Ecstasy Addiction Treatment Information

Ecstasy, XTC and Adam are some of the names given to MDMA, a synthetic drug that acts both as an hallucinogen and a stimulant.  Ecstasy is poplar on the “rave” scene.  Raves are underground, all-night dance parties that attract teens and college-age youth. Others at rock concerts and with friends are also using it as yet another escape from the rigors of adolescence and early adulthood. Ecstasy is usually taken orally in tablet, capsule or powder form. The effects last approximately four to six hours, although has been reported to last in some users up to twelve.

History

Ecstasy is not a new drug, but it is achieving a new popularity.  MDMA, although fairly new in the underground of the American Drug Culture, has been known in the pharmaceutical community since it’s inception in 1912 by a German Company that developed the drug as a possible appetite suppressant. MDMA’s appearance on the streets of America was precursored in the 1960’s by MDA, which MDMA is an analogue of. In the 1970’s though MDMA began its debut as a possible aide in psychotherapy by a small number of therapists. As it was found to have little benefit in these circles in accord to it’s largely unknown and unpredictable side effects it was thrown out as an adjunct to psychotherapy and by the 1980’s had begun to circuit the illicit drug trade.

Pharmocology

Serotonin Levels In The Brain Before and After Use of X. (picture above from a postcard from NIDA)

MDMA (3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a Schedule I synthetic, psychoactive drug possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. MDMA possesses chemical variations of the stimulant amphetamine or methamphetamine and a hallucinogen, most often mescaline.

Effects

Like cocaine and other stimulants, ecstasy increases blood pressure and heart rate; reduces appetite, causes sleep problems and produces depression, anxiety and drug craving once the high wears off.  Ecstasy is said to produce empathy, decreased anxiety, relaxation and heightened senses. MDMA also suppresses appetite, thirst and the need to sleep. Because of this in combination with dancing and increased activity can cause severe dehydration and exhaustion.

Adverse effects may include nausea, cold sweats, chills, hallucinations, increased body temperature, tremors, teeth clenching, tremors, double vision and muscle cramps. Long term after-effects of MDMA include anxiety, paranoia and depression. This is most likely attributed to the decreased serotonin levels found in the brain for up to three weeks after their last dose. The National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study in 1998 to support this. It was found that the use of MDMA severely damaged the neurons in the brain that transmit seratonin. Serotonin is the chemical that is used in learning, sleep, and integration of emotion. The study concluded that even recreational users of the drug might be at risk of developing permanent damage that can manifest depression, anxiety, memory loss, and neuropsychotic disorders.

Statistics

While MDMA abuse currently is not as widespread as that of many other drugs, it nonetheless increased significantly--500 percent--over a five-year period. Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimates reveal that nationwide hospital emergency room mentions for MDMA rose dramatically from 70 in 1993 to 2,850 in 1999. Seizures of MDMA have also increased drastically. Over a six-year period, seizures of MDMA tablets submitted to DEA laboratories have risen from a total of 196 in 1993 to 143,600 in 1998. Seizures from January through May 1999 total over 216,300 MDMA tablets; the 1999 figure will most likely double the 1998 figure.

For more information on Ecstasy check: www.ecstasyabuse.net