The Effects of Ecstasy

The Effects of Ecstasy

Some believe that it is therapeutic; others take it to capture the feeling of love all around. Ignorance calls it "the love drug." What is this drug that has taken control of the lives of so many adults as well as children? It is Ecstasy, or in Medical terms, MDMA. This drug has long-term effects that will leave users more ignorant than they started out when they chose to abuse it. As much as users believe that it does no harm, this drug is very dangerous and the use of it must be put to and end by all means.

On the streets, it is referred to as "x," "wigg," or even "candy." Ecstasy in its purest white crystal form is known as MDMA or methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It is a synthetic, psychoactive, mind-altering drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. Its chemical structure, 3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage.

Ecstasy stimulates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from brain neurons, producing a high that lasts for hours. The drug's so-called rewarding effects vary with the individual taking it, the dose and purity, and the environment in which it is taken. Ecstasy can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure and self-confidence and increased energy. Its psychedelic effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy. Users claim they experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch them and hug them. Because Ecstasy engenders feelings of closeness and trust and has a short duration of action, some therapists claim that the drug is potentially valuable as a psychotherapeutic agent. However, Federal regulators classify Ecstasy as a drug with no accepted medical use. Physical effects also include muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure are a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease. And though users see only the positives of the drug or what they believe is, they need to open their eyes and believe death is definitely a factor.

Many of the effects with Ecstasy use are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. Some of these risks are psychological difficulties, including; confusion, depression, sleep disorders, drug addiction, anxiety, and paranoia.