The Use of Ecstasy

The Use of Ecstasy

The party drug ecstasy (MDMA) is widely popular, particularly among

young people. Over 10 million people reported using the drug at least

once in their lifetime, a majority of these users were aged 18 to 25.

2) Ecstasy is a depressant and causes numerous psychological effects

including: confusion, depression, sleep apnoea, drug craving and

severe anxiety.

3) An experiment conducted by researches at Louisiana State University

showed the short term and long term effects of MDMA on rats. After a

short period, the rats heart rate slowed initially, then sped up.

After a longer period, the heart rates slowed even more and blood

pressure dropped dramatically. 70% of the rats showed abnormal heart

rhythms after receiving MDMA. Although a single dose of MDMA did not

result in any apparent heart damage, three MDMA doses caused

inflammation of the heart wall. As if these problems aren’t bad

enough, ecstasy can affect users for days or even weeks after they

take the drug. After-effects can include problems with memory, mood,

and concentration. Users also can lose their appetite and have muscle

aches, headaches, and problems with balance. Some side effects can be

more serious—including heart failure, liver damage, and kidney

failure. It may even be possible that heavy and continued use of

ecstasy can damage the brain.

One danger is that the drug reduces the body’s ability to control its

temperature and water content. Ecstasy users who are dancing non-stop

at clubs or parties can collapse as they become overheated and

dehydrated. Ecstasy also can raise a user’s heart rate and blood

pressure. Other effects include nausea, loss of appetite, jaw

tightness, and constant chewing and teeth clenching. Large doses of

ecstasy can cause anxiety, panic, and depression.

4) The social effects that people claim ecstasy is supposed to bring

are happy feelings and desire which is why it is known as the “love

drug” or the “hug drug.” It fosters a sense of closeness that many

teens crave. But research now shows that the drug may have a special