Ecstasy: key info: warning signs, resources, and a word search

Science World, Feb 7, 2003

Warning Signs

Do you suspect that a friend may be using ecstasy or other club drugs? Here are some of the signs.

* Confusion

* Depression

* Headaches, dizziness

* Muscle tension

* Panic attacks

* Paranoia

* Drinking excessive amounts of water

* Owning any "rave" paraphernalia (equipment), such as pacifiers, glow sticks, and glow beads

* Sore jaw

* Vomiting or nausea

Friend in Need

If you do suspect a friend is abusing ecstasy, talk to a trusted adult (guidance counselor, teacher, parent, etc.) for advice. You can also offer the following resource, if your friend wants to seek help: www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov or 1-800-662-HELP.

Additional Information

If you want to learn more, go to:

* www.scholastic.com/HEADSUP

Check out the HEADS UP Web site. You'll find more quotes from Daniel, a pop-up brain, a pop-up poster, more personal stories from teens in recovery, information about other drugs, and helpful links.

* www.clubdrugs.org

NIDA's Web site dedicated to club drugs offers links to important reports and research.

* www.drugabuse.gov

NIDA's Web site is packed with information about common drugs of abuse. And there's a special section just for students.

* www.inthemix.org/ecstasy_index.html

More teens tell the truth about ecstasy at the Web site for In the Mix, the award-winning PBS series for teens. The series episode on ecstasy will air the week of February 8-16; check your local listings or www.inthemix.org for exact times.

"E" Knowledge: Put It to the Test

Can you find the 10 key terms relating to ecstasy and other club drugs? First, fill in the blanks in the quick-clues section to determine the key terms. Then, circle each of the terms in the word search. Words may be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.

Quick Clues

1. Another name for ecstasy is--(2 words).

2. Ecstasy is part hallucinogen and part--.

3. Doubling a dose of "E" is called--.

4. --is a chemical messenger involved in mood, pain, sleep, memory, and thinking.

5. --is a potentially fatal heat reaction, that can be caused by using "E."

6. The part of the brain that regulates body temperature is called the--.

7. The club drug that is also commonly used as a horse tranquilizer is called--.

8. The abbreviation for the drug also known as acid is--.

9. A street name for methamphetamine is--.

10. The abbreviation for the club drug that has euphoric, sedative, and anabolic effects is--.

NIDA QUICK CLUES P. TE7

1. Love drug

2. Stimulant

3. Stacking

4. Serotonin

5. Hyperthermia

6. Hypothalamus

7. Ketamine

8. LSD

9. Speed

10. GHB