Scarface Essay, Research Paper

The September 2000 article in Time Magazine states that ecstasy is a serious drug in America. The use of ecstasy is referred to as rolling or trolling. Ecstasy or MDMA (methylenedioxmethamphetamine) is not considered a new drug, but is just now beginning to rear its ugly face in today s society.

MDMA was first developed back in the early 1900 s in Germany. Psychotherapists claimed it enhanced communications with their patients so they used it. The drug stayed dormant until the early 1970 s when it was back and considered a party drug. There is no accepted medical use for MDMA therefore it is illegal, and very dangerous.

The use of ecstasy is now on the rise in the United States. In a recent survey 10th and 12th graders preferably used the drug. Past year use of MDMA increased from 3.3 percent in 1998 to 4.4 percent in 1999 among tenth graders. Lifetime use increased from 5.8 percent in 1998 to 8 percent in 1999. Past year use rose from 3.6 percent in 1998 to 5.6 percent in 1999. There also appears to be an increase in the number of twelfth graders who are reporting that ecstasy is fairly easy or even very easy to get. Animal research has confirmed that MDMA shares the properties of both the hallucinogenic (LSD-like) and stimulant (amphetamine-like) drugs. The drug is usually taken orally and is in tablet or capsule form. It also comes in powder from and may be sniffed or smoked.

Ecstasy has many different effects both negative and positive. MDMA is a mood elevator that puts the body in a relaxed state, but it does not produce hallucinations. MDMA takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet. The user feels the peak of the drug 60 to 90 minutes later. Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences heightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth, and self-acceptance. The effects of real ecstasy relinquishes after 3 to 5 hours. Most users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the effect, people usually can deal with important matters. The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is empathy, the sensation of understanding and accepting others. A normal dose of ecstasy is around 100-125 milligrams. When taking ecstasy you lose body fluids and your body temperature can reach 110 degrees, so you must always replenish you fluids when on this drug. Ecstasy is not physically addictive, however the drug can often take on great importance in people s lives, and some people become very compulsive in their use. Taken to frequently, ecstasy loses it special effect. MDMA releases the brain chemical serotonin, elevating mood and acting as a short-term antidepressant. Compulsive users may try to relieve depression by taking MDMA.

Ecstasy is illegal and a conviction for possession can carry long prison sentences. Frequent or high doses have been linked to neurotoxin damage in laboratory animals. It is still unknown whether such damage occurs in humans, and if it does if it has any long-term consequences. Some people experience depression after taking MDMA. This is caused by MDMA s actions on certain brain chemicals. There have been some deaths related with MDMA. Usually these have been a result of heatstroke from dancing for long periods of time in hot clubs, without replenishing your body fluids. Much of what is sold on the black market actually contains other drugs. The other drugs that it may contain include PMA, Speed, DXM, and PCP. Mixing ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions.

There are actions being taken to slow down the flow of ecstasy in the United States. There are tougher laws being passed in Congress for tougher laws for the trafficking of this drug. Police are busting larger shipments of ecstasy. There is a non-profit organization called Dancesafe. This group sets up tables at raves and at parties handing out fliers about drugs and there effects. They also check Ecstasy to see if it s pure. Ecstasy supposedly takes the worst night of your life, and turns it into the best night of your life.

We are now beginning to see signs that MDMA has the ability to impair one s abilities. Researchers have concluded that the use of MDMA over a period of months or a few years may cause long-term impairment of performances, and also affects the memory even when MDMA is taken in small doses. The bottom line on MDMA is given our current knowledge about it, shows that it is a severe risk to anyone who uses it, or even gets involved with it.