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Ecstasy is the street name for the term, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA. This drug may also be called “X” or “E” for short and is a part of the amphetamine and phenethylamine drug classes. Those who consume this drug experience a sense of euphoria coupled with diminished anxiety and a sense of intimacy. Although this illegal street drug can be dangerous, some clinical trials are in order to test the effectiveness of this drug for those who experience anxiety when dealing with terminal cancer as well as those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
Suggestions have been made over a number of years that state this drug may be helpful during psychotherapy treatment as a way to reduce fear and make it easier for the patients to examine themselves. Before this drug was made illegal, some therapists made use of the drug in their practice; these therapists include Philip Wolfson, Joseph Downing, George Greer, Claudio Naranjo and Leo Zeff. Although MDMA was put on the Schedule I list in 1985, patients experienced a host of benefits prior to its restriction. Those who suffered from extreme pain due to cancer reported an improved quality of life as well as longer lasting pain relief.
With recreational use of this drug, some agencies report the cost ranging from $4 to $6 if the tablets are purchased in large batches and between $10 and $15 each if they are purchased individually. When speaking in terms of the level of purity, each ecstasy tablet can range from as little as 1 percent MDMA to as much as 84 percent with an average of 34 percent purity. This simply means that most pills contain between 70 and 85 mg of MDMA. MDMA is commonly taken in combination with LSD, mushrooms or even cannabis. The most common experiences users report when on a “high” are a strong sense of self acceptance and inner peace; increased endurance and energy; increased motivation, drive and desire; improved self confidence; and feelings of love for others or intimacy.
When a person consumes MDMA, the activity of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin are increased. When comparing this drug to the similar drug, methamphetamine, MDMA releases more serotonin and less dopamine. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter of the brain that is responsible for mood regulation, appetite, emotions, pain and sleep. Since so much serotonin is released during the high, users often experience negative effects for a few days after the drug has been taken due to a depletion of this neurotransmitter.
According to some studies, continued and repeated use of this drug can often result in continued anxiety of depression. These mental health concerns often continue after the user has quit consuming the drug. Consumption of MDMA can also result in dehydration, which can have a number of lasting effects on the body. In addition to the immediate effects, there are short and long-term effects that users experience that can often impair one’s quality of life.
Users of MDMA, or ecstasy, experience an increase in body temperature and sweating. Other effects when taking this drug include increased heart rate and blood pressure, panic or anxiety attacks, confusion and paranoia. When taken orally, the immediate effects of energy and happiness usually last for about four to six hours. Afterwards, users experience a range of negative emotions due to the decreased amount of serotonin that is available in their brains.
The long-term effects of MDMA use can last for years, if not the rest of a person’s life. This drug reduces the amount of serotonin transporters in the brain, which results in depression and memory deficits throughout one’s life. Although this may be reversible, it can take years for the return of normal brain function. Some recent studies suggestwith prolonged abstinence partial rehabilitation of any brain damageis possible.
Hyponatremia and hyperthermia are two of the short-term effects and physical risks that users can experience when consuming MDMA. When on a “high”, users may not rehydrate as needed and sweat excessively, which can lead to further health risks and damage; the result is sometimes fatal. If the user is consuming alcohol, which is another diuretic, this risk increases. Although this is the case, studies have also suggested that a small amount of alcohol consumption may help counteract some of the effects due to its ability to lower body temperature.
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