Since the 1990s there has been a sharp increase in the abuse of what are known as “club drugs.” Originally used largely in urban areas, especially among gay men, these drugs, in particular Ecstasy, have become increasingly popular among adolescents, who are not always aware of the dangers posed by these substances. According to a National Institute on Drug Abuse survey, 3.4 million Americans age twelve or over have tried Ecstasy at least once. In addition, 2.8 percent of twelfth-graders polled in 2001 had taken Ecstasy during the previous month.

Ecstasy, or MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a stimulant that is typically taken in pill form. The drug causes the brain to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood. Its users reportedly experience euphoria and enhanced mental and emotional clarity. However, these purportedly positive experiences are accompanied by dangerous side effects, among them brain...