The recent death of a local woman from a toxic drug sold as ecstasy is just one example of the increased use and risks associated with so called “dance drugs.” This year’s Monitoring the Future survey, which tracks illicit drug use, found an increase in the use of the drug ecstasy for the second year in a row. Dr. Manuel Tancer, associate chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine is conducting research into the pharmacology of ecstasy, also known as MDMA. Dr. Tancer hopes to understand which brain receptor systems are involved in causing the pleasurable effects of the drug and the effects it has on these systems.

"The recent death highlights two important points," said Dr. Tancer. "First, there is no quality control on illicit drugs. There is no way of knowing the chemical composition, purity, and strength of a street drug. The second point is that 'dance drugs' although generally perceived as safe by the public, have been associated with a number of deaths and medical and psychological complications. More research is needed to understand what makes 'dance drugs' dangerous for some individuals."

Dr. Tancer and other substance abuse specialists are available for comments on this story and other related issues.