Ecstasy

9 Pages 2210 Words

mpany, but because of its side effects was never marketed Authorities
ignored MDMA until the late 1970’s when it began to reemerge in Europe Illicit use of MDMA
did not become popular in the U.S. until the late 1980’s and early 1990’s (Drug Enforcement
Administration 2000). While MDMA abuse currently is not as widespread as other drugs, its use
has sky rocketed 500% in the last five years. The drug is typically taken orally, usually in tablet
or powder form, and its effects last from four to six hours. Users report feeling relaxed, positive,
empathetic, and extremely happy. It is also used as an aid to suppress hunger and sleep. AS of
today, no substantial reports exist proving that it is physically or mentally addictive, though
immediate effects include hallucinations, nausea, teeth and muscle cramping, chills, sweats,
increase in body heat and blurred vision. Reported side effects include sleep problems, high
blood pressure, anxiety, and paranoia.
Several recent studies on primates (monkeys) show heavy exposure to MDMA can
deplete serotonin neurons, which are thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, sleep,
and appetite. Research on the functional consequences of MDMA-induced damage of serotonin
producing neurons in humans is at an early stage, and the scientists who conducted the recent
studies cannot say definitively that the harm to serotonin neurons account for the memory and
mood impairments found in chronic users (US Dept. of Justice 2001). However, the study found
that compared to nonusers, heavy MDMA users had significant impairments in visual and verbal
memory. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported fatalities have been linked to
dehydration, hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure arising from the body’s inability to
thermally regulate itself. While death is rare, the risks are heightened in settings in which the
users dance for extended periods of time in h...