MDMA more commonly known on the street as ecstasy is a popular drug in the club culture. An ecstasy high is experienced as an overwhelming feeling of euphoria accompanied by ultra sensitive sensations. An altered perception of time and distance, hallucinating in the form of sight and sound, and blissful emotions are all common side effects of the drug. Ecstasy is commonly paralleled to LSD because of its hallucinogenic, stimulating and emotional effects. People are also prone to ecstasy addiction.
Introduced in the 1960's as an appetite suppressor, ecstasy abuse became more popular in the 1980's when it hit the club scene. In recent years ecstasy has become a popular recreational drug amongst college students. Because of the immediate emotional reprieve, boost of happiness and increased sex drive, it is common to become addicted to this drug despite the negative side effects. Both long and short term ecstasy abuse is extremely dangerous. The psychological, physical and financial damages unfortunately aren't always enough to lead an ecstasy addict to stop.
Ecstasy Street Terms:-Users: E-tard, peepers, Raver's, Candy Raver's
-Tablets: E, Playboys, Bombs, X, Candy Canes, Love Drug, Hug Drug
The Experience
Ecstasy can be administered orally, snorting, anally, sometimes smoked and even intravenously (injection). The "high" generally takes about 20 minutes to kick in, peaks around 2 hours and can last up to 8 hours depending on the dose. An average user will take anywhere from 2 to 4 tablets, 50-700mg. Ecstasy generally is a two part experience, the "high" and the secondary affect, the "crash". With an extreme high, the crash that follows will be extreme as well, which can last from 24 to 72 hours. This is the result of ecstasy withdrawal.
MDMA is the synthetic chemical of ecstasy. Because ecstasy is illegally made in laboratories, several chemicals make up the end product. Also, because of the illegal manufacturing of ecstasy, there is no way to guarantee the purity of the product. As of today, ecstasy is a Schedule I drug. Production and selling of this drug is known for being a lucrative means of profit, therefore diluting ecstasy is common. Chemist can incorporate anything from cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine and even chalk into the process. In some cases there have been traces of LSD and heroin cut into the product. Ecstasy is made into pill form and varies in size, color and imprint. Ecstasy tablets are generally named by the logo that is imprinted on it, usually a popular graphic of a cartoon, action hero, or brand.
Damage
The neurological damages to the brain include dopamine and serotonin depletion, creating holes in the brain. A CT scan of the brain of an ecstasy addict is similar to the brain of an epileptic senior. Listed are some short and long-term damages to ecstasy abuse:
- Anxiety and Depression
- Dehydration
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle Aches
- Insomnia and confusion
- Brain damage and seizures
- Cravings/dependency
- Hallucinations, psychosis and delirium
- Death
If you suspect a loved one is addicted to Ecstasy, here are some behaviors to look for:- Impulsivity, lack of self-control
- Paranoia
- Frequent and increased mood swings, extreme highs/lows
- Fatigue
- Excessive sweating (even when cold)
- Isolation
There is a solution. Treatment for ecstasy addiction can encompass mood management, such as prescription medications that can balance and repair brain production. Incorporating therapy for addiction and social issues that may have initiated or resulted from ecstasy abuse is effective.
