This workshop will focus on the social history and neuropharmacology of the drug "Ecstasy"

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).  Initially explored as a potential adjunctive treatment for psychotherapy, MDMA has become a widely used and abused substance, particularly within the context of the youth recreational drug scene, where it has acquired the popular name of "Ecstasy".  The use of "Ecstasy" by young people has been complicated by increasing degrees of drug substitution, which have been associated with deaths in the United States and Europe, the use of MDMA within the context of "raves" has also been associated with serious dangers, particularly malignant hyperthermia (overheating).  Concerns of potential central nervous system damage have also been raised, although persistent problems have existed in extrapolating animal data to human use.  Human studies of MDMA "neurotoxicity" have often been hampered by methodological flaws, which have limited their value.  Known and suspected effects of MDMA on the serotonergic neurotransmitter system will be examined in this presentation, as will the ongoing controversy over the potential application of the MDMA treatment model for refractory (non-responsive) psychiatric conditions. The workshop will feature Dr. Charles Grob and will include a panel of local individuals who will provide a Hawai`i perspective.

Charles S. Grob, M.D. is Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the UCLA School of Medicine and the Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.   Dr. Grob conducted the first FDA approved investigation examining the effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) in human subjects, and was also Principle Investigator of an international, multi-disciplinary medical psychiatric research study of the Amazonian plant hallucinogen, ayahuasca.  Dr. Grob has written extensively in the area of hallucinogens and MDMA, and is the editor of Hallucinogens: A Reader in Science, Psychology, Society and Spirit, to be published by Tarcher/Putnam in the spring of 2002.

The cost of the workshop is $10.00 (free for full-time students). Please register by November 30. The cost includes a continental breakfast. Walk-ins will be accepted on the day of the workshop, but individuals are encouraged to register so that we will have an accurate count. Registration and check in on the morning of December 4 will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Please make checks payable to Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii (DPFH). Purchase Orders will be accepted. Mail registration to:

Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, P.O. Box 61233, Honolulu, HI 96839

For more information please contact Harm Reduction Hawaii by calling 521-2437 ext. 458, faxing to 262-4390 or e-mail dhein@hawaii.rr.com
 
 

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