Ecstasy Effects
- Ecstasy Addiction
- Ecstasy Overdose
- Ecstasy and Brain Damage
- Dangers of Ecstasy
- Ecstasy Side Effects
- Ecstasy Long Term Effects
- Ecstasy Deaths
- Ecstasy Addiction Treatment
- Symptoms of Ecstasy Use
Ecstasy Information
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What is Ecstasy
MDMA (also commonly known as Ecstacy, X, E, XTC, Adam, etc.) is a semi-synthetic chemical compound. In its purest form, it is a white crystal-like powder. It comes in in capsule form, in the form of pills, or as loose powder. Typical price ranges from $10-$30 (U.S.) a pill. Normal ways of taking ecstasy are swallowing or snorting, although it can be smoked or taken intravenously (injected) as well. Currently, Ecstasy is on the U.S. Schedule I of controlled substances, and is illegal to make, possess, or distribute in the United States. Similar laws on Ecstasy exist in most other countries as well.
Ecstasy has similiarities to other amphetamines and hallucinogens. It speeds up the nervous system and its effects resemble a mood enhancer. Also referred to as "the love drug", Ecstasy tends to make the user feel good, happy and relaxed - in the beginning. Ecstasy users seem to believe Ecstasy is "harmless fun," but it does pose serious health risks. Researchers are gathering more data all of the time about the damage Ecstasy can cause. What is already known about Ecstasy, is the brain damage and even possible death it causes. "Pure" Ecstasy is rare. Batches usually contain heroin, LSD, amphetamines and other assorted toxic substances which are used as fillers. Contrary to rumors, Ecstasy is not an aphrodisiac and can actually prevent sexual performance. Ecstasy affects people in different ways. Depending on size, weight, health, dosage and other drugs being used, the reaction can be mild in nature or extreme. Ecstasy is distributed in tablet or pill form and they are often imprinted with graphical designs or recognized logos.
Additional Ecstasy Information:
- In 2000, more than 6.4 million people ranging from age 12 and older reported that they have used Ecstasy at least once in their lives.
- Ecstasy is most popular among middle-class adolescents and young adults.
- Ecstasy is distributed and sold primarily at legitimate nightclubs and bars, at underground clubs sometimes referred to as "acid houses," or at all-night dance parties known as "raves".
- The overwhelming majority of Ecstasy consumed domestically in the U.S is produced in Europe.
- A limited number of Ecstasy labs are based in the United States.
- Law enforcement seized 17 clandestine Ecstasy laboratories in the United States in 2001 compared to 7 seized in the year 2000.
- Ecstasy costs as little as 25 to 50 cents to manufacture in Europe, but the street value of that same Ecstasy pill can be as high as $40, with a tablet usually selling for between $20 and $30.
- In addition to chemical stimulation, Ecstasy reportedly dampens the need to eat, drink, or sleep.
- When taken at raves, where all-night dancing occurs, the drug often leads to extreme dehydration and heat stroke in the user since it has the effect of "short-circuiting" the body's temperature signals to the brain.
- An Ecstasy overdose is recognizable by a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, faintness, moderate to severe muscle cramping, panic attacks, and, in more severe cases, blackout or seizures.
- One of the side effects of Ecstasy is muscle tension in the jaw and teeth grinding. Consequently, Ecstasy users will often suck on pacifiers to help relieve the stress.
- Ecstasy may cause hypothermia, muscle breakdown, seizures, stroke, kidney and cardiovascular system failure, possible permanent damage to parts of the brain that are necessary to thought and memory, and even death.