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Ecstasy, Molly, and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) are name variations for a synthetic drug that has properties similar to both stimulant drugs and hallucinogenic drugs.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse describes it as a drug that has similarities to amphetamine and mescaline.
MDMA was originally used for treatment of various types of psychological disturbances and as an aid to therapy: however, it also became a popular drug of abuse due to the euphoria and strong social feelings the drug produces. At first, the drug was very popular drug in nightclubs and was used primarily by young Caucasians. The drug now is used by a more varied group of individuals, but still is most popular with younger individuals.
Short-Term Effects
A number of side effects have been reported following use of ecstasy. Because ecstasy has stimulant properties, and is often taken in crowded social settings such as dance clubs, a rare but potentially dangerous side effect that can potentially occur is hyperthermia, an increase in body temperature. This rapid increase in body temperature can lead to a number of potential health concerns, such as overheating or dehydration. If it occurs, it should be treated immediately.
Other immediate side effects of ecstasy use may include:
Other unpleasant side effects occur following the use of ecstasy. These side effects can last relatively long after a person uses the drug, sometimes a week or even longer. They include:
Because the drug results in such a massive release of so many different neurotransmitters in the brain, there is a compensatory lack of available neurotransmitters after one uses the drug. This decrease in available neurotransmitters is believed to be responsible for many of the immediate side effects that occur following the use of ecstasy. The cognitive aftereffects of ecstasy use can lead to potentially harmful situations, such as a greater probability of having a car accident or some other mishap due to forgetfulness or problems with attention.
Long-Term Effects
The cognitive effects of ecstasy can also continue if an individual uses the drug habitually. These long-term cognitive effects are also believed to be related to potential neurotransmitter depletion and damage to the neural circuitry in the brain. Other potential harmful long-term effects of ecstasy abuse include:
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, some individuals develop physical dependence (tolerance and withdrawal) on MDMA, and animal models suggest that it is addictive. As mentioned above, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency classifies it with other drugs that have a high potential for addiction. However, many sources report that the addictive properties of ecstasy may be mostly psychological.
There are several important considerations regarding ecstasy use that point to the potential for abuse and/or addiction:
People, especially younger people, who frequent clubs are at risk for taking designer drugs like ecstasy. High school students who use other drugs are also at high risk for using these drugs. Though people from various age groups use ecstasy, those between 16 and 24 years old are most likely to use the drug.
If a person is abusing ecstasy, the following signs might be apparent:
If the person has been abusing ecstasy regularly, treatment options will include therapy, perhaps combined with a prescription for medications to treat specific issues, such as antidepressant medications that might address the depression and sadness that individuals experience when they discontinue use of the drug. There are no drugs that are specifically designed to assist with recovery from ecstasy addiction/abuse.
Therapy most often consists of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or therapy that uses the principles of CBT. CBT or any therapy for recovery from ecstasy abuse can either be performed on an individual basis or in a group format, with other recovering individuals. CBT attempts to:
In addition, individuals have the option of attending community support groups such as 12-Step groups or other peer support groups. Twelve-Step groups are often strong sources of social support that provide structure for individuals who are willing to follow the principles of the group.
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