I’m an associate professor of psychology here at UT, and I was moved to write to The Minaret to correct a potentially dangerous statement in an article published in the Sept. 12, 2013 edition, entitled “Concertgoers Overdosed, NYC’s Electric Zoo Music Festival Cancelled” by Vanessa Righeimer. The article dealt with a recent number of deaths of young people in the Northeast attributed to MDMA (“Ecstasy” in pill form, or “Molly”as a powder). Toward the end of the article she states “…educate people more on the effects of these drugs. While pure MDMA is known for the most part to be harmless, if it comes laced with something else, otherwise known as a “bad batch,” it can become deadly.” I teach psychopharmacology here at UT, and can say with confidence that this statement is misleading at best, and potentially dangerous to our students.
First, a “bad batch” can be improperly synthesized MDMA, which will have certain unintended trace chemicals in it, while “lacing” a drug usually implies that other chemicals were added intentionally either to get more profit for the dealer or intentionally create other effects. But the most dangerous part of the statement is that pure MDMA is “…known for the most part to be harmless.” This is false. The substance MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) even if pure, can be inherently dangerous (even deadly) due to its effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals create the high, but they also can cause extremes in blood pressure, body temperature and impact the body’s level of hydration. These effects can lead to stroke, even in younger people. In addition, there is the risk of at least a mild depression after the drug experience related to the serotonin depletion.
Please note that I’m not someone who demonizes all psychoactive drugs across the board for any use. I also am not an alarmist older professor trying to “scare straight” students who might consider experimenting with or using drugs – but I feel strongly that people need to know the risks of what they put into their body and brain, and to make the most informed decision they can. Thank you for your time.
Scott Husband, Ph.D.
Department of Psychology
Editors’ Note: We agree with Dr. Husband, and we regret the error.