Parents and students in Highlands Ranch got a crash course in the dangers of ecstasy Wednesday night.

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Seven-part series for students in grades 5 - 9

VIDEO

A mother and daughter discuss ecstasy use

Hendrik Sybrandy reports on the manufacturing and distribution of ecstasy

Dr. Jeffrey Brent talks about treatment of ecstasy patients

Dr. Chris Colwell talks about the dangers of ecstasy

Dr. Steve Cantrill talks about ecstasy's effect on the body

DISCUSSION

A Discussion For Parents About Ecstasy

You may remember last week, when a Highlands Ranch High School student suffered a severe reaction to ecstasy and almost died. Another high school student died the week before from compliations related to that same drug. Douglas County authorities used Wednesday night's meeting to remind parents and students that ecstasy use is treated very seriously by police. Sandy Skubal and her daughter, Andrea, attended the meeting and had very different opinions about using the drug. "It's information I didn't know and to hear it from some of the experts is very beneficial, " said Sandy. Her daughter had a different reaction, "These types of meetings won't get teenagers to quit using it," said Andrea. "I know a lot of people who have done it and enjoyed it and not experienced anything bad." Andrea told 7News that there are only a few cases of bad reactions, "So why wouldn't you try it?" she asked. Her mother said all parents can do is try to "work together" with their children to make sure they know the dangers involved. High school officials hope that the recent tragic events surrounding ecstasy use will act as a wake-up call for the entire community. Last week, a teen from Highlands Ranch, whose name was not released, was released from the hospital after a severe reaction to ecstasy, doctors said. Her doctors held a press conference last week to discuss the case and the dangers associated with the drug. "This is a brain toxin, and if you use it often enough, even if you never present to the emergency department, when you become an adult and beyond, your brain may just not function very well," said Dr. Ken Kulig, a toxicologist. Doctors said the girl took three tablets of ecstasy and became thirsty -- a common side effect -- so she drank too much water, leading to low sodium levels. A similar chain of events has been blamed for the death of another teen in Boulder County three weeks ago. Authorities said that Brittney Chambers slipped into a coma after taking ecstasy at her 16th birthday party at her mother's house in Superior. She died Feb. 2 after life support was removed. The Boulder County coroner ruled that her death was caused by ingestion of ecstasy, which led to water intoxication because she consumed so much water. Previous Stories:

• February 16, 2001: Ecstasy Suspect Jailed In Drug Case
• February 16, 2001: Teen Suspected Of Taking Ecstasy Released From Hospital
• February 16, 2001: Boulder County Ecstasy Suspect Jailed On Previous Drug Charges
• February 13, 2001: Manufacture and Distribution of Ecstasy - video
• February 13, 2001: Ecstasy Case Arrest Expected
• February 12, 2001: Ecstasy Death Caused By 'Water Intoxication'
• February 9, 2001: Lab Tests Show Fatal Ecstasy Pill Untainted
• February 8, 2001: Boulder Probe Into Ecstasy Party Continues
• February 7, 2001: Boulder Deputies Suspended Over Ecstasy Case
• February 5, 2001: Ecstasy Suspects Due In Court This Week
• February 4, 2001: Ecstasy Suspects Post Bond, Victim's Family Plans Memorial
• February 3, 2001: Girl In Ecstasy-Induced Coma Dies
• February 1, 2001: Arrests Are Near In Ecstasy Sale
• January 31, 2001: Girl Remains In Coma As Authorities Issue Ecstasy Warning
• January 29, 2001: Girl In Critical Condition After Consuming 'Ecstasy' Drug