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Ecstasy Research Paper

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Ecstasy is an illegal, schedule I drug that acts as a stimulant and a psychedelic. Chemically ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA for short. There are also many street names for ecstasy. Molly, X, and E are just a few of the names used. The drug was originally synthesized in Germany and used for suppressing appetite. Then in the 70’s it was used in the United States as a part of psychotherapy until the 80’s when it was labeled as a schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration. In the 90’s ecstasy became a popular recreational drug commonly used at parties and raves. Often ecstasy is taken with other drugs and alcohol that can amplify effects. Ecstasy is mostly taken in the form of a tablet by mouth. However, there …show more content…

And the varying makeup of ecstasy and the number of other drug combinations that are taken in conjunction with it, increases the amount of variables that play a role. With so many variable it can be difficult to pin point what drug or combination of drugs caused which side effects. However, studies and observations have given some insight on possible long lasting side effects. Addiction is always a cause for concern. Not only addiction to MDMA itself, but also to the drugs possibly mixed in or taken alongside it. Studies that have been done on animals show permanent damage to neurons in the brain. This hasn’t been fully studied on humans but the animal studies can give us some insight on what may be happening in the brain. There have been some studies on humans that have been using MDMA for long periods of time. These studies have shown that there are problems with some brain functions such as memory. It is common for there to be sexual undertones at the types of parties and raves that ecstasy is often used. The feeling of closeness and intimacy along with heightened senses of touch can increase sex drive and lead to unprotected sex. This increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Other long-term effects can include problems sleeping, depression, paranoia, and

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