Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy abuse first gained popularity among adolescents and young adults in the nightclub scene or weekend long dance parties known as raves. However, the profile of the typical ecstasy user has been changing. Community-level data from NIDA's Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG), continued to report that use of ecstasy has spread among populations outside the nightclub scene.

Ecstasy, which is really the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine also commonly known as X, E, XTC, Adam, etc.) is a semi-synthetic chemical compound. In its pure form, it is a white crystalline powder. It is usually seen in capsule form, in pressed pills, or as loose powder. The average cost of ecstasy ranges from $10-$30 (U.S.) a dose. Common routes of administration of ecstasy are swallowing or snorting, although it can be smoked or injected as well. Currently, ecstasy is on the U.S. Schedule I of controlled substances, and is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell in the United States. Most other countries have similar laws.

Ecstasy abuse can cause many problems for the user. Ecstasy has a physiological effect that is similar to amphetamines and cocaine. As such, studies have concluded that even mild to moderate ecstasy abuse may cause changes in the way the brain produces and distributes nero-transmitters. These are the chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, known to play a role in regulating mood, memory, appetite, sleep, aggression, sexual activity and sensitivity to pain. This can lead to long-term depression and other mental illness.

Studies have shown that the effects of ecstasy abuse on the user’s brain are serotonin related. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that affects moods, so that after the initial high, the user may feel tired, depressed, or moody. Their body will eventually produce more serotonin, but it may take some time to get it back to normal levels. So, after a weekend of heavy ecstasy abuse, they may have trouble getting up and going to class or work.

Extended use of ecstasy causes difficulty differentiating reality and fantasy and causes problems concentrating. Studies have found that ecstasy abuse destroys certain cells in the brain. While the cells may re-connect after discontinued use of the drug, they don't re-connect normally. Like most drugs, this one impairs memory and can cause paranoia, anxiety, and confusion. In a study in England, ecstasy users had memory impairment on average 2½ years after they stopped taking the drug!

Ecstasy is often taken orally. It is almost always swallowed in 100 to 125 mg pills. However, sometimes it is snorted or taken in a liquid form through injection, or shefed (insertion of pill into the anus) where it is absorbed. Sometimes ecstasy is taken deliberately with other controlled substances. A combination of ecstasy and LSD is called a "candy flip." The DAWN report indicates that ecstasy users who are admitted to hospital emergency rooms sometimes also test positive for marijuana, hallucinogens, or stimulants such as cocaine.

The strength and contents of ecstasy tablets cannot be known accurately. Sometimes these pills are stamped with symbols (like clover leafs, horseshoes, or smiley faces) as underground brand names or identifying markers. However, these symbols do not mean that a pill is pure or safe. All ecstasy available on the street is produced in unregulated black market laboratories.

The presence of paraphernalia linked with ecstasy use can also be a warning sign of ecstasy abuse. Items that seem harmless but may be associated with ecstasy use in adolescents include: pacifiers, lollipops, candy necklaces, glow sticks or glowing jewelry, mentholated rub and surgical type masks. Pacifiers and lollipops are frequently used to prevent ecstasy users from grinding their teeth, which is caused by involuntary jaw clenching. Candy necklaces are used to hide ecstasy pills. Glow sticks, mentholated rub and surgical mask are used to over stimulate senses.