Police: Ecstacy Alert

The Cook County Sheriff's Office has just issued a community alert concerning a new and potentially dangerous drug that is gaining in popularity throughout the Chicago area. The drug is called "Ecstasy," and it is believed to be responsible for the deaths of at least three suburban teens during the last few months.

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that usually comes in pill form and is commonly sold in dance clubs and juice bars. It acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic. Ecstasy's popularity among young people has been fueled by a myth that it is a "safe" drug that is not harmful or addictive to the user.

What you should know about "Ecstacy"

• Ecstasy is also know as X, XTC, Adam, Lover's Speed and Hug Drug.
  
• Ecstasy causes nausea, vomiting, confusion, depression, psychotic episodes, and a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
  
• Potential dangers include severe dehydration , heat exhaustion, heart and kidney failure, brain damage and even death.
  
• Ecstasy is easily confused with the potent drug PMA, making the potential for overdose severe.
  
• Signs of Ecstasy usage can include: use of pacifiers, glow sticks and/or suckers.

What you should do

Parents must enforce curfew. Know where your kids are going, know your kids friends and stay up-to-date on drug information.

For further information on Ecstasy see our Drug Page.