What
is Ecstasy?
MDMA or Ecstasy as it is commonly known, is similar in chemical structure
and effects to both amphetamines and hallucinogens. It usually comes
in the form of colored tablets with different designs. It can also come
in powder form or in capsules.
As with most illegally made drugs, there are no controls on the strength
and hygiene of the drug. There is no guarantee that an Ecstasy pill
contains any Ecstasy at all as they are often mixed with other harmful
substances.
Other names: Inex, XCT, Dolphin, Black Heart, Gober, Circle K, etc.
What are the immediate effects of Ecstasy?
Euphoria
Feeling of-well being
Nausea
Sweating & dehydration
Increased closeness with others
Confidence and lack of inhibitions
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
Paranoia, confusion
Increased heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
Fainting, collapsing or convulsing (fits)
What are the long-term effects of Ecstasy?
Little is known about the long-term effects of Ecstasy but the potential
for mental and psychological damage is very high. Here is what we know
now:
Ecstasy damages the brain and impairs memory.
Ecstasy harms the mechanism in the brain responsible for learning and
thinking quickly.
There is evidence that the drug can cause damage to the heart and liver.
Regular users have reported extreme depression and there have been cases
of psychosis.
Dependence
There is evidence that people can become psychologically dependent on
Ecstasy, reporting that it is very difficult for them to stop or decrease
their use.
Sex and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STS)
The effects of Ecstasy can make a person engage in risky behavior, or
put them in a position of vulnerability. This can lead to rape, unwanted
sex, pregnancies and diseases like AIDS or Hepatitis C.
Memory and Learning
A study has provided direct evidence that Ecstasy causes brain damage.
Ecstasy harms neurons that release serotonin, a brain chemical that
regulates memory and other functions. Another study showed that former
users who had not taken ecstasy in six months were still mentally affected,
implying that the damage is long-term and irreversible.
Death
It is know that death can occur as a result of three distinct circumstances:
The stimulating effects result in a heart attack or brain hemorrhage.
The combination of taking ecstasy with prolonged dancing raises the
body temperature to dangerous levels. Because it is often taken in hot
and humid nightclubs or discos, the risk of death by overheating (hypethermia)
is increased.
Although not directly caused by ecstasy, deaths have occurred when users,
overheated by dancing have drank to much water at once causing dilutional
hyponatremia-a condition where the brain literally drowns for excess
liquid intake.
Mixing drugs
As with most drugs, it is very dangerous to mix drugs including alcohol.
It is known the combining ecstasy with amphetamines will increase heart
rate and blood pressure; taking ecstasy with other hallucinogens can
cause severe mental disturbances and users of antidepressant drugs who
take ecstasy may experience extreme adverse reactions.
Club Drugs
Club drugs are a group of substances, Ecstasy being the most known,
that have gained popularity in recent years, particularly amongst youth
at discos or clubs. These drugs are dangerous because little is known
about their long-term effects. They are also aggressively marketed by
traffickers as are safe and harmless, a misconception that is very popular
amongst youth.
Another dangerous feature of the club scene is the use of drugs to spike
the drinks of unsuspecting people. There have been cases in USA of people
passing out only to wake up hours later not knowing what has happened
while they were intoxicated.
Tips for Safe Partying
Always go out accompanied by friends and people you know
Tell your parents or other relatives where you will be going
If you have to leave you drink or food even for just a short while,
make sure a friend is watching it
Don't accept drinks or food from strangers
Assign someone in the group to keep an eye on everyone else
Frequent places that are not known for drug taking
Never accept rides from someone who looks suspicious or who seems to
be intoxicated by drugs or alcohol
If you start feeling sick, get help. Someone could have put something
in your drink