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Public Health Tells Us How to Take Ecstasy Properly, Officials Say Hold On a Minute!
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If you're going to a rave, and you're going to take Ecstasy, should the Public Health Department help you know how to take the drug safely?
A flier intended to be distributed at rave events that was produced by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has come under scrutiny, particularly by Supervisor Michael D. Anotonvich, who has ordered the distribution of the fliers halted.
On the flier is a breakdown of the effects of Ecstasy, including the immediate physical reaction, and the longer-term effects. The entire second page is called "How to Minimize Potential Harms" and provides caution about mixing the drug with others, how to avoid overdose, but waits until nearly the bottom to advice not using the drug at all.
"[O]fficials 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," explains the LA Times. "The card was developed out of recommendations of a rave safety task force convened by the county Board of Supervisors."
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Antonovich, however, is appalled at the results. In a statement released yesterday, the Supervisor said:
“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. In August, 2010, the Board of Supervisor passed the zero-tolerance policy on drugs after a 15-year old child died after ingesting Ecstasy at a rave party at the Coliseum.”
The Department says they are going to take the feedback a revise the flier. Adjustments will allow them to "more emphatically state that illegal drug use is dangerous."
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