Politics & Government

Antonovich Calls Ecstasy Use Education Campaign Handout 'Stupid'

Supervisor Michael Antonovich came down hard on the LA Department of Public Health this week for creating a card that details ecstasy's effects, after-effects and how to minimize the drug's harm.

Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who represents Sierra Madre in the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, released a statement this week condemning the L.A. County Department of Public Health’s creation of an Ecstasy Harm Reduction Card.

The card was meant to be distributed exclusively at raves and outlines what ecstasy is, what the effects are and how to minimize potential harms if a person takes it. The card provides “potentially life-saving information,” says the LADPH. It also includes the message that ecstasy is illegal and that it should be avoided.

But, Antonovich does not agree with all of the content of the card. “Counseling young people on the use of the illegal drug Ecstasy is stupid and contrary to Los Angeles County’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs,” said Antonovich. The Board of Supervisors passed the zero-tolerance policy in August 2010.

Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The card was created by a task force that gathered at the request of the Board of Supervisors in July 2010, after a 15-year-old girl died at a rave (or electronic music festival) at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena.

The task force is made up of local city representatives, law enforcement agencies, hospital representatives, electronic music festival promoters and others. One goal of its formation was to increase rave safety.

Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Ecstasy Harm Reduction Card is funded by rave promoters.

The card describes the effects of ecstasy as follows: “…may include elevated mood and energy, enhanced sensations, and a sense of emotional connectedness. Ecstasy also increases heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and muscle tension (like teeth grinding.)

The card lists the drugs after-effects as depression, anxiety, irritability, muscle fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating.

The card also provides ways for ecstasy users to minimize the drug’s harm. It advises users to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and to not mix the drug with other substances. It also details signs of an overdose.

“Think it through and know the facts so you and your friends can make informed decisions and stay safe together,” the card states in large print.

The card concludes with the message “Stay away- the only way to completely avoid the risks is to avoid the drug, enjoy the music and dancing instead.”

The LADPH is revising the cards per the Supervisors’ statement.

“Based on feedback from Board members and upon further review by the department, Public Health is immediately revising the card to further and more emphatically state that illegal drug use is dangerous,” the LADPH said in a prepared statement. “Public Health does not condone the use of illegal drugs.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Sierra Madre