Ecstasy

9 Pages 2279 Words

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).ƒÏ While MDMA abuse currently is not as widespread as other drugs, its use has sky rocketed 500% in the last five years.ƒÏ The drug is typically taken orally, usually in tablet or powder form, and its effects last from four to six hours.ƒÏ Users report feeling relaxed, positive, empathetic, and extremely happy.ƒÏ It is also used as an aid to suppress hunger and sleep.ƒÏ 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.ƒÏ 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.ƒÏ 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.ƒÏ of Justice 2001).ƒÏ However, the study found that compared to nonusers, heavy MDMA users had significant impairments in visual and verbal memory.ƒÏ 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.ƒÏ While death is rare, the risks are heightened in settings in which the users dance for extended periods ...