Bulletins
Ecstasy-Related ER Visits Climb; Teen Alcohol and Cigarette Use Drop

The number of emergency room visits related to abuse of the drug ecstasy climbed to 5,542 in 2001, up from 4,511 in 2000 and 2,850 in 1999. Although a study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America showed that teen use of ecstasy has leveled off at 9 percent in 2001, as compared to 10 percent in 2000, the steady rise in ER visits is a serious cause for concern. In 1994, only 253 ER visits were related to ecstasy use. The survey also showed that 45 percent of youths ages 12 to 18 saw a great risk in trying ecstasy once or twice - up from the 42 percent who felt that way in last year's survey - but still the minority opinion. "Our latest reading of the ecstasy market offers a more encouraging picture, but does not - and should not - suggest that we have turned the corner on this drug," said Steve Pasierb, president and chief executive of PDFA.

The annual survey found that marijuana is still the most widely used illegal drug, with 40 percent of youths saying they had tried it. The use of legal drugs declined among youths: 53 percent reported alcohol use in 2001, down from a high of 63 percent in 1997; cigarette smoking dropped to 28 percent from a high of 42 percent in 1998.

The Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) can provide more information on drug-related emergency room visits. (301) 443-8956 or http://www.samhsa.gov/news/click3_frame.html)

Reprinted from Drug Free America with permission -- click here to visit the Drug Free America web site and take advantage of other great resources like this one.