Ecstasy Use Drops In England

It appears that those of us who are concerned about the risks of designer drugs may be making headway. The Economist reports in its 9/3 issue:

According to the British Crime Survey, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds who used amphetamines in the previous 12 months fell from 12% in 1996 to 4% last year. Ecstasy has also become less popular, which is surprising given falling prices: in many places, a pill now costs less than a pint of beer.

"It's a fashion thing," says Matthew Atha, of the Independent Drug Monitoring Unit, which tracks drug users' preferences. He believes that young people are switching from illegal highs to legal ones as tastes change and messages about the dangers of ecstasy and other recreational drugs sink in.

Unfortunately, alcohol comes with its own risks, even though it's legal. Dr. Mike Ritter, who provides medical commentary in my film, worries more about alcohol's impact on young people than any other drug.

I included quite a bit of information on alcohol in the teen version of the film -- which currently is for sale at a reduced price in a back to school special.