Ecstasy Demand High

Ecstasy is the second most commonly used Australian drug after cannabis.

Ecstasy is increasingly being manufactured in Australia at clandestine laboratories.

Of the illicit drug laboratories detected in Australia in 2008/9, 19 were producing ecstasy almost double the 11 detected in the previous year.

Tablets sold as ecstasy are unpredictable.

Ecstasy interferes with the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in death, liver, kidney and heart failure.

Long term use results in brain damage, paranoia, hypothermia and severe hallucinations.

(Source: Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data Report 2008/9 released 8 June 2010)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Ecstasy demand is still high in Australia and is responsible for many mental problems for Australian users.

Ecstasy use is a major cause of brain damage and high demand for Australian mental health systems.

ALL ecstasy users need to be diverted into drug rehabilitation at the first apprehension to get them free of drug use.

Early intervention ecstasy rehabilitation is cost effective in saving mental health problems, reducing demand on our hospitals and prevents brain damage before it becomes chronic and irreversible.

Its time to invest in rehabilitation programs that are backed by court diversion programs that help users to quit.