Gulf Today

MDMA related deaths on rise in Kerala, says study

- AMAB

KOZHIKODE: Deaths related to synthetic drug MDMA (Methylened­ioxymetham­phetamine) or Ecstasy or Molly is on the rise in Kerala, according to a study by the Society for the Study of Addiction (SSA).

The biggest crisis that India might face from 2025 would be the Mdma-related mortality, according to mental health experts, who point out that such deaths are occurring in Kerala also.

According to the SSA study, drug abuse-related deaths were reported among youths in the age group of 25 to 34. Heart atack is the leading cause of death in most people. Other causes are accidents, suicide, and murder. Such deaths reportedly happen within five years of addiction.

Experts at the Government Mental Healthcare Centre (GMHC) here point out that such habits are observed among synthetic drug users.

Atempts to kill oneself by sliting one’s own throat, or killing close relatives or friends for no particular reason are all symptoms of the MDMA’S perilous effect on the brain Dr PT Sandheesh, a senior clinical psychologi­st at the GMHC, advised parents to seek help if they notice any abnormal behaviour in their children.

“The MDMA users generally experience depression, loneliness, hopelessne­ss, anxiety, memory loss, and become aggressive.

“MDMA abuse can lead to mental health disorders, and suicide. Parents should try to seek profession­al help if they notice any abnormal behaviour in their children,” Dr Sandheesh said.

The drug mafia is reportedly selling fake chemical substances in Kerala that cause more serious health problems than actual drugs.

This was revealed during the tests conducted on the seized chemical substances.

The Directorat­e of Revenue Intelligen­ce (DRI) and Narcotics Control Bureau conducted chemical tests on the drugs seized from various parts of the country, including in Kerala.

Even some of the ganja seized in Kerala were found to be fake during tests. The mafia mainly hoodwinks those who are new to substance abuse.

Chemical substances, that do not even cost Rs10 per gram, are sold in the form of pills or in powdered form for up to Rs4,000.

duaam

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