Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy, Rohypnol, ketamine, and GHB
are common drugs used by young adults and teens that are part of
a rave, trance, nightclub, or bar scene. Raves are all night dance
parties commonly held in warehouses. Those who use these drugs
at these events may be attracted to their low cost and intense
highs that supposedly enhance the rave experience. Scientific studies
however show that these drugs change critical parts of the brain.
Ecstasy is a psychoactive synthetic drug that is chemically similar
to the hallucinogen mescaline and the stimulant methamphetamine.
Ecstasy was once used mostly in clubs, studies now show that the
drug is used in different social settings. High doses of ecstasy
can interrupt the regulation of temperature in the body. Hyperthermia
sharply increases the bodies temperature in some cases leading
to kidney, liver, and cardiovascular system failure. Potentially
harmful levels can be reached by multiple drug use episodes in
short periods of time, since ecstasy can interrupt its own metabolism.
Research in humans implies that frequent ecstasy use can change
brain function by affecting cognitive memory and tasks. Ecstasy
can also lead to depression symptoms many days after use. These
symptoms might take place because of ecstasy effects on neurons
that depend on the chemical serotonin to communicate with other
neurons. Serotonin plays an integral role in the regulation of
aggression, mood, sleep, sexual activity, and sensitivity to pain.
Ecstasy users can potentially face many of the same risks that
other stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines can provide.
A research study in nonhuman primates showed that ecstasy exposure
for four days caused serotonin damage in nerve terminals that were
evident six to seven years later. While similar neurotoxicity has
not been proved in humans, the amount of animal research suggests
that ecstasy has definite damaging properties and is not a safe
drug for human consumption.
According to the Monitoring the Future survey, there was a significant
increase perceived harmfulness associated with using ecstasy occasionally,
in 2004. There was an increase in disapproval of taking it once
or twice. Twelfth grade students claimed a significant increase
in disapproval associated with taking the drug once or twice. Eighth,
tenth, and twelfth graders believed there was a decrease in the
drug’s availability.
GHB and Rohypnol are central nervous system depressants. Since
they are often tasteless, odorless, and colorless they can easily
be added to beverages and unknowingly ingested. These drugs emerged
many years ago as “date rape” drugs.
GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate) has had abuse problems in the U.S.
due to its euphoric, sedative, and anabolic body building effects.
GHB is a dangerous central nervous depressant that was readily
available over the counter in health food stores during the 1980s
and until 1992. Its users were primarily body builders to reduce
fat and build muscle. Other names for GHB are soap, easy lay, liquid
ecstasy and vita-G.
Seizures and coma can result following GHB abuse. Combining it
with other drugs like alcohol can result in nausea and breathing
abnormalities. Other GHB withdrawal effects include insomnia, anxiety,
sweating, and tremors. GHB and two of its former substances, gamma
butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4 butane diol (BD) have had links to
overdoses, poisonings, date rapes, and deaths.
Ketamine is an approved anesthetic for both human and animal use
in medical settings. Most of the legally sold ketamine is intended
for veterinary use. Ketamine is also known as special K or vitamin
K. It can be snorted or injected. ketamine can produce hallucinations
and dream like highs. In large doses, it can cause delirium, amnesia,
high blood pressure, depression, impaired motor function, and fatal
respiratory problems.
Rohypnol, is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. Rohypnol can incapacitate
victims and make them vulnerable for sexual assault, when mixed
with alcohol. It can also cause anterograde amnesia, which means
victims might not remember what they experienced while intoxicated
by the drug. Rohypnol can also be deadly when it is mixed with
alcohol or other downers.
Rohypnol is not legal in the United States. Illegal use of the
drug began in the U.S. in the early 1990s, when it became to be
known as Rophies, Roofies, rope, and roach. In some parts of the
country, two other similar drugs have appeared to replace Rohypnol.
Clonazepam which is sold in the U.S. as Klonopin, and Alprazolam,
generic for Xanax are common substitutes.
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