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Explore the world of ecstasy, from its effects to treatment options to prevention strategies. Learn about its dangers, signs of use, and long-term impacts to protect yourself and loved ones.
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Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About?
Overview • What is ecstasy? • What are ecstasy’s effects and signs of use? • Who uses ecstasy? • What are the treatment options? • What can be done to prevent ecstasy use? • Where can we get more information?
Ecstasy Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) XTC Disco Biscuits Go Adam X Truck Driver Clarity Essence Cristal Hug Drug Ecstasy use is one of the most rapidly growing phenomena in today’s drug scene.
What is ecstasy? • Illegal “club drug” • White crystalline powder with a slightly musty odor • Produces effects similar to mescaline (hallucinogen) and speed (stimulant) • Usually in gelatin capsules or tablets • Stamped with names or symbols
Ecstasy facts • Patented in the early 1900’s • Classified as an illegal drug in 1985 • Produced in Holland and Belgium for less than $1 a tablet • Domestic traffickers sell tablets for $20 to $40 each • Customs seized 10 times more MDMA tablets in 1999 than in 1998.
Short-term effects • Feelings of well-being and empathy • Reduced anxiety • Enhanced self-confidence • Greater acceptance of others • Increased energy • Increased desire for physical contact and visual stimulation • Intensified awareness of senses
Ecstasy’s downside • Increases in heart rate and blood pressure • Nausea • Loss of appetite • Jaw tightness • Compulsive chewing and teeth clenching • Anxiety, panic, and depression • Health risks increase if ecstasy is combined with another drug
What comes after the “high”? • Hungover feeling and depression—“e-tarded” • Moodiness, anxiety, and paranoia • Irritability • Loss of appetite • Insomnia • Chills or sweating • General tiredness
Long-term effects • Long-lasting changes • Possible brain damage • Tolerance • Need greater amounts for the same effects • Dependence • Unable to socialize without MDMA
Signs of “rave” culture • Pacifiers • Surgical masks and mentholated rub • Neon glowsticks • Brightly colored beads • Clothing with the letters PLUR
Who uses ecstasy? • In 2000, 6.4 million Americans had used ecstasy at least once. (2000 SAMHSA Household Survey) • Ecstasy use is most widespread among white, upper-middle-class youth. (2000 Monitoring the Future) • African-American students are much less likely than white or Hispanic students to use ecstasy. (2000 Monitoring the Future) • MDMA use has jumped, especially among younger students. (2000 Monitoring the Future)
Anyone can be an ecstasy user Teenagers College students Youth at all-night parties Gay men Professionals in many fields People searching for spiritual enlightenment
Available Treatments • No specific treatments exist for ecstasy use • Diagnosing ecstasy use is difficult • Dependency can be addressed with cognitive behavior therapy and self-help groups
Caregivers can help prevent ecstasy use • Establish and maintain good communication with youth • Be involved in young peoples’ lives • Be a positive role model • Let young people know what is expected of them • Show appreciation for young people • Teach youth to choose friends wisely • Monitor youth activities
Prevention requires community involvement • A community working together includes: • Parents, youth, and families • Faith communities • Media • Schools • Professional and civic groups • Health and social services • Courts/Law enforcement • Businesses • Treatment agencies and health organizations
Resources • SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686, www.SAMHSA.gov.Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon. • Informational Web sites • whitehousedrugpolicy.gov • www.nida.nih.gov • www.preventiondss.org • www.clubdrugs.org • www.cadca.org
Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? www.SAMHSA.govClick on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon To view slide presentation, 30-minute video, and 90-minute teleconference go to: To order the VHS video call: 1-800-729-6686
Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? Teleconference produced by The Office of National Drug Control Policy The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America National Guard Bureau’s Counterdrug Office National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse as part of the teleconference series Myths, Facts, and Illicit Drugs: What You Should Know