Ecstasy is a hallucinogenic drug in the same category as LSD, PCP and mescaline. Ecstasy was originally known as MDMA for its chemical composition (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and developed its nickname as a result of the feelings of euphoria that ecstasy produces. Ecstasy is also known as E, X, rolls, beans, adam, thizz, skittles and stacks.
Chemically, MDMA (or Ecstasy) is similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline; however, most ecstasy pills bought on the street do not contain pure MDMA. These ecstasy pills are usually “cut” or laced with other chemicals. These include other hallucinogens, caffeine, dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in cough syrup), cocaine or heroin.
Methods of Ecstasy Abuse
Ecstasy use is popular with teenagers and young adults and is taken orally, usually in the form of a capsule or tablet. These ecstasy tablets are manufactured in many different colors and dosages, and are usually imprinted or shaped with the maker’s logo. Ecstasy is often used in underground nightclubs known as raves or taken as part of a mix of drugs during “pharm parties.”
Signs of Ecstasy Use, Ecstasy Symptoms, and its Effect on the Body
Ecstasy use affects the body by producing feelings of excess energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, distortions in time and increased tactile experiences. Ecstasy’s effects on the body occur because MDMA primarily affects the neurons in the brain that use serotonin to send messages to the rest of the body (neurotransmitter).
Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical that regulates sleep, digestion, mood, sexual activity and sensitivity to pain. Ecstasy use causes a surplus of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to be released in the brain and binds to the serotonin transporter. This binding stops the transporter from removing the serotonin and ending the signal that is being communicated between the brain’s neurons.
Effectively, the brain sends signals of happiness, comfort and sexual attraction for much longer and in much greater amounts than it normally would.
Dangerous Effects of Ecstasy Use, Ecstasy Abuse, and Ecstasy Addiction
Because the brain releases such an excess amount of serotonin, when ecstasy users “come down,” they often experience depression, sleep problems, severe anxiety and perform poorly in certain types of cognitive and memory tasks.
In addition, ecstasy use and abuse can be dangerous to overall health, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure. Also ecstasy abuse and addiction can cause involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision and fainting.
Often a common side effect of ecstasy use and abuse is dehydration because the ecstasy user will experience false feelings of extra energy and will participate in physical activities such as dancing for much longer than a non-user would. Ecstasy abuse can also interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can on rare occasions lead to hyperthermia, which can cause liver, kidney, cardiovascular failure or death.
Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Abuse and Ecstasy Addiction
Some signs and symptoms of ecstasy use include:
- Blurred vision
- Rapid eye movement
- Pupil dilation
- Unconscious jaw clenching teeth grinding
- High body temperature
- Dehydration
- Severe anxiety
- Very affectionate
- Transfixed on sights and sounds
After ecstasy use, the ecstasy user can experience several side effects and ecstasy symptoms that are similar to a hangover: dizziness, vomiting or nausea, a sore jaw from clenching or grinding their teeth, and depression due to the lack of serotonin in the brain.