ECSTASY
Methylenedoxymethylamphetamine
Patricia Cuenca Margüenda
Maite Delgado Salas
Maria Fernández Gallego
Marina Postigo Ramos
4ºD
ECSTASY
* WHAT IS ECSTASY?
Ectasy is a profound stimulant that appeared in the 90’s. It has hallucinogenic powers that make users feel enthusiastic and optimistic and it also has properties of methamphetamine. Ectasy was banned in 1985 and now is classified as a Schedule 1 substance.
This substance is quite cheap and because of that, is bought by a lot of people (it is the second most popular after cannabis). People who use ectasy are usually between 15 and 25 years old.
MDMA is often found in capsule or tablets and is usually consumed orally. Many people have died of consumins only one of those tablets.
* NAMES
This subtance’s name is methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), but it also has other names most populars, for example Ectasy, X, E, Adam, XTC, Hug, Beans, Clarity, Essence, Stacy, Lover’s speed, Eve, Mitsubishis, Rolexes, Dolphins, Superman, etc. This names are often known by the logo stamped on them.
* WHERE DID ECTASY COME FROM?
Ectasy was used by psychiatrists and psychologists like a medicine, to help patients people with emotional difficulties, until 1985. But later ectasy was banned and considered an illegal drug.
* EFFECTS AND RISK
-People who use ectasy can’t be sure of what they are cosuming because ectasy tablets are made illegally in some countries.
-To use ectasy with other drugs, for example alcohol, is more dangerous than using ectasy only.
-The positive effects are: relaxation, euphoria, hapiness and social state.
-The negative effects that this substance provokes are: depression, loss of appetite, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills, sweating, tremors, insomnia, dehydration, anxiety, panic attacks, sleeplessness, paranoia, increment of the body temperature, confusion, involuntary teeth clenching, rapid eye movement, etc.
Ecstasy also provokes effects very important in the most complex organ in the human body, the brain. This organ is very fragile and soft and there are many things that influence brain function:
*Biological influences:
Genetics, prenatal exposure, health, toxic exposure, trauma and brain system health.
*Psychological influences:
Bonding, stimulation, self-talk and experiences.
*Social influences:
Modeling, social support, stress and opportunities.
Some of those effects are: increment the heart rate and blood pressure, loss of memory, degeneration of neurons, paralysis in some parts of the body, and many of the negative effects that we said before (paranoia, anxiety, dehydration,...), because the brain is involved in everything we do.
* WHERE IS ECSTASY CONSUMED USUALLY?
MDMA is consumed most frequently in places where there is fast-paced and hight-volume music, like all-night dance parties, called “raves”; clubs, discos, concerts, etc.
But recently, this substance has also appeared outside of clubs: on the streets, schools,... And it is very worrying for parents, friends, ect., because the users can buy ecstasy in a lot of places and consume it.
* LEGAL OR ILLEGAL
Ecstasy is an illegal substance. It can cause serious problems at home, school and job, but it also can cause law’s problems: penalties for possession or supply.
The maximum penalty for possession is 7 years prison and/or fine.
The maximum penalty for supply is life imprisonment and/or fine.
* REFERENCES