Ecstasy
Background of Ecstasy
Ecstasy is the name given to the drug Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA. Ecstasy is an entactogen drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Ecstasy is a synthetic and psychoactive drug with stimulant effects that increases energy, moods and self-confidence. The use of Ecstasy may also lead to feelings of openness, affection, euphoria and empathy towards other people. Ecstasy is the most popular recreational psychoactive drug, usually sold in the form of tablets.
The pure Ecstasy contains 3, 4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Other Ecstasy pills may contain LSD or Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (acid), ketamine, procaine, Methamphetamine, Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine and even aspirin, depending on the brand names of the ecstasy pills. Other terms for ecstasy are E, Roll, X, XTC, Love Drug, hug pills and Adam. Ecstasy is an addictive drug and is illegal due to its risks.
History of Ecstasy
By 1912, the German company Merck patented Ecstasy by the term MDMA, as an intermediate in the manufacture of Hydrastinin. By 1950, the US Army also studied MDMA as lethal dose studies for animals. The drug was researched as part of chemical warfare investigations. Alexander Shulgin, a research chemist, introduced MDMA to the psychotherapist Leo Zeff. Shulgin researched on psychedelic drugs, he recorded the differences between the classifications of drugs. He made a specific description of the ecstasy as a psychoactive drug. Ecstasy as MDMA was used in psychotherapy to lessen the feelings of fear, shame, and guilt, and to enhance self-confidence. These effects make it easy for therapists to communicate to their patients, as Ecstasy breaks down the walls of communication. When Ecstasy was still legal, a number of famous and respected spiritual teachers who participated in Ecstasy spiritual workshops have publicly admitted their views about Ecstasy’s spiritual value. Some spiritual practitioners also believed that Ecstasy heightens the experience of meditation.
Therapists like Joseph Downing, George Greer, and Philip Wolfson also used Ecstasy in their practices. Later on, the drug Ecstasy was made legal and was approved by the U.S. government. As the effects of the MDMA spread in the 1980s, the drug, which by then was named Ecstasy, was used non-medically (recreationally) in Texas, United States. Ecstasy was purchased by students as a substitute. During that time, the drug Ecstasy had reached a consumption rate of 30, 000 doses a month in 1985 from 10, 000 doses a year in 1976.
Ecstasy was made illegal and was classified as Schedule I drug. Findings revealed that Ecstasy has a high potential for abuse and has a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
Application of Ecstasy
Ecstasy comes in a variety of colors and sizes that are usually sold in tablets or in capsules. Ecstasy is usually imprinted with icons depending on the brand name of the tablet. Ecstasy is taken as a pill. The users of Ecstasy in clubs, parties and raves take the pills for mood enhancement and to keep on dancing. Others are not aware though that Ecstasy has the main risks of overheating and dehydrating, as the drug pushes the body beyond the physical limit.
Effects of Ecstasy
The short-term effects of Ecstasy include dry mouth, dilated pupils, loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, false sense of affection, anxiety, depression, problems in sleep, drug craving, involuntary teeth clenching, general restlessness, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dehydration, moist skin, rapid eye movement, chills and sweating, confusion, panic attacks, and feelings of being mildly intoxicated, relaxed and energetic.
After taking the drug Ecstasy, effects can be felt in about twenty to forty minutes. The high could last between four to six hours.
The long-term effects of Ecstasy may cause damage on brain cells. This may be critical to thought and memory. The repeated use of Ecstasy may affect the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, vomiting, mood, body temperature, appetite, and sexuality.
Treatment of Ecstasy Abuse
A person with an Ecstasy abuse problem has to consult a professional for drug treatment. An appropriate treatment program should be chosen that best fits the person’s treatment needs.
What Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these statements in support of truths about their rehabilitation have been refrained from giving to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The foregoing names are fictional names of the author’s own choosing.
"I’ve been using ecstasy and I’ve become addicted to it in a short period of time. I thought that I could have fun every time I use it in parties. Malibu Horizon helped me deal with it. I could say that they made my life change and they made me realize how important my life is. I want to thank Malibu Horizon for helping me out. I owe it to the staffs of Malibu Horizon. Thank you so much." —Jane
"I used the drug every time I go to clubs. I never noticed that I was becoming addicted to it. As time passed by, I can’t stop myself from using it. I seek for a professional help and I’m glad that Malibu Horizon offered me the best treatment that I needed. Thank you Malibu Horizon." —Cynthia
"Partying was the best moment for me. I used the drug to help me improve my social aspect. Ecstasy was not really helpful; it even made my life worst. Malibu Horizon helped me cope with it. Now I have many friends and my family is happy for me. Thank you guys from Malibu Horizon, you made my life even happier now." —John
"I thought Ecstasy could change my lonesome life. Since I was a kid, I used to go out alone and I was shy to make friends at all. My cousin introduced the Ecstasy pills to me. I had friends but it never lasted a long time. I became addicted to the drug and I almost ended up losing my life. Malibu Horizon helped me gain self-confidence naturally. I can say that my life is happier now and I had friends who trusted me. Thank you Malibu Horizon." —Claudia
"I am a survivor of Ecstasy abuse. I had a dreadful experience and I don’t want to experience that again. Malibu Horizon was there to guide and support me; they taught me how to change my life. I feel so renewed now! Thank you man! I salute you Malibu Horizon." —Jim