Ecstasy (MDMA) Information
The number of ecstasy users
increased dramatically around of the turn of the century, but thankfully has
been on a decline since then. The estimated number of current MDMA users is
about 450,000, which is down by more than 200,000 over the last two
years.
Looking for help for ecstasy
addiction? Fill out the form on this page or call 1-877-372-5719 to speak with a counselor that can
help.
MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic,
psychoactive drug chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the
hallucinogen mescaline.
Ecstasy users suffer mental effects from the
drug and ad a whole perform more poorly than nonusers on certain types of
cognitive or memory tasks.
MDMA can interfere with the body's ability to
regulate temperature. This can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature
(hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure.
Since MDMA can also interfere with its own metabolism (breakdown within the
body), leaving even more hazardous levels in the body with repeated
use.
Ecstasy use brings many of the same risks as users of other
stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines. These include increases in heart
rate and blood pressure, a special risk for people with circulatory problems or
heart disease, and other symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth
clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or
sweating.
Other effects of using ecstasy include confusion, depression,
sleep problems, drug craving, and severe anxiety. These problems can occur
during and sometimes days or weeks after taking MDMA.
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