NIDA to host symposium: 'MDMA/Ecstasy research: advances, challenges, future directions'

WHAT: A scientific conference, hosted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), will feature an array of international experts in the area of MDMA research. Also known as Ecstasy, MDMA is a dangerous and popular drug among teens and young adults at clubs, raves (large, all night dance parties) and rock concerts. MDMA can have long-lasting negative effects on the brain and affect memory and motor skills. It can lead to dehydration, hypertension, heart or kidney failure, and even death.

WHO: The National Institute on Drug Abuse, a component of the National Institutes of Health.

WHEN: Thursday � Friday, July 19-20, 2001

WHERE: William H. Natcher Conference Center
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland

WHY: A number of the nation�s best monitoring mechanisms are detecting alarming increases in the popularity of MDMA/Ecstasy, particularly among today�s youth. MDMA/Ecstasy research: Advances, Challenges, Future Directions provides an important opportunity to examine the latest scientific findings on MDMA and to identify areas requiring additional research.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and other topics can be ordered free of charge in English and Spanish through NIDA Infofax at 1-888-NIH-NIDA (644-6432) or 1-888-TTY-NIDA (889-6432) for the deaf. These fact sheets and further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at http://www.drugabuse.gov.