstasy their pupils become dilated, their jaw tightens and they can feel a brief nausea, sweating, dry mouth and throat. Blood pressure and heart rate increases, and loss of appetite is common.

Users and abusers in figures

One third of people aged 16-59 have tried drugs. Of those, 11 per cent used drugs in the past year, 6 per cent in the past month.

Half of those aged 16-29 have tried drugs, 25 per cent in the past year, 16 per cent in the past month.

Almost half (44 per cent) of those aged 16-29 have tried cannabis, 22 per cent in the past year, 14 per cent in the past month; 1 per cent have tried heroin, 5 per cent cocaine and 5 per cent Ecstasy in the past year.

There is a higher prevalence of Class A drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, in London.

There are higher levels of drug use among the 16-29 age group in affluent urban areas.

Some 4 per cent of those aged 16-19 have tried cocaine in the past year. Cocaine price has fallen by half since 1994.

Some 5 per cent of those aged 16-59 have tried Ecstasy. The figure was 12 per cent for the 16-29 age group.

Source: British Crime Survey 2000

Bongme