Is Ecstasy Better Than Binge Drinking? Queensland Researcher Faces Criticism!

A Queensland researcher is facing criticism for saying that taking small amounts of ecstasy was safer than binge drinking.

Jo Baxter, an anti-drugs campaigner from Drug Free Australia, has condemned the Queensland Alcohol and Drug Research and Education Centre director, Professor Jake Najman, for his claims that ecstasy was actually "cheaper and safer".

'Ecstasy' the Drug
Ecstasy is the street name for the psychoactive drug 3,4-MethyleneDioxy-N-MethylAmphetamine or MDMA. A part of the rave culture, it provides relaxation and helps to dance the night away.

Professor Najman was quoted as saying that ecstasy was a lesser evil than binge drinking and when young people switch from a substantial amount of alcohol to a small amount of ecstasy he said, "I don't think that's a bad trade at all."

Baxter criticized Najman, insisting that no one should promote illicit drug use.

"There is no guarantee that if young people hear a message of so-called 'safe use' from people in authority, that they will use only small quantities. Taking ecstasy is like russian roulette. No one individual knows exactly what it will do to their body chemistry," Courier Mail quoted Baxter, as saying.

Illicit Drug Ecstasy can Be Fatal When Taken in a Warm Environment
'The fact that these drugs are often taken in warm nightclubs and at rave parties increases the risk of long- term changes in brain function, or even death,' Emily said.

"A person in Professor Najman's position and with his qualifications is showing an extraordinary lack of responsibility, if his views have been reported accurately.

"The other aspect is that we seriously have to question why our young people are feeling the need to take drugs in order to 'have a good time'.

Ecstasy Helps Australian Cops to Deal With Alcoholics!
Police officials Down Under thank the prevalence of ecstasy in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, as because of the substance they're able to cope with the drunken violence.

"We need to be giving our young people reasons not to have to rely on drugs for their social events. If we can reduce the demand, the huge volumes of ecstasy now coming into Australia would have no market," Baxter added.

Source-ANI
SPH