ABC News anchor Peter Jennings hosted a special report April 1 on the risks and misconceptions of the drug MDMA, also known as Ecstasy.  The hour-long documentary highlighted the federal government's campaign against Ecstasy, centered on the idea that the drug causes brain damage.  But "Ecstasy Rising" also included plenty of testimonials from people who say MDMA has improved their emotional well-being.  Please e-mail ABC to say thanks.

Far from a new drug, MDMA was patented in 1914 by Merck.  Mental health professionals used it widely in the 1970s and 1980s to treat psychiatric disorders.  The federal government moved Ecstasy to Schedule I, defined as having no valid medical use and high potential for abuse, in 1986 after a resurgence of the drug on the club scene.  Yet some patients report a feeling of openness and a willingness to talk after taking MDMA, which the Drug Enforcement Administration recently approved for a first-of-its-kind psychotherapy study.

The Jennings documentary marks the first time a network news broadcast has dedicated so much time to a balanced examination of federal drug policy.  Please let the network's staff know you're grateful for their hard work.

To view an archive of "Ecstasy Rising," click here.