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Drug Users OD by Confusing Coke, Ecstasy

They die by accidentally snorting MDMA, UK council finds

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2008 7:31 PM CDT

(Newser) – One of the biggest dangers of ecstasy, the drug’s opponents say, is that it looks a lot like cocaine. Hospitals have faced a rash of accidental overdoses from drug users who unwittingly snorted the psychedelic drug, the Independent reports. Britain's drug advisory council is probing the spate as it considers whether to downgrade ecstasy from a class A to a class B drug.

“If you are buying white powders from someone, how do you know if you are getting MDMA, methamphetamine or cocaine?” asked the council’s incoming chairman. “It's potentially very dangerous.” One doctor said accidental ecstasy snorting was “a clinically common issue.”

Many drug users are confusing white powder ecstasy for cocaine. (Shutterstock)

Drug users are overdosing by snorting ecstasy by mistake, a British professor warns. (Shutterstock)

Drug users are fatally overdosing by confusing ecstasy with cocaine, a British professor warns. (Shutterstock)

Packages of cocaine sit open after being broken by police before being burned in Panama City, Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)

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Drug Users OD by Confusing Coke, Ecstasy

They die by accidentally snorting MDMA, UK council finds

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High IQ Children Grow Up to Be... High

Kids who score well on IQ tests more likely to score drugs as adults

Brain Scans of Addicts' Siblings Offer a Clue

They share abnormalities that make them more vulnerable

Feds Helped Mexican Drug Honcho Move Millions

Transferred cash, drugs across international borders

Cops: Airport Smuggler Hid Cocaine in ... Clam Shells

Customs officials call case one of the oddest they've seen

Man Busted After Cocaine Delivery—by Mail

Jersey City felon arrested minutes after opening package

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Drug Users OD by Confusing Coke, Ecstasy

They die by accidentally snorting MDMA, UK council finds

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

drugs • cocaine • overdose • ecstasy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

High IQ Children Grow Up to Be... High

Kids who score well on IQ tests more likely to score drugs as adults

Brain Scans of Addicts' Siblings Offer a Clue

They share abnormalities that make them more vulnerable

Feds Helped Mexican Drug Honcho Move Millions

Transferred cash, drugs across international borders

Cops: Airport Smuggler Hid Cocaine in ... Clam Shells

Customs officials call case one of the oddest they've seen

Man Busted After Cocaine Delivery—by Mail

Jersey City felon arrested minutes after opening package

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Newser By Users

Community

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