Ecstasy Drug - All You Need to Know
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also termed ecstasy or molly, is a psychoactive substance mainly used for recreational purposes. Changed sensations, increased energy, empathy, and enjoyment are all desired outcomes. The effects of taking it by mouth start in 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 6 hours.
Introduction
MDMA was first introduced by Merck in the year 1912. This drug was used in psychotherapy but later became famous as a street drug. It is mainly used in dance parties and electronic dance music parties. Some substances like amphetamine, ephedrine and methamphetamine are also mixed with it.
In 2016, around 21 million people aged 15 to 64 consumed ecstasy. It was close to the percentage of people who are using amphetamines or cocaine, but lesser than the percentage of people that use opioids or cannabis. As of 2017, approximately 7% of persons in the United States had used MDMA at some point in their life, with 0.9 per cent having taken it in the previous year.
Ecstasy kinds
The different kinds of Ecstasy drugs are:
Triangular MDMA Tablets Marked With an "X"
Speckled Ecstasy Tablet With Fish Imprint
White Ecstasy Tablet With Star Dust Imprint
Off-White Ecstasy Tablet With Crow's Foot Symbol
Ecstasy Tablet With Thumbs Up Logo
Blue Ecstasy Tablet With Butterfly Imprint
Triangular Ecstasy Tablet With "X" Logo
Yellow Ecstasy Tablet With Space Shuttle Symbol
Effects of Ecstasy Drug
MDMA users say that subjective effects begin to manifest after 30 to 60 minutes of oral administration, peaking at 75 to 120 minutes, and then plateauing for roughly 3.5 hours. MDMA has been claimed to have the following short-term psychedelic effects:
Euphoria – a feeling of general contentment and well-being
Entactogenic effects- heightened empathy or sentiments of intimacy with others and oneself
Increased sociability, self-confidence, and illusion of facilitated communication
Relaxation and reduced anxiety
Dilated pupils
Elevated emotionality
Mild hallucination
Increased perception, sensation, or sexuality
Inner Peace
Altered sense of time
On the dose, environment and user, the effect of MDMA is dependent. The motor activity of the person consuming it increases and is also marked with a diminished sense of self. Mood swings and memories associated with childhood are often linked with this drug.
Uses of Ecstasy
The MDMA drug is mainly used in parties and clubs. As the sense organs of the human being are enhanced, thus this is used by them for feelings of pleasure. Because of the drug's stimulatory effects, certain users love the feeling of mass communion that the drug provides, and others use it as party fuel. MDMA has been used less frequently than other stimulants, usually once or twice a week. As of 2017, no medical uses of this drug are present. It had limited usage in psychotherapy until it was universally prohibited.
Adverse Effects
The following are some of the acute side effects of MDMA use:
Dehydration
Hyperthermia
Increased wakefulness or insomnia
Bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth)
Elevated sweating and perspiration
Long-term MDMA exposure in humans has been demonstrated to cause significant neurodegeneration in serotonergic axon terminals in the striatum, prefrontal, hippocampus, and occipital regions. The axon terminals were shown to be neurotoxic for even more than two years. There is a significant increase in brain temperatures too.
Overdose
Due to the involvement of various organ systems, MDMA overdose symptoms vary greatly. In comparison to its usage rates, the number of fatal MDMA intoxication cases is modest. MDMA was not the only substance implicated in the majority of fatalities. Serotonin syndrome and sympathomimetic effects are the main causes of acute poisoning.
Conclusion
The MDMA drug is also known as Ecstasy drug or molly. It is a psychoactive drug and can be used for recreational purposes. They are available in different forms such as tablets. It causes dilated pupils, inner peace, altered sense of time and euphoria. Dehydration and hyperthermia are some of the side effects of using this drug. Due to its adverse and harmful effects, this drug should be used carefully.
FAQs on Ecstasy Drug
1. What exactly is the drug Ecstasy and what is its chemical name?
Ecstasy is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Its primary chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly abbreviated as MDMA. It is classified as an empathogen-entactogen due to its effects of producing feelings of emotional closeness, empathy, and euphoria. Common street names include Molly, E, and X.
2. How does Ecstasy (MDMA) affect the human brain?
MDMA primarily increases the activity of three key neurotransmitters in the brain:
- Serotonin: It causes a massive release of serotonin, which affects mood, appetite, sleep, and emotional closeness. This surge is responsible for the euphoric and empathetic feelings.
- Dopamine: It increases dopamine release, which reinforces behaviour and contributes to the drug's energising effects.
- Norepinephrine: It boosts norepinephrine levels, which increases heart rate and blood pressure, a key risk factor.
3. What are the immediate physical and psychological effects of taking Ecstasy?
The immediate effects of Ecstasy typically begin within 30-60 minutes and can last for 3-6 hours. Psychologically, users may experience heightened sensations, euphoria, and increased sociability. Physically, effects include increased energy, jaw clenching, blurred vision, nausea, chills, and sweating. A significant danger is hyperthermia, a sharp increase in body temperature that can lead to organ failure.
4. Is Ecstasy addictive, and what are the signs of dependence?
Yes, Ecstasy can be addictive. While it may not cause the severe physical withdrawal seen with opioids, users can develop psychological dependence. MDMA affects the same neurotransmitter systems as other addictive drugs. Signs of addiction include continued use despite negative consequences, developing a tolerance (needing more to get the same effect), and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and trouble concentrating.
5. Why do users often experience a 'crash' or low mood for days after taking Ecstasy?
The intense release of serotonin caused by MDMA depletes the brain's supply of this crucial neurotransmitter. Following the drug's effects, the brain is left with a significant serotonin deficit. This depletion is the primary cause of the 'crash,' which can include symptoms like depression, anxiety, irritability, and memory problems for several days or even weeks as the brain slowly replenishes its serotonin levels.
6. What are the most serious long-term risks associated with MDMA use?
Chronic use of MDMA is associated with several serious long-term risks. From a neurobiological standpoint, there is evidence that it can damage the serotonin-producing neurons, leading to lasting problems with memory, learning, and mood regulation. Other long-term consequences include:
- Persistent depression and anxiety.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Increased impulsivity.
- Potential liver, kidney, or cardiovascular damage.
7. Why is it especially dangerous to mix Ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs?
Mixing Ecstasy with other substances significantly increases health risks. When combined with alcohol, it can be particularly dangerous because both substances cause dehydration, amplifying the risk of fatal hyperthermia (overheating). Alcohol can also mask the stimulant effects of Ecstasy, leading a person to consume more of either substance than they otherwise would, increasing the likelihood of overdose or alcohol poisoning.
8. Is there a specific medical treatment for Ecstasy addiction?
Currently, there are no specific medications approved for treating MDMA addiction. The most effective approaches are behavioural therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to drug use, develop coping strategies, and manage triggers. Support groups can also be a valuable component of a comprehensive recovery plan.
