Why ecstasy became such a popular drug

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug used at parties and all-night raves by users to get high, and is often called the “club drug.” Ecstasy is a central nervous system stimulant that causes an overwhelming rush of feelings in the user and can also lead to hallucinations. It is called a “designer drug” because its primary purpose is to make someone high, and the high it creates can last up to 6 hours. Ecstasy became popular in as a recreational drug in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although used primarily as a party drug at clubs and raves, ecstasy has become a popular house-party drug and dorm drug.

Ecstasy Use

Ecstasy is found in pill, tablet or capsule form. The drug can be swallowed or ground into a powder and snorted. Some users take more than one pill at a time. This is called “bumping,” and increases the intensity of the high produced. Ecstasy side effects include:

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Clenched teeth
• Blurred vision
•  Chills
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Confusion and paranoia
• Brain Cell Damage

Ecstasy can also cause damage to brain cells. With regular and prolonged use, Ecstasy can lead to problems with memory and the ability to think clearly. Using ecstasy during parties can increase the risk of accidental injury or death due to the severity of the drug side effects.

 

Ecstasy High

Ecstasy has become a popular drug among teens and college students because of what is termed as a “body high.” A “body high” refers to the increased sensations of feeling and touch throughout the entire body when using the drug. This increase in physical sensation along with the overall feelings of euphoria, relaxation and acceptance from others can often result in increased sexual activity. For these reasons, ecstasy has often been used as a date-rape drug.

Ecstasy is sometimes slipped into the drink or food of another person and used as a date-rape drug. The side effects of increased sex-drive and decreased inhibitions make taking advantage of another person easy. Ecstasy also produces an amnesia-like effect, which makes it difficult to remember sexual activity while under the influence of the drug.

 

Ecstasy Dangers

Although the long-term effects of ecstasy on humans has yet to be determined, animal testing shows exposure to high doses of the drug for 4 days produced brain damage that was still apparent up to 7 years later. Ecstasy also increases the risk of accidental death from dehydration because of the way the drug is used at parties and all-night raves. Dancing and other vigorous activity can cause dramatic increases in body temperature. Ecstasy prevents the body from being able to regulate its temperature and can lead to hyperthermia. This can cause the heart and kidneys not to function properly.

 

Help for Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love uses Ecstasy at parties or on a regular basis, he or she may have a drug problem. Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day to speak to a helpline counselor. We are here to answer your questions and help you find treatment.