Ecstasy Essay, Research Paper

ECSTASY

Finally, one single dose of a simple small pill to end all of your worries and make you happy as if all were right in the world. This is the common perception most get when they are under the hypnotic trance of what is called Exstacy. Exstacy is a pill, a drug, above any other of its kind, specially formulated to encourage the user psychologically, everything is good, and love is in the air, no worries, no sorrow, that everything is perfect because the feeling is perfect. Physically, however, it encourages the user to feel tense, always in motion, with an increased heart beat, and the feeling to not only love, but to want to make love, why not, if everything is supposedly perfect .

Exstacy, chemically known as MDMA, is also known as X, E, XTC, the love drug, the hug drug, and Adam. The common definition of Exstacy is known as a mood-enhancing, hallucinogenic substance that alters or even loses the user s perception and voluntary control, putting him or her into a trance. (XTC Info. 2 p.1 & Dictionary p.1 on ECSTACY)

Exstacy, or better yet, MDMA, was first synthesized in 1917 as a suppressant for the appetite. The Merck Chemical Company first synthesized this drug for this reason; however, they were not allowed to market it due to its mental effects. The drug later resurfaced as a recreational drug in the late 6o s and early 70 s. By the late 70 s, MDMA was dramatically popular to so many people, and it caught attention, especially by the courts in the early 80 s. MDMA is now illegal to manufacture, sell, and use. (Overview p.1)

MDMA is usually seen as a white crystalline powder, but more commonly as a pressed pill or capsule. It is usually swallowed or snorted, but also less commonly smoked and injected. The effects, however come stronger and better when ingested as a pill. These effects come within 30 minutes of ingestion and lasts up to 8 hours or even more than a whole day. Exstacy is available to those who know where to find them, and prices range from $10-$30 per hit (per pill). The drug is most promoted at raves, the most popular location for Exstacy to exist at. Since the drug is illegal, the underground dealing of XTC and the use is much more popular and common at raves, especially when the drug itself makes the user want to move around and dance and have a good time. However raves aren’t the only places where XTC is promoted. You hear it in rap songs written by rappers such as Dr.Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, among the many others. There is evena specifically titled song by Bone-thugs-and-harmony called Exstacy . Through the entire song, the drug is described to be the best found substance in the world, better than weed, makes you feel so good when you re rollin on XTC . When it s not rapped about in our music or shown in the movies, it s definatly talked about commonly between teenagers, especially those who rave. (Overview pp. 1,2,3)

Contrary to most medical researching, MDMA does not drain out or dry out the body s spinal fluid. Neither does it cause brain damage such as Parkinson s disease. Most physical effects of the drug include extreme nervousness, faster heart beat, sweating, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, increased energy, grinding of the teeth, and continuous, non-stop talking. These are only a few of the many other effect, all depending on the person who is using it. There are also various mental effects from XTC, such as the feeling of relaxation, and the feeling that everything in the world is good. It s basically a happy feeling. People on XTC usually feel a sort of emotional closeness to others. They are more at ease when talking, and feel completely comfortable to open up and express they re most inner deep emotions. If one was a person who used to feel uncomfortable, shy, or lost in, XTC will break those barriers of silence and tension, and have that person begin to express himself and emotionally open up. The most commonly described effect of this drug is that it basically makes you feel good inside and makes you think that there is nothing wrong, no worries, and no problems. It makes you feel that everyone loves everyone, so why not just have a good time, or better yet just make love? The substance wasn t otherwise well known as Exstacy for no reason, obviously, it s known to not only give the mentioned mental effect, but also to also make the person, user, want to have sex. (Overview pp.1,2,3,7,8)

Of course, after the wonderful trip of this drug, the user now faces its side effects. First of all, MDMA is known to be bad for the blood pressure, so those who have blood pressure problems or heart problems should not even consider using the drug, the side effects might turn out to be too intense or dangerous. Other side effects that are more frequently reported include dehydration, muscle cramping, dizziness, and exhaustion. It s understandable that ravers who dance and burn themselves out all night are more likely to get dehydrated or feel heat exhaustion. Some users even reported that they need at least 1-2 days of rest after what they call burnout . Even the brain needs time to refresh itself after its intense trip of various changes. (Overview pp. 1,2,3)

Though MDMA has not been known to be as bad as other recreational drugs, for example heroine or cocaine, it s not a completely good substance to use either. The person who is to abuse this drug should at all times be aware or warned of its effects and know how to completely be in control of it. The effects to one who doesn t realize the feeling XTC will give off will be much worse than one who knows about the drug and uses it responsibly. In order to be above the drug is to always be in control of the drug, not let the drug be in control of you. In a sense, most drugs, not only XTC, can be looked at in that way. If one is responsible and aware of the drug he is about to use, then, he should realize and be able to control the drug, instead of letting it control you. This way you use it, not abuse it.(Overview p.1)