Ecstasy
The campaign focused on the varied content and composition of ecstasy as well as the short-term and long-term impacts it has on individuals physical and mental health.
The Drug Aware Ecstasy Campaign was launched on 24 January 2011.
The overall aim of the Drug Aware Ecstasy Education Program is to prevent and/or delay the uptake of ecstasy use, reduce frequency and amount of ecstasy use amongst occasional and frequent users, increase access to support services at an early stage by increasing awareness and knowledge of the potential health, social and legal consequences of ecstasy use and increasing the salience of the potential risks associated with ecstasy use.
The campaign theme challenges the notion that ecstasy is a safe drug, by focusing on the physical and mental health impacts associated with ecstasy use in both the short and long-term. This is achieved by exploring the content/composition of the drug and what short-term and long-term impacts the drug has on individuals in relation to physical and mental health.
The campaign takes a persuasive approach, with key messages being engaging and motivating, reinforcing responsible informed attitudes about ecstasy as well as creating a social dialogue.
Key message
Refrain from beginning to use, as ecstasy:
- Is more harmful then you think.
- Has short-term physical and mental health impacts, including the potential for overdose.
- Has long-term physical and mental health impacts, including damaging your memory and potentially leading to depression.
- Is scary, dangerous and may cause you problems.
Target group
Young people aged 15 to 17-years-of-age.
Campaign objectives
- reduce frequency and amount of ecstasy use amongst occasional and frequent users.
- increase access to support services at an early stage by increasing awareness and knowledge of the potential health, social and legal consequences of ecstasy use.
- increase the salience of the potential risks associated with ecstasy use.
