What are the effects of Ecstasy?
Ecstasy creates a sense of euphoria, increased energy, empathy, and peacefulness. It causes deep depression, anxiety, and paranoia, sometimes for weeks after taking the drug. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, creating a greater risk for users with heart or circulatory problems. Ecstasy can dehydrate users to a dangerous level. It can also increase a person’s body temperature to as high as 108 degrees. Some users have even died from heat stroke. Studies have shown that it can cause long-term brain damage and memory impairment, even after a single dose.

Does Ecstasy cause serious brain damage?
Scientists are uncovering more and more evidence that suggest that Ecstasy can cause serious brain damage.  They have found that Ecstasy works by forcing the brain to release huge amounts of serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate important brain functions like mood, sleep, and memory.  These huge releases  will quickly deplete the brain's serotonin, which can cause short-term depression after the effects of the drug wears off.  Over time, the brain will become less sensitive to serotonin, which can cause a more severe form of depression that can last for weeks, months, or even years.  Ecstasy damages the areas of the brain where serotonin is stored, scientists have found that if they grow back at all that they will grow back abnormally which leads to lasting brain damage.  Ecstasy will also react with other chemicals in the brain to form hydrogen peroxide.  Hydrogen peroxide is the same toxic chemical that is used in hair bleach.  This actually poisons the brain leading to permanent brain damage.

Legal Information
Both Michigan and the Federal government have declared Ecstasy a Schedule I controlled substance, in the same category as heroin.  Possession of Ecstasy is a felony that can result in jail time, fines, or both. Anyone delivering, possession with intent to deliver, or manufacturing Ecstasy could face a sentence of life in prison.

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