Cambridge, MA – February 12, 2002 - Psychemedics
Corporation, (AMEX-PMD) the world’s leading laboratory for testing hair
for the presence of drugs of abuse has, for over a year and a half, been
testing for Ecstasy using its patented hair analysis. Psychemedics’ hard
data demonstrate that the severity of the Ecstasy problem in America is
more alarming than previously thought. Recently, a survey of teenagers
nationwide by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, as announced in
USA Today, found that 12% admit to have tried Ecstasy at least once, up
from 10% in 2000 and 5% in 1995.
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is launching its national advertising
campaign – the first ever to focus on Ecstasy – based on this recent survey
of teens. The hard data that Psychemedics has gathered during its year
and a half of testing further illuminates the seriousness and danger of
the Ecstasy problem.
In July of 2000 Psychemedics became the first laboratory to begin testing
for Ecstasy as part of their standard drug testing panel. Psychemedics’
hair test screen includes five drugs of abuse in addition to Ecstasy, including
marijuana, cocaine (as well as crack cocaine), opiates (heroin), methamphetamine
(speed and uppers, and now Ecstasy) and PCP (angel dust). Since drug testing
with urinalysis does not automatically include Ecstasy, the hard data available
on Ecstasy use as a result of drug testing have come from Psychemedics
Corporation and its patented hair analysis method.
Psychemedics’ hair test results demonstrated that when Ecstasy screening
was added to the normal testing panel, the number of positives in the methamphetamine
category almost doubled.
Raymond C. Kubacki, President and C.E.O. of Psychemedics said, “We found
that 41% of Ecstasy users also abused one or more other illegal substances.
This indicated that, as many had suspected, Ecstasy is likely a gateway
drug. This being the case, Ecstasy should be viewed as an even greater
threat both here in the U.S. and abroad.”
Mr. Kubacki further commented that while most of the surveys and news
articles focus on Ecstasy use among teens, the Psychemedics data showed
that the overwhelming majority of positives were found in their pre-employment
testing, indicating Ecstasy use is in a broader population than previously
anticipated. It appears that Ecstasy is more than a teenage drug problem.
Mr. Kubacki also noted the national ad campaign sponsored by the Partnership
for a Drug-Free America will certainly act as a deterrent, but he also
indicated that drug testing for Ecstasy should be considered a very important
tool.
“The goal for all involved is deterring kids from trying this drug.
We must use every tool and technology available,” Mr. Kubacki said. “The
national advertising campaign of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America
makes a powerful statement and will be effective.”
“We also believe that our drug test provides another effective deterrent,”
Mr. Kubacki concluded. “This hits home when you look at the February 10th
cover story in New York Times Magazine entitled, “Drug Fix: Does Rehab
Actually Work?” The article indicates that one third of the patients
of a major treatment network leave without completing the treatment program
– even if it means going to jail and that, among those who do finish, few
abstain for long. The article refers to a study mandated by Congress which
found that more than half the cocaine addicts and nearly two-thirds of
those addicted to both heroin and cocaine were using drugs within a year
of treatment, and quotes a drug abuser in rehab who, when asked about staying
off drugs, said his chances were ‘fifty-fifty’ at best.’ We believe
public awareness, promulgated by important initiatives like the Partnership
for a Drug-Free America advertising campaign, as well as an effective drug
testing program, can work hand in hand to provide the tools necessary to
beat Ecstasy use.”
Psychemedics currently serves thousands of corporations (over 10% of
the Fortune 500), which use hair testing to support their drug-free workplace
initiatives. In addition, some of the largest U.S. police departments and
several Federal Reserve Banks use Psychemedics’ drug testing technology.
Urine testing can normally detect drug use for only one to three days after
ingestion while hair testing will detect drug use for the previous several
months. Unlike urinalysis, simple short-term abstention will not beat the
test. Drug detection rates for the Psychemedics hair test are up to 5-10
times greater than urine testing. Additionally, employees and schools throughout
the U.S. report that when those tested learn that hair testing (unlike
urinalysis) cannot be foiled, the hair test serves as a very significant
and cost-effective deterrent.
