Thai doctors have warned about the dangers of party drugs being sold online, such as Ecstasy, which are disguised as collagen, electrolyte drinks and coffee.
Dr. Manus Potaporn, deputy director-general of the Medical Services Department, said yesterday (Saturday) that all the party drugs contain a chemical compound that can cause severe hallucinations, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure, adding that the users will be awake for an extended period and may be unable to control themselves.
The drugs will take effect in 30-45 minutes after ingestion and will last between 6-8 hours, he added.
The drugs are usually in tablet form bearing symbols such as a bat, a bird or the sun on one side and a dividing line on the other.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sarayut Boonchaipanichwattana, director of the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment (PMNIDAT), admitted that party drugs are difficult to detect when they are disguised.
He explained that Ecstasy, when consumed, will cause brain cells to release Serotonin, which controls emotions, adding that, initially, the abusers will feel good but, after a while, they will become depressed and have an increased tendency to self-harm.
If consumed with alcohol or other drugs, the users may suffer shock and die, he warned.
Dr. Sarayut said that habitual users of these party drugs should be sent for treatment and rehabilitation at the PMNIDAT or any of the six Thanyarak hospitals in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Song Khla and Pattani or at their nearest hospital.
