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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Press Release)
Feb., 2011 -- Every parent wants to protect their child from
the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. It has become increasingly
difficult to control the places our teens go and the people
they socialize with, so some people have taken on a different
approach.
Los Angeles County Supervisor, Michael D. Antonovich, is criticizing
a county Public Health Department flier warning rave attendees
about the dangers of Ecstasy, and has asked the agency to
stop distribution. The flier was intended to be handed out
at large-scale rave dance parties in the city of Los Angeles.
The flier explains the effects of Ecstasy overdose and "how
to minimize potential harms," including warnings that
taking Ecstasy with other substances, especially alcohol,
can increase risks. The flier also advises to "aim low"
in dose and frequency, because "Ecstasy risks increase
with larger doses." The flier also advises rave attendees
to not drive, to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. It
also advises that people "stay away" from Ecstasy,
saying that "the only way to completely avoid the risks
is to avoid the drug." In a statement, Antonovich stated,
“Counseling young people on the use of the illegal drug
Ecstasy is stupid and contrary to Los Angeles County's zero-tolerance
policy on drugs.”
So, the question here is if this Ecstasy card is actually
providing information on how to stay safe or giving the green
light on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if
acknowledging the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel
that drugs and raves have been accepted as part of their culture
or will it actually help protect them. Most adverse events
associated with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided
or mitigated by taking common-sense steps, many of which are
detailed on the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy
appear often, including, "Most medical emergencies or
deaths are from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia
(increased body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte
imbalance from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia
is a real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy
to stay hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize
the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent
could see that it may actually provide insight and strike
fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved
with the substance.
According to a statement released by the county Department
of Public Health, officials said the flier was intended to
address the harmful effects of Ecstasy and provide potentially
life-saving information to rave attendees who choose to use
the illegal drug despite its consequences. The card was developed
out of recommendations of a rave safety task force convened
by the county Board of Supervisors.
So the question here is if this ecstasy card is actually providing
information on how to stay safe or giving the green light
on taking illegal substances? The controversy is if acknowledging
the use of ecstasy will cause teenagers to feel that drugs
and raves have been accepted as part of their culture or will
it actually help protect them. Most adverse events associated
with the consumption of Ecstasy can be avoided or mitigated
by taking common-sense steps, many of which are detailed on
the fact card. Warnings about the dangers of Ecstasy appear
often, including, "Most medical emergencies or deaths are
from heart problems or complications from hyperthermia (increased
body temperature) and hyponatremia (electrolyte imbalance
from drinking too much water too fast)."Hyponatremia is a
real concern. Encouraging people who consume Ecstasy to stay
hydrated is vital, but it's equally important to emphasize
the risks of drinking too much water too quickly. Any parent
could see that it may actually provide insight and strike
fear, in many cases preventing teenagers of getting involved
with the substance.
Over the years, it has been pretty obvious that no measures
can be taken or have been taken to prevent ecstasy related
deaths. Ignoring this social dilemma hasn’t in any way
helped to change the outcome as well, so perhaps the Department
of Public Health did the right thing by including this risk
factor on the card. Isn’t it always better to be forewarned?
If your teen is abusing drugs reach out to us. We at Inspirations
Teen Rehab understand the unique challenges of being a parent.
If you have any questions, please know that we are here to
provide you with support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions
free of charge about teen drug rehab, teen substance abuse,
adolescent addiction, teen intervention, teen behavior, teen
depression or other related matters.
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