WHAT: This teleconference about the illicit drug ecstasy is the second in a four-part series of live satellite broadcasts for members of community coalitions, community leaders, drug prevention and treatment providers, law enforcement officials, parents, caregivers and educators. A panel of experts will talk about the myths surrounding ecstasy and why it has become so popular with youth today. Viewers will have the opportunity to call or fax questions to the experts.

Upcoming broadcasts include: Heroin (July 19) and Marijuana (September 20).

WHO: Sponsored by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the National Guard Bureau, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Discussion will feature:

Glen R. Hanson, PhD., D. D. S., Director of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Former Ecstasy Users

Beverly Watts Davis, Executive Director, San Antonio Fighting Back of United Way

WHERE: All viewing sites must register in advance to receive the necessary satellite coordinates. Sites may register through the Internet by logging on to: www.dlnets.com or calling 887-820-0305.

The broadcast will also be Web cast on the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information site, www.ncadi.samhsa.gov/multimedia/webcasts/ecstasy.htm.

WHEN: Thursday, May 24, 2001
            1:30-3:00 p.m. (EST)

WHY: The increasing trend of ecstasy use among youth is disturbing.

• Ecstasy is manufactured and marketed by criminal organizations that make huge profits at the expense of our youth.
• Ecstasy use can damage brain cells that regulate mood, memory, sleep and appetite and can cause long-lasting memory problems.
• A 500% increase in Ecstasy use between 1993 and 1998 has been documented by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
• More than 40% of 12^th graders reported it was "fairly easy" or "very easy" for them to obtain ecstasy (Monitoring the Future, 1999).
• In 1999, 2.7%, 6% and 8% of 8^th, 10^th and 12^th graders respectively have tried ecstasy; 4.4% of 10^th graders and 5.6% of 12^th graders reported using ecstasy sometime within the last 12 months (Monitoring the Future, 1999).