When MDMA is mentioned, people automatically think “party drug”. Although that may be true in many cases, MDMA is also used therapeutically. Methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine, also known as Ecstasy, is a phenethylamine that includes mescaline and methamphetamine (Bouso, Doblin, Farré, and Alcázar 2008). According to Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary (2012), “MDMA was first synthesized for use as an appetite suppressant, but because of its high incidence of severe side effects it was never marketed for that indication.” MDMA is not the same as “Ecstasy”, or “Molly”. The substances with those names are drugs that do contain MDMA, but many times it also includes dangerous or unknown substances. MAPS (2006) indicated laboratory studies that show
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Since it has become popular on the streets, there is no way of telling if your really getting “Ecstasy”. So many of these pills at raves and clubs are mixed with dangerous additives that can be either more dangerous or would blend badly with MDMA (Holland, 2001, pg. 69). She continues that there is also a high risk when it comes to dosage. Higher doses of MDMA can have a critical outcome, and evidence suggests that the effect the user is trying to achieve does not happen the way they expect. Common side effects when ingesting a high dosage would be jitteriness, jaw tightening or even excessive vomiting. When abusing the use of MDMA, the body’s temperature elevates dramatically which can lead to hyperthermia, seizures, or even death (Holland, 2001, pg.69). When used under medical supervision, MDMA is used to recognize traumatic memories. When abusing the substance, there are medical complications as well as psychological. It is very possible that excessive dosage can generate anxiety attacks (Holland, 2001 pg. 70). The fact that the improper use of MDMA can cause psychological problems shows just how much abusing a drug, that is suppose to help you, can be dangerous. The dance club setting is not really considered a risk until really thinking about the atmosphere as well as the situation. At raves there are crowds of people gathered so close together. This can cause high temperatures that can result in severe danger. There have been reports that “Ecstasy” users, after their night of “raving”, have dysphoric moods and cognitive dulling (Grob,
Since it has become popular on the streets, there is no way of telling if your really getting “Ecstasy”. So many of these pills at raves and clubs are mixed with dangerous additives that can be either more dangerous or would blend badly with MDMA (Holland, 2001, pg. 69). She continues that there is also a high risk when it comes to dosage. Higher doses of MDMA can have a critical outcome, and evidence suggests that the effect the user is trying to achieve does not happen the way they expect. Common side effects when ingesting a high dosage would be jitteriness, jaw tightening or even excessive vomiting. When abusing the use of MDMA, the body’s temperature elevates dramatically which can lead to hyperthermia, seizures, or even death (Holland, 2001, pg.69). When used under medical supervision, MDMA is used to recognize traumatic memories. When abusing the substance, there are medical complications as well as psychological. It is very possible that excessive dosage can generate anxiety attacks (Holland, 2001 pg. 70). The fact that the improper use of MDMA can cause psychological problems shows just how much abusing a drug, that is suppose to help you, can be dangerous. The dance club setting is not really considered a risk until really thinking about the atmosphere as well as the situation. At raves there are crowds of people gathered so close together. This can cause high temperatures that can result in severe danger. There have been reports that “Ecstasy” users, after their night of “raving”, have dysphoric moods and cognitive dulling (Grob,