Characteristics and social representation of ecstasy in Europe - Irefrea

their own health. They also have a poster in the form of a comic which warns of thevarious risks and dangers which could occur went going out at the weekend.Another leaflet, also by Lifeline, entitled “Ecstasy, Frequently Asked Questions”(Lifeline, 1996a), differs from the preceding ones in that it is not in comic style but isalso aimed at users, specifically ecstasy users, and endeavours to give information toavoid harm from using these substances.FRANCEWe were able to analyse six prevention campaigns, three by non-governmentalorganisations, a fourth by anonymous and voluntary citizens, a fifth produced by theParis City Council, and the sixth and final one by the Mission Inteministerielle de Luttecontre la Drogue et la Toxicomanie” (MILDT). The objective of some of thesecampaigns was harm minimisation in the use of ecstasy whereas others confinedthemselves to providing information on drugs without adding any advice on how toreduce their dangers.The project by the self-support association Techno Plus (1996) comprised leafletswhich were distributed at rave festivals and their purpose was to “inform users andmake them responsible for the prevention of abuse, limiting the risks involved and ofnot encouraging the use of ecstasy, LSD and other dance drugs”. The leaflet contained10 points on advice for a safe use which included not taking them in cases of mentalillness or depression, not taking them on an empty stomach and other advice on theassociated risks such as driving under the influence of tablets or having sexual relationswithout using condoms. It also recommended reading “E as in Ecstasy” by NicholasSaunders and “Pikhal” by Alexander Shulgin as both books tackle the history ofecstasy, the different uses which have been made of this substance, recommendationsfor use and the effects produced. This same Association has carried out tests on thecomposition of the tablets “somewhere in the l’Ile de France” (Techno Plus, 1996), inthe style of the tests which were made in Holland. We do not know of the existence ofany evaluation of the campaign.TechnoPlus (1997) has also cooperated with AIDES in designing a harmminimisation campaign on the dangers of mixing sex and ecstasy, LSD, amphetaminesand other drugs. It involves a pamphlet with 13 point on advice for users so that “usersand the people around them finish the evening as they began it.” The contents of thepamphlet emphasise what should be done in the event of a bad trip.The “Syndicat National Enterprises Gaies” (1997) published a leaflet entitled“Ecstasy” which contained information on the risks in ecstasy use and somerecommendations on avoiding them (drink water, don’t mix with other drugs, etc.). Thiscampaign was carried out with the cooperation of the Prefecture de Police in Paris, theFG Radio, and with financing by Queen Disco. The leaflets were handed to owners andemployees in night establishments and the message was spread by the radio stationconcerned.203