What is Ecstasy?
Drug-effects.us defines Ecstasy (MDMA (Ecstacy)) as a, “synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. It is classified as a stimulant.”
Ecstasy is sometimes called “the love pill” because it tends to heighten one’s perceptions of color and sound. It’s also been shown that ecstasy amplifies sensations of touch.
According to drugfreeworld.org, “Ecstasy is taken orally, usually as a capsule or tablet. (Ecstasy) was initially popular among Caucasian adolescents and young adults in the nightclub scene or at weekend-long dance parties known as raves. More recently, the profile of the typical ecstasy user has changed, with the drug now affecting a broader range of ethnic groups. MDMA (Ecstasy) is also popular among urban gay males—some report using MDMA (Ecstasy) as part of a multiple-drug experience that includes marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine, sildenafil (Viagra), and other legal and illegal substances. Users of ecstasy think the drug will make them feel good and enable them to keep going for days without rest. But people who use Ecstasy don’t realize how dangerous this drug actually is. A big problem with ecstasy is that it’s rarely pure. You can’t be sure what’s in it and you can’t predict how you’ll react. Sometimes, there is no MDMA (Ecstasy) at all. Though a recent study found that in some parts of the country the amount of MDMA (Ecstasy) in ecstasy was increasing. Ecstasy is similar (in nature) to other amphetamines and hallucinogens. It speeds up the nervous system and acts as a mood enhancer. Also referred to as “the love drug”, Ecstasy often makes the user feel good, happy and relaxed – at least at first.”
Interestingly, Ecstasy is emotionally damaging and users often suffer depression, confusion, severe anxiety, paranoia, psychotic behavior and other psychological problems. Ecstasy is actually not an aphrodisiac (as commonly believed) and can inhibit sexual performance.”
Short-term effects of ecstasy include visual effects such as: colors changing and sensitivity to brightness. Also, there can be a false sense of affection, confusion, depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety, paranoia, drug cravings, muscle tension, faintness and chills or swelling, impaired judgment, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, and even nausea.
Long-term effects of ecstasy use are both psychological and physiological. When users are not able to take ecstasy, depression, anxiety, paranoia, and cognitive problems can, and usual will, occur. Also, fatigue (coupled with depression and lack of motivation), exhaustion and insomnia, cardiovascular failure, and even teeth clenching and grinding can occur.
Further, drugfreeworld.com indicates that, “Ecstasy smothers the natural alarm signals given out by the body. As a result, after taking the drug, an individual risks going beyond his physical limitations and endurance. For example, a person on Ecstasy may not realize that he has become overheated and can faint or even die of heatstroke.
A study by the University of Texas Center for Social Work Research found that the long-term effects of Ecstasy most frequently reported included depression and a reduced ability to concentrate. The researchers also found repeated use of Ecstasy to be associated with sleep, mood and anxiety disturbances; tremors or twitches; and memory problems.”
All in all, although ecstasy was once thought to be a relatively “harmless” party drug, it has proven to be a very harmful, even potentially deadly substance that degenerates nerves, damages brain function, has many psychological effects, and if abused enough, could result in death.