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INFOFAX - Ecstasy
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Ecstasy
MDMA, called "Adam," "ecstasy," or "X-TC" on the street, is a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Its chemical structure (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage.
Health Hazards
Beliefs about ecstasy are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950s and 1960s, which proved to be untrue. According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and can break down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers, and family members.
Many problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the use of amphetamines and cocaine. They are:
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Psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia — during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA (even psychotic episodes have been reported).
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Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.
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Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease.
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MDA, the parent drug of MDMA, is an amphetamine-like drug that has also been abused and is similar in chemical structure to MDMA. Research shows that MDA destroys serotonin-producing neurons, which play a direct role in regulating aggression, mood, sexual activity, sleep, and sensitivity to pain. It is probably this action on the serotonin system that gives MDA its purported properties of heightened sexual experience, tranquility, and conviviality.
MDMA also is related in structure and effects to methamphetamine, which has been shown to cause degeneration of neurons containing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to these neurons is the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in Parkinson's disease.
In laboratory experiments, a single exposure to methamphetamine at high doses or prolonged use at low doses destroys up to 50 percent of the brain cells that use dopamine. Although this damage may not be immediately apparent, scientists believe that with aging or exposure to other toxic agents, Parkinsonian symptoms may eventually emerge. These symptoms begin with lack of coordination and tremors and may eventually result in a form of paralysis.
Extent of Use
Monitoring the Future Study (MTF)
In 1996, the MTF began to collect data on MDMA use among students. Rates of use remained relatively stable from 1996 to 1997. In 1997, 6.9 percent of 12th graders, 5.7 percent of 10th graders, and 3.2 percent of 8th graders had used MDMA at least once in their lives.
Community Epidemiology Work Group (CEWG)
MDMA was reported most often among young adults and adolescents at clubs, raves, and rock concerts in Atlanta, Miami, St. Louis, Seattle, and areas of Texas.
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Courtesy of NIDA (National Institue on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health)
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