The news is based on a US study in 111 people that compared brain function in ecstasy users and non-users. It differed from other studies as it recruited both sets of participants from nightclubs in order to compare people with similar recreational habits. It also excluded people who took drugs other than ecstasy or drank alcohol excessively to prevent these substances clouding any effects of ecstasy. The study found that ecstasy users and non-users performed equally well in cognitive tests.
However, the number of participants was low and the researchers highlight that the small sample size may have prevented an effect from being observed. Additionally, the study did not follow the participants over time to assess whether their brains had changed with ecstasy use. While the study was well conducted, illicit drug use can be difficult to research, and this research cannot confirm that ecstasy is a safe drug.
Source: Donegal on Sunday, 24/02/2011
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