3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, was originally intended as an appetite suppressant. However, between the years 1960 and 1980, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced that the said drug had a high possibility of being abused by the wrong users and it also lacked medicinal value after having seen the effects of it being a party drug.
It is more commonly known to be a psychoactive and stimulant drug due to the fact that it consists of hallucinogenic properties which cause the user an intense need for physical contact. This drug sends out chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine as it targets the nervous system. Such effects then include quick heart rate, high body temperature, and dilated pupils that last for a particular time span. With these also comes an increase in brain activities and energy levels that instantly causes the user to feel certain moods, especially bliss, at extremes.
This drug seldom consists of pure MDMA nowadays so as to enhance variants and also to boost production and potency. Ephedrine, piperazine, synthetic cathinones, ketamine, caffeine, and dextromethorphan are some of the other substances in the drug above. In some extravagant conditions, LCD, heroin, and cocaine can also be found.
The drug can also be called as Beans, Candy, Happy Pill, and Molly. XTC, California Sunrise, Love Drug, Malcolm X, and Sweets are also some of its street names.
Ecstasy can be found in different forms. One of which is ecstasy in a liquid form. This is known as GHB (short for Liquid Ecstasy and Fantasy) that is clear, odorless, and salty so combining it with other drinks won’t make it detectable. As this is being taken up, the user will instantly feel overconfident and very emotional. He will then become sleepy and rested after the effects dive in deeper.
Another form is when ecstasy is in its powdery form or Crystalline Powder (Molly). This is said to be its purest form as it is stronger than in its tablet form, and also because it is crushed directly from MDMA crystals that become off-white, yellow, and brown in color. The powder form can be concentrated into a pill or, together with methamphetamine, cocaine, and piperazine can be turned into a tablet.
The last form to be discussed is the tablet form. It is said that there is an estimate of 50 to 150 mg of ecstasy at hand in one tablet. Such tablets come in various colors, shapes, and designs.
Uses
As known for having no medicinal value, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) still manages to test the drug’s use of relieving sickness and alcohol abuse. It can also be used to relieve social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, and anxiety to life-threatening situations and terminal illnesses.
Since ecstasy can be in a tablet form, just like any other substances, it can be easily distributed to big, social gatherings like parties, festivals, concerts, and the like. When utilized, the effects will greatly affect the user along with loud music, technicolor, and shining lights. Energy levels will also greatly increase for some users when they are on a high.
The length of time ecstasy remains in the body depends where it stays on. For example, it can remain in the hair for 90 days, which is longer compared to its stay in the blood or urine, because it does not pass along the normal intake process that is internal. Test results can be procured three months after such test is attained.
It can also stay in the urine for approximately five days depending on its pH level. Normally, it can stay for two days but it can also stay for an additional day if the user is less acidic. Its retention in the kidney can last for 40 hours. Tests can be done to examine the user’s application of such drug and results then will come out five days after.
Additionally, the drug stays shortest in the bloodstream as it stays there for only three days. It disseminates the drug to different body parts, like the small intestines and the kidney, to relegate further.
Addiction
With it being an illegal drug, it is advised that is should not be used on a regular basis or unprescribed intakes. A dose of weight in kg + 35-40 grams can be taken for proper precaution. Weight in kg + 50 grams can also work. Taking 75 to 80mg can lead to an active dose but 81 to 100mg intake may cause unwanted effects to happen little by little. Also, to avoid effects that will last for a lengthy period of time, users should not take ecstasy if they are experiencing cases such as heart conditions, seizures, psychiatric disorders, and heat strokes, specifically malignant hyperthermia.
Effects of ecstasy can take place in an instant or gradually. A user can be seen to have symptoms physically or changes in the behavior. Jaw clenching, skin tingles, increased rate of vital signs, and nausea are some of the physical effects of ecstasy while heightened sensations, elevated energy, anxiety, and paranoia are effects in the user’s behavior.
A person can be addicted to a particular thing when they are constantly being exposed to it. Similarly, a user can be addicted to ecstasy if they are using it regularly or for an extensive stretch of time. With this being said, addiction can lead to overdose. This can only be recognized when the user is having constant vomits, high body temperature, floating sensations, hallucinations, and irrational behaviors. Severe symptoms can also come about, like heart attack and brain hemorrhage.
Withdrawal and Treatment
One treatment that is known to relieve and restore a user’s body to its natural function after having taken ecstasy for a long while is Medical Detox. Such a solution involves the clearance of toxins in the user’s body that was initially caused by MDMA intake.
Along the process of the said treatment, the user may display traces that show their lack of dependence on the drug. Fatigue, depression, attention and memory lapses, mental confusion, lack of motor control, lack of interest in sex, hostility, and panic attacks are symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal.
Sending the user to a rehabilitation center is a recipe for recovery. Their personal needs and concerns will be attended to immediately with the help of professionals. Customized treatment plans are also provided to the users such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, In-Patient Rehab or Hospital-Based Treatment, Outpatient Treatment, Mental Health Facilities, Individual and Group Counseling, and Recovery Centers specific to substance or ecstasy abuse.
