Ecstasy pills may contain hidden danger

A NEW campaign warning students that pill drugs like Ecstasy may contain dangerous hallucinogenic stimulants that could kill was launched last week.

The ‘high’ from Ecstasy comes from MDMA but research across Europe has found that many pills also contain stimulants like PMA and PMMA, which can lead to coma and death in large doses.

The harm reduction campaign follows a number of deaths across Europe, including several in Ireland, that are believed to be connected to the toxic stimulants.

The campaign is the result of a collaboration between three Dublin universities – DIT, TCD, and UCD – and the Ana Liffey Drug Project. Campaign resources include posters and a factsheet, which will be distributed on campus as well as promoted on social media and via the drugs.ie website.

“It’s not possible to tell what’s in a pill by sight, smell or taste,” said Director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, Tony Duffin.

“While PMA and PMMA are widely known substances which are commonly found in what is sold as ecstasy, there are many others which are not so well known.”

Welfare Officer for DIT, Lysette Golden, said it was important not to be afraid to talk about drugs. 

“The only way to make a difference is to not be afraid to talk about the sensitive subjects,” she added. “Drugs are common and popular, we all know this, yet fail to talk about them openly. Through this campaign we are breaking the silence and starting this conversation.”

The ‘What’s in the Pill?’ campaign was launched by Dublin Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh, who welcomed the initiative.

“I understand it’s the first time that universities and a drug service have worked together to develop drug-related resources for student populations,” she said.

“These resources give an important message, with a pragmatic focus – that it is always safest not to use drugs at all, but if you do choose to do so, it is vital to have access to unbiased, evidence based information.”

Minister of State with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Aodhan O ‘Riordain, said the campaign was a great example of different stakeholders working together for a common goal.

“It’s great to see positive work like this, ” he added.