The Use of Ecstasy and the Damage it can Cause
One has indisputably heard of the synthetic stimulant, ecstasy, which has gained popularity in the United States. Ecstasy is becoming a drug of choice for many teens in the country. MDMA or ecstasy is a synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. It usually comes in a tablet form that is often branded with Nike signs or cartoon characters. Normally it is consumed as a pill, but can be consumed in other ways, at "raves," to keep on dancing and for mood enhancement. It enhances ones mood by affecting the brain but it also damages the brain. Is this "happy" drug really safe, and where does it originate? Ecstasy was originally 'developed around 1914' in Germany by Merck as a weight-reducing drug, but was never used for this purpose (The Drug Libraries, Hallucnogens pg 11). As time passed, the popularity of mind-altering drugs intensified. As a result, ecstasy appeared on the streets of the U.S. in the 1960's. The use of ecstasy became very popular on college campuses. Yet, today ecstasy can be found almost anywhere. How popular has this "hug drug" become today? Today ecstasy has been found mostly at "raves", dance clubs, where alcoholic beverages are not served. Its popularity amongst teenagers ha
Ecstasy is also combined with other drugs. This is done simply to amplify the effect. At dance party's ecstasy is normally used with cannabis and/or alcohol. In both cases this combination s likely to increase the danger of overheating and result in worse effects afterwards. Many party users like to take ecstasy with half a gram of speed, which adds excitement, while others use speed to dab onto their gums to keep up energy through the night and prolong the experience. Still, other "ravers" prefer to combine "E" with the other well-known hallucinogen, LSD. This 'doubles the amount of time that the high lasts and enhances the effects of psychedelics without changing their quality (www.ecstasy.org/info/combinations.html).' In any case, can this drug really be that harmful? Ecstasy is a unique drug. It is used for its ability to change the nervous system in such a way to facilitate personal expression. This expression frees people to be themselves and feel happy about their lives. It is able to do this by changing the regulation of the serotonin system for a brief period of time. This alteration causes permanent brain damage with heavy usage. Indeed ecstasy might make you feel good, but as you further indulge in this "dream world" the dimmer the light gets in your brain. Is it all worth it? While under the influence of "E", or ecstasy, pupils are dilated, mouth and throat will feel dry, a rise in heart rate and blood pressure will occur, there is a tensing of the jaw, sweating increases
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Approximate Word count = 1015
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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