Ecstasy
MaClay Rehabilitation Center
Ecstasy
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug
chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline.
MDMA is an illegal drug that acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an
energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced
enjoyment from tactile experiences.
Adolescents and young adults use it to promote euphoria, feelings of closeness,
empathy, sexuality and to reduce inhibitions. It is considered a "party drug" and
obtained at "rave" or "techno" parties. However, its abuse has expanded, to include
other settings outside of the rave scenes, such as a college campus.
Although MDMA is known universally among users as ecstasy, researchers have
determined that many ecstasy tablets contain not only MDMA but also a number of other
drugs or drug combinations that can be harmful as well. Adulterants found in MDMA
tablets purchased on the street include methamphetamine, caffeine, the over-the-
counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan, the diet drug ephedrine, and cocaine.
Also, as with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely used alone. It is not
uncommon for users to mix MDMA with other substances, such as alcohol and
marijuana.
Short-Term Effects
In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On
rare but unpredictable occasions, this can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature
(hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and death.
Because MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (breakdown within the body),
potentially harmful levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals.
Users of MDMA face many of the same risks as users of other stimulants such as
cocaine and amphetamines. These include increases in heart rate and blood
pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory problems or heart disease, and other
symptoms such as
muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, andchills
or sweating.
Almost 60 percent of people who use MDMA report withdrawal symptoms, including
fatigue, loss of appetite, depressed feelings, and trouble concentrating.
Long-Term Effects
Research in animals links MDMA exposure to long-term damage to neurons that are
involved in mood, thinking, and judgment. A study in nonhuman primates showed that
exposure to MDMA for only 4 days caused damage to serotonin nerve terminals that
was evident 6 to 7 years later. While similar neurotoxicity has not been definitively
shown in humans, the wealth of animal research indicating MDMA’s damaging
properties suggests that MDMA is not a safe drug for human consumption.
For more information click here
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug
chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline.
MDMA is an illegal drug that acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an
energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced
enjoyment from tactile experiences.
Adolescents and young adults use it to promote euphoria, feelings of closeness,
empathy, sexuality and to reduce inhibitions. It is considered a "party drug" and
obtained at "rave" or "techno" parties. However, its abuse has expanded, to include
other settings outside of the rave scenes, such as a college campus.
Although MDMA is known universally among users as ecstasy, researchers have
determined that many ecstasy tablets contain not only MDMA but also a number of other
drugs or drug combinations that can be harmful as well. Adulterants found in MDMA
tablets purchased on the street include methamphetamine, caffeine, the over-the-
counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan, the diet drug ephedrine, and cocaine.
Also, as with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely used alone. It is not
uncommon for users to mix MDMA with other substances, such as alcohol and
marijuana.
Short-Term Effects
In high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On
rare but unpredictable occasions, this can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature
(hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and death.
Because MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (breakdown within the body),
potentially harmful levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals.
Users of MDMA face many of the same risks as users of other stimulants such as
cocaine and amphetamines. These include increases in heart rate and blood
pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory problems or heart disease, and other
symptoms such as
muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, andchills
or sweating.
Almost 60 percent of people who use MDMA report withdrawal symptoms, including
fatigue, loss of appetite, depressed feelings, and trouble concentrating.
Long-Term Effects
Research in animals links MDMA exposure to long-term damage to neurons that are
involved in mood, thinking, and judgment. A study in nonhuman primates showed that
exposure to MDMA for only 4 days caused damage to serotonin nerve terminals that
was evident 6 to 7 years later. While similar neurotoxicity has not been definitively
shown in humans, the wealth of animal research indicating MDMA’s damaging
properties suggests that MDMA is not a safe drug for human consumption.
For more information click here
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