What ecstasy does to your mind and body

Almost everyone has heard about an ecstasy which represents nothing more but street term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). That’s why- it is also important to point out that ecstasy is similar in structure and affects to amphetamines and other hallucinogens. What are the main effects of these substances? Well, these substances are stimulants that speed up activity in the nervous system. Beside this- because their hallucinogenic properties- they typically affect perception and can cause things to appear distorted or things that don't exist to be seen or heard. Every person should know that possession of Ecstasy is illegal in most o the countries and its ingredients are often hard to obtain. Therefore, manufacturers may substitute a wide range of substances when making the drug. Problem is also that, like with other illegally manufactured drugs- there are no controls on factors such as the strength and hygiene of the drug which definitely increases the chances of a person overdosing, being poisoned or experiencing other adverse reactions. Ecstasy on street is also known as: "E", "XTC", "eccy", and "the love drug".

Every person should know that Ecstasy usually comes in tablet form, in various colors, sizes, shapes and designs. Although some users crush it, snort it or mix with various beverages, swallowing is the most common way that ecstasy is used. Although it could be hard to believe this- the fact is also that these pills are sometimes inserted into the anus in order to get a quick effect. This maneuver is called the "shafting" or "shelving”.

Not too many people are familiar with the fact that the original patent for MDMA was filed on Christmas Eve 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck, after being first synthesized by German chemist Anton Köllisch. Unfortunately, this expert died with no idea of the impact his synthesis would have. The original effect of this drug has been the synthesis of a styptic- a drug intended to control bleeding from wounds. Only after half of the century later, this drug became illegal in the United States]. It is important to know that before then, it was used both as a supplement to psychotherapy and as a recreational drug.  

Experts are saying that Ecstasy appeared sporadically as a street drug in the early 1970s, especially in trendy yuppie bars and in gay dance clubs. From there use spread to rave clubs, and then to mainstream society. Today, ecstasy, spreading among young adults in universities and in high schools, became one of the four most widely used illegal drugs in the U.S., along with cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

 

·          8th-Graders       3.2%    2.8%    2.8%

·          10th-Graders     5.4        4.3        4.0

·          12th-Graders     8.3        7.5        5.4

It is important to mention that, in 2001, the FDA granted permission for experimental administration of ecstasy to patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. These researches in patients builds on studies in which MDMA was given to healthy volunteers.  

The biggest problem, when we talk about some drug effects, is that the effects of any drug can vary from person to person and it could be very difficult to set any rules! The thing is that, because ecstasy is commonly taken before or during dance and parties, the stimulant effects are likely to increase.  

Experts are saying that people who suffer from any of the following conditions put themselves at greater risk of physical and psychological harm by taking ecstasy:

Several researches done in the past have shown that the effects of ecstasy usually begin within 20 minutes of taking the drug, and may last up to 6 hours. But there are no rules and some people have reported symptoms persisting for 32 hours after using ecstasy.

There are usually three phases:

·          coming up: This phase is characterized by some effects that could be described as smooth and bumpy, and users may feel a rush

·          plateau: This is the phase where the user may feel good, happy, relaxed

·          Coming down: This is the last and during the phase- users may feel physically exhausted, depressed, and irritable- much more worse then they felt before taking the drug

Although there are no rules- great majority of people have experienced the following effects soon after taking ecstasy:

·          dilated pupils 

·          jaw clenching, teeth grinding

·          increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure

·          increase in confidence

·          feelings of well being

·          feelings of closeness to others, hence the term "love drug"

·          anxiety

·          nausea

·          loss of appetite

·          sweating

Higher quantities may cause several unwanted effects such as:

·          convulsions

·          vomiting

·          floating sensations

·          irrational or bizarre behaviour

·          hallucinations

Experts are saying that the death could be caused by overdose of ecstasy of if taken by people who suffer from any of the high risk conditions. Although it is difficult to determine the exact number of ecstasy related deaths that have occurred, the toxic effects of ecstasy that can lead to death include:

·          heart attack

·          brain hemorrhage

·          blood clotting

·          kidney failure

·          overheating

It could be very difficult to talk about long term effects of ecstasy because not too many people tend to use ecstasy for a long time. Some experts are saying that they have some limited evidence suggesting that ecstasy causes damage to some parts of the brain.

Why do people use ecstasy for recreational purposes? Well, some users say they take ecstasy because it lowers their inhibitions and relaxes them. MDMA is also said to increase awareness and feelings of pleasure and to give people energy. However, some people report side effects after taking MDMA such as headaches, chills, eye twitching, jaw clenching, blurred vision and nausea. Some doses of MDMA can cause dehydration, hyperthermia and seizures.  

Several researches done in the past have shown that, if taken in high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. What does this means? Well, on some unpredictable occasions, this can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature which then leads to liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure, and sometimes even death. Not only that! All users should also be aware one fact - it is proven that 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, and chills or sweating.

Everyone should know that experts are saying that, while some people may develop tolerance to the effects of ecstasy, using larger amounts will increase the severity of undesirable effects, rather than increase the pleasurable effects. That’s the biggest problem and danger of ecstasy usage! Not only that- there are also some evidences that people can become psychologically dependent on ecstasy and it can be very difficult for them to stop or decrease their use.  

All pregnant women or those who’re planning to become pregnant should know that most of the known drugs cross the placenta, and therefore have some effect on the fetus. That’s why- it is quite possible that miscarriage can result from using ecstasy.  Not only that-the use of amphetamine-like substances such as ecstasy during pregnancy has also been associated with delayed development and subtle abnormalities in the newborn.

 

Here is some extremely important information about possible drug addict crisis! If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using ecstasy, some quick and easy actions can save their life.

·          First thing that any eyewitness of some drug crisis should do is to call an ambulance with no delay because the seconds could be vital!

·          He or she should definitely stay with the person until the ambulance arrives because of possible need for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before the ambulance arrives

·          Ensure the person has adequate air, by keeping crowds back and opening windows.  

·          It is important to know that, if the person is unconscious, they shouldn’t be left on their back because they could choke

·          If breathing has stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, apply CPR.