Club Drugs Cause Altered Perception, Serious Damage

Ecstasy, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is one of the most popular drugs among teens and young adults; most Ecstasy addicts are under the age of 30.

It began as a “club drug” taken at raves and underground dance parties, but now, Ecstasy is quickly moving into the mainstream, and more and more people are becoming addicted.

Often known as the modern-day LSD, Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that provides a combination of the stimulant effects of methamphetamine, the hallucinogenic effects of acid, and alters the perception of time and distance. Its ability to decrease both appetite and the need for sleep makes it popular among college students.

Ecstasy stimulates the brain to rapidly secrete large amounts of serotonin, causing a general sense of openness, energy, euphoria, and well-being, which is why it’s commonly used at parties and raves. The drug also enhances tactile sensations, making general physical contact with others more pleasurable.

Because the drug masks one’s normal sense of exhaustion and thirstiness, dehydration is a serious risk among users who are highly physically active and forget to drink water.

Another risk of using Ecstasy comes from other more dangerous chemicals, including PMA or methamphetamine, which are often added to Ecstasy tablets to increase manufacturer profits.

Ecstasy is neurotoxic in animals and has been shown to have devastating effects on brain functioning in acute and long-term use, and can have a permanent effect on the user’s ability to accurately perceive reality, regulate moods, comprehend and understand language and meaning.

Overdose is common, especially when combined with other drugs of addiction and alcohol, since every dose is different depending upon the manufacturing decisions.

Ecstasy addiction is often ignored by the addict. They believe that they are social users because of the social context in which most people take the drug. While those who take Ecstasy regularly may not feel that it’s addictive or harmful, studies show that about 45% of users meet the standard for addiction in their Ecstasy use.