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Ecstasy the hug drug (Click to select text)
Love Drug In America, some 5 million people regularly take some kind of illegal pill. Ecstasy, or also known as MDMA, was first developed as an appetite suppresser. Now it is used mainly for "rave life". Ecstasy not only can have an effect on a person mentally, but also physically. Ecstasy first originated in Germany as an appetite suppressant. It was never tested; therefore, when it hit the market, dieters seemed to complain of mirages, psychedelic features, and afterimages. But before these side effects occurred, many felt increases of confidence, well being, a rise of blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate. With a rise of blood pressure comes dehydration. The problems increase with a higher dosage. Unfortunately, ecstasy today has a completely different prescription. Teenagers who attend all night dance parties have a "mind-blowing time," according to U.S. Customs Commissioner Raymond Kelly, "primarily use ecstasy". The drug breaks down communication barriers and allows a great recipe for intimate contact, which a lot of young people today strive for. The positive feelings that people report are very similar to that of Prozac (anti-depressant drug) and fenfluramine. MDMA is usually taken orally in the form of pills synthesized by independent labs. They come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. The designer drug may also be taken in the form of a powder and injected into the blood stream for a quicker " high". The actual potency of the pills is determined by the size. They range from 50mg to 300mg depending on where it is made. Usually ecstasy is combined with smack, cocaine, heroin, or LSD as a way of coping with some of its undesirable effects. Although drugs are very expensive to purchase, they are extremely cheap to make. "One tablet can be produced for two cents and turn around and be sold for as much as $45 on the street," remarks Raymond Kelly. U.S. Custom's officials have seized more than 950,000 Ecstasy tablets this year, more than twice the previous annual record of 381,000 in 1997. Almost all users that have an ecstasy trip have said that it causes a feeling of empathy, openness and caring feeling. . The enhancement of positive emotions has been described as a decrease in defensiveness, fear, sense of separation from others, aggression, and obsessive behavior. In both humans and animals, ecstasy causes a combination of amphetamine and hallucinogen like effects. It causes amphetamine-like hyperactivity along with classic signs of stimulation of flight and or a fighting response. Ecstasy causes many physical effects; including: increased heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, dilation of pupils and breathing tubes. Ecstasy causes spontaneous activity in the retina, so users often see after images or ghosts of things seen seconds before on top of what they see in the present. In addition, the drug causes syneshesia, where colors are heard and sounds are seen. And that's not all. Commonly called the "hug drug," MDMA has empathogenic effects. Users report an increase in personal closeness and a breakdown of communication barriers. Add to this a heightened sense of touch and you have a perfect recipe for intimate contact. Ecstasy can lead to irresponsible sexual behavior; this causes a major risk of Aids in this present time of "rave life." The exact risks of ecstasy are not quite clear. For instance, the most common complaints are heat exhaustion and dehydration. Users must beware to replace fluids or even just simply, take a little breather. Deaths associated with the drug have been due to fatigue and once again dehydration. Hospitalized patients are treated the same way, as a marathon runner would be; with rest, and a fluid device that injects water into the body. Ecstasy leaves rigorous symptoms lingering. For example, prior to using, the "burnout" symptoms appear. Muscle aches and pains, sluggishness, and fatigue are among the few lingering. Evidence is inconclusive on whether ecstasy causes permanent brain damage, though researchers suspect frequent users tend to have poor short-term memories. All in all, ecstasy is not worth all the pain. There are a few things that can be done if a situation dealing with ecstasy occurs. If for some reason you find yourself around some that has taken ecstasy in one form or another, do not leave that person alone. If the situation becomes unsafe, call for help immediately. If you suspect someone is using the "hug drug," watch for signs such as confusion, nausea, excessive fluid consumption, severe headaches or convulsions. If the user is unconscious and you know first aid, place them in the coma position and ensure the airway is clear. The next day is crucial in a healthy recovery. Eating and drinking a substantial amount will only increase homeostasis. Ecstasy, once a diet drug, is now commonly used among young adults as the normal thing to do at parties. This drug maybe great for awhile, but them comes the after effects which can last quite a long time. Quoted by a famous hound McGruff, " Don't to Drugs."
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