| "E"
does not stand for excellent |
| On the street it is known as “Ecstasy”, “E”,
“EXT”, “XTC”, and “X”, but the real
name for this psychoactive drug is Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
MDMA is a synthetic mind-altering drug and has become extremely popular
among teenagers. But where did it come from and why is it so popular
all of a sudden? In 1970, a chemist named Alexander Shulgin introduced MDMA to people interested in using drugs to help with psychotherapy. The therapists reported that the drug had potential for overcoming ‘blocks’ in therapy. They were noticing that the patients were releasing their emotions easier and that they were speaking about their relationship problems with more ease. In the ’90s, we have seen MDMA used as a recreational drug rather than for psychiatric help. It is easily accessible at raves, or all night dance parties, attended by many teenagers who are in college or still in high school. According to a 1998 survey taken by the NHSDA (National Household Survey on Drug Abuse), 1.4 million people between the ages of 18 and 25, have used MDMA at least once in their lifetime. However, the question why this drug is so popular still remains. “Most teenagers don’t realize it is a drug that is bad for you because it has become so popular and it is easily attainable,” said senior Justin Meservie. Some researchers believe that because people think that MDMA, compared to other drugs, have few negative consequences, more teenagers are willing to use this drug. In reality, this drug has very similar risks to cocaine. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), MDMA causes psychological difficulties such as depression, severe anxiety, confusion, and paranoia. It also causes some physical problems like muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweats. They are also finding long term-damage to parts of the brain that are critical to think and for memory. Researchers have also found that it increases your heart rate and your blood pressure, which is a risk for people with circulatory or heart disease. Another side effect to MDMA is a rash that looks like acne and could cause more problems if the person continues to use the drug. “I think teenagers don’t know about the effects of the drug use,” said senior Matt Mazurek. “Doesn’t anyone pay attention to these big signs in our school that says ‘Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs’?”
|
|
By Trisha Hefner Staff Writer |
|
MDMA Facts 1. MDMA has been found on its own, as well as in
combination with one or more of the following: Caffeine, Ephedrine,
Pseudoephedrine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, DXM, Ketamine and PCP |
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