Ecstasy
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 memo
ry
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.