Ecstasy - The Club Drug
Ecstasy is currently quite popular among teenagers and young adults and is found primarily at dance clubs featuring so-called "raves". It is known as a "club drug". It comes usually in tablet form and unlike other abusable drugs that ultimately derive from plant life, ecstasy is synthesized in the laboratory by modifying amphetamines.
It produces a sense of emotional and physical freedom and disinhibition which can easily lead to a loss of control during "rave" experiences. In these instances marked dehydration and collapse can result. Hyperthermia or sharp elevations in body temperature can lead to organ system failure and death.
Street names for ecstasy are "Adam", "X", and "XCT"
In the short term, this substance produces an intense gbphoria and results in changes in brain chemistry. The "high" typically lasts from four to six hours after ingestion and some users will "bump" the dose by taking an additional tablet as the effects of the first one begin to wear off.
Long- term effects appear to cause structural changes in the brain. These changes include deficits in short- term memory and other cognitive functions.
There are also serious effects on the cardiovascular system, such as such as increases in heart rate and blood pressure which can lead to heart failure and stroke.
Ecstasy has stimulant and psychedelic effects and alters perceptions and time awareness. Other psychological effects of ecstasy include anxiety, sleep problems, depression, and confusion. These effects can last for weeks after the last ingestion of the drug.
Ecstasy use was traditionally associated with the "club scene" as noted above but it has found increasing currency with teens that might be described as shy and inhibited. Two percent of eighth graders, three percent of tenth graders, and four and one half percent of twelfth graders report at least one time use of ecstasy. Use in all three groups apparently declined between 2002 and 2004. However use among older young adults appears to be on the increase.
Some demographic correlates of ecstasy are its concentration in larger cities and among primarily middle class teens and young adults.
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