INTRODUCTION
Ecstasy is a phenomenon that has become exceedingly popular with young children as well as adults. This craze is sweeping our nation at the same rate as crack/cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. It has been known as the "DATE RAPE'" drug. We chose this topic because it undoubtely effects some of the students that we have taught, and eventually will teach.
- How is ecstasy used?
- Short-term effects of ecstasy?
- Long-term effects of ecstasy?
- Where does ecstasy come from?
Scientist in London have signifigant evidence that may imply that ECSTASYor MDMA, is neurotoxic, poisoning the brain's channel by its effect on the chemical serotonin. The initial feelings of happiness and euphoria associated with using the drug are mainly due to boost in serotonin, but within hours the chemical is depleted, leading to feelings of depression and lethargy.
The more we learn about this drug, the more problems occur. The strands of evidence suggest that MDMA or commonly known as ECSTASY may be neurotoxic for humans. It is not known how long-term these problems are; however, it has been revealed that patients who suffer concentration and severe depression, at least one year after they had stopped taking this drug. There is serious concern that the reduction of the level of serotonin might be a permanent reduction in some people, the effect is mild, but in others there are quite marked difficulties. Studies done mostly in rats, have shown that MDMA can cause prolonged neural damage to the brain's channels and the question is now whether regular use of the drug has the same effect.
Like Methamphetamine, ECSTASY may cause long-term brain damage.Heavy users of ecstasy may be risking brain damage long after the drug has worn off. It has been determined that a single dose of MDMA, only slightly higher than the size of doses taken by humans significantly damaged brain cells called neurons that produce serotonin.
Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain that influences appetite, sleep, and other major functions. Unlike methamphetamine which damages brain neurons that produces both serotonin and another messenger called dopamine, MDMA selectively damages serotonin neurons and virtually all species.
Sharon B. Lee, Science Prep Teacher K-8 C.W. Henry School
Nayjuana C. Woodberry, Teacher Ada Lewis Middle School, 6th grade