Other Dangerous Drugs

Other dangerous drugs, including diverted pharmaceuticals such as OxyContin, hallucinogens such as LSD, and stimulants such as MDMA, currently are a minor threat to Vermont compared with heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. The abuse of OxyContin, a strong semisynthetic opiate prescribed for pain relief, is of increasing concern to state and local law enforcement officials in several Vermont communities. Young adults are the primary abusers of LSD, and the drug frequently is distributed at rock concerts in the state. The availability and abuse of MDMA are limited in Vermont, but the drug has become a serious problem in other states in the region. MDMA is distributed at raves in neighboring states and Canada. Burlington area residents, among others, reportedly attend raves held across the border in Montreal, and residents in areas such as Brattleboro reportedly attend raves in Springfield, Massachusetts. No raves have been reported in Vermont. To the extent MDMA is available in the state, it is usually sold in bars and private residences.

Diverted Pharmaceuticals

The abuse of OxyContin is a new and growing threat to Vermont. The Vermont Drug Task Force reports that the rate of OxyContin abuse is increasing throughout the state, as is the number of OxyContin-related pharmacy burglaries. The Rutland Police reported that OxyContin abuse became a problem in Rutland during the spring of 2001. Individuals forged prescriptions on several occasions and illegally purchased over 500 OxyContin tablets at local pharmacies. Some local pharmacies that sold OxyContin and other opiates were burglarized. The Brattleboro Police reported in June 2001 that OxyContin stolen from pharmacies in surrounding communities is being sold illegally on the streets. Additionally, the Newport Police reported in June 2001 that OxyContin is increasingly diverted. In 2001 the Vermont Drug Task Force reports that diverted OxyContin sells for $1 to $1.25 per milligram, and task force personnel recently purchased four 40-milligram OxyContin tablets for $200.
  

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Hallucinogens

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), also known as acid and yellow sunshines, is a hallucinogen. The effects of LSD are unpredictable and depend on the amount taken, the environment, and the abuser's personality, mood, and expectations. Abusers generally feel the effects of the drug within 30 to 90 minutes, and the effects usually last up to 12 hours. Physical effects include dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. LSD abusers report that numbness, weakness, trembling, and nausea are common. The drug, usually taken orally, is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. LSD is sold on pieces of blotter paper and in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. In 2001 the DEA Burlington Resident Office reports LSD sells for $4 to $7 per hit; Brattleboro Police report that liquid LSD sells for $175 per eyedrop dispenser (dosage units vary depending on size of dispenser and the concentration of the liquid).

LSD is not a major threat to Vermont but remains a concern for law enforcement officials because of a high potential for abuse among the younger population. LSD is only sporadically available in the state and is abused primarily by Vermont students in high school and college. Most of the LSD available in the state is produced in California and is transported to Vermont via express mail services. College students who purchase LSD from West Coast distributors usually sell retail quantities of LSD in the state. Vermont law enforcement authorities report that the drug is available at some rock concerts.

Stimulants

MDMA, also known as Adam, ecstasy, XTC, E, and X, is a stimulant and low-level hallucinogen. MDMA was patented in Germany in 1914 where it was sometimes given to psychiatric patients to assist in psychotherapy, a practice never approved by the American Psychological Association or the Food and Drug Administration. Sometimes called the hug drug, the drug purportedly helps abusers "be more in touch with others" and "opens channels of communication." However, abuse of the drug can cause psychological problems similar to those associated with methamphetamine and cocaine abuse including confusion, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, and paranoia. The physical effects can include muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. MDMA abuse can also cause a marked increase in body temperature leading to muscle breakdown, kidney failure, cardiovascular system failure, stroke, and seizure as reported in some fatal cases. Recent research suggests that MDMA abuse may result in long-term and, sometimes, permanent damage to parts of the brain that are critical to thought and memory.

MDMA is not a major threat to Vermont but remains a concern for law enforcement officials due to its extremely high potential for abuse. Both the Vermont Drug Task Force and DEA report that the levels of availability and abuse of MDMA are limited in Vermont. DEA reports that MDMA is sold in bars and private residences in the state. In 2001 the DEA Burlington Resident Office reports that MDMA sells for $18 to $30 per tablet; the Brattleboro Police Department reports that MDMA sells for $20 to $30 per tablet. Law enforcement officials believe that the MDMA threat is low because there have been no raves in Vermont, thereby avoiding the attendant MDMA abuse that has occurred in other states in New England. However, Burlington area residents, among others, reportedly attend raves held across the border in Montreal, and residents in areas such as Brattleboro reportedly attend raves in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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