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'E' Stands
for Empty
Ecstasy is known as a 'club drug'
- and many parents are confident that, since their teens don't attend raves or
go
clubbing, Ecstasy is one less issue to worry about. They're wrong. Ecstasy is easy for local young
people to find and its use is on the rise. If you think it can't happen
here, co9nsider:
Fact: In September 2005, four people were arrested in a Sioux Falls drug
bust. Officers found Ecstasy, marijuana and thousands of dollars in cash.
Fact: In July 2005, An 18-year old former Sioux Falls high school student
received a 7year prison sentence for dealing drugs to fellow students. When he
was arrested, police found more than $50,000 worth of drugs, including a large
stash of Ecstasy and marijuana.
Fact: In March 2005, A 20-year old Sioux Falls woman died after
celebrating her birthday with friends, alcohol and Ecstasy. When police
arrested the man they believed gave the woman the Ecstasy, they found another
ten pills on him.
Teens and young adults may think they can experiment with Ecstasy or other
illicit drugs without harm - similar to dipping their toes in the pool without
jumping off the diving board. But all it takes is one or two experiences
with many of these substances for devastating effects: addiction, permanent
brain damage, lasting physical disabilities or death.
What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is scientifically known as MDMA (short for
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It is a synthetic psychoactive drug
with both stimulant (like amphetamines) and hallucinogenic (like LSD)
properties. Ecstasy is nearly always taken orally - the pills are about
the size of an aspirin. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration,
Ecstasy has been made in more than 150 different dye stamps; many of these pills
carry familiar logos or favorite cartoon characters. Click the thumbnail
for a look at a variety of Ecstasy pills.
There are many street names for
Ecstasy, including: 'X', 'E', 'XTC', 'Roll', 'Adam', 'Bean', the 'Hug Drug' or
the 'Love Drug'.
What
Ecstasy Does
Initially, Ecstasy users get a massive 'good' feeling from the drug. It
releases
serotonin into the brain. According to the DEA, it "reduces
inhibitions, eliminates anxiety, and produces feelings of empathy for others. In
addition to chemical stimulation, the drug reportedly suppresses the need to
eat, drink, or sleep."
An Ecstasy high starts 15 to 30
minutes after taking a pill:
Sensation is altered and the skin feels warm and
tingly
Life has never felt so good. Perception is keen -
light and colors are brighter and sounds are exquisite
Music seems louder and the beat more insistent - it
seems to come from inside
Energy levels rise so people want to leap around and
dance all night
Everybody loves everybody. People want to touch and hug, but not in a sexual way
- everyone feels part of a huge, happy group.
This may all sound just fine, especially to a young person who wants to fit in
with the crowd and enjoy a house party.
What users don't know - and suppliers won't tell them - is that a bad trip on
Ecstasy is horrible indeed, and the long term use of the drug can destroy their
party mood forever.
The Empty Side of Ecstasy
Long Term Danger
What to Watch For
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