Common In Street Ecstasy example essay topic

Ecstasy is a very popular designer drug. It is said to give complete euphoria for up to 6 hours. It came around in the 80's and is becoming more popular now. It's real name is MDMA (3, 4-Methylenedioxy-N-Methyl amphetamine). It is a dangerous high and is more popular with young people. In the following paragraphs are some information about the drug.

Ecstasy is sold on the streets and is illegal as a schedule 1 drug, along with heroin and cocaine. It has many street names like beans, X, E, rolls, etc... Ecstasy can range anywhere from $5 to $25 and is usually a 100-150 mg pill. It's known as the "love drug" because you are supposed to be very generous and friendly when on the drug.

Effects generally happen within 20-40 minutes, when the user often experiences a brief 'rush' of energy, usually described as mild but euphoric. After this rush, the high levels off to a peak which lasts 2-3 hours and is followed by a 'coming down's en sation. MDMA exerts amphetamine-like effects which include dilated pupils, dry mouth and throat, tension in the lower jaw, grinding of the teeth, nystagmus (eye wiggles), sweating, or nausea and overall stimulation. These side effects are dose dependent and will vary depending on the health of the individual user.

The following are some feelings or emotions the ecstasy user experiences: Entactogenesis ('touching within') This is a generalized feeling that all is right and good with the world. People on MDMA often describe feeling 'at peace' or experiencing a generalized 'happy' feeling. Also, common everyday things may seem to be abnormally beautiful or interesting. Empathogenesis Empathogenesis is a feeling of emotional closeness to others (and to one's self) coupled with a breakdown of personal communication barriers. People on MDMA report feeling much more at ease talking to others and that any hang-ups that one may have with regard to 'opening up' to others may be reduced or even eliminated. An enhancement of the senses MDMA can significantly enhance (sometimes distort) the senses - touch, proprioception, vision, taste, smell.

"Beavers" can sometimes be seen running their hands over differently textured objects repeatedly, tasting and smelling various foods / drinks. "Ecstasy. The perfect word. No other could have described what I was experiencing right then and there.

Beyond words. The entire message was contained in a scream and the most intense smile my face had displayed in ages". Raves are dance events featuring 'techno' music. Some songs include strange lyrics like "Music is pulsing through, music is pulsing through, music is pulsing through, music is, music is, music is energy... pulsing through your body, over you and me, flowing through the mind, you will take me to places higher, spiritual ecstasy... ". Raves are common settings for taking MDMA.

The atmosphere of a Rave is designed to be favorable to "blow-up" in the company of other people who may also be taking MDMA, or who can be as friendly and open without chemical assistance. MDMA's enhancement of proprioception (deep body sense) makes movement notably pleasant, so Ravers on MDMA often dance for long periods of time. They usually dance with glow sticks and the light show is said to be amazing. The feeling of unity and shared ecstatic joy at a successful Rave can be overwhelmingly wonderful.

Some ravers regard this as spiritual or religious practice. One of the primary problems with MDMA is the low quality of the material sold on the street to recreational users. Tablets of street 'ecstasy' frequently contain an assortment of psychoactive substances, either mixed with MDMA, or in place of it, or may contain no active ingredients at all. Other substances found in street ecstasy include MDA, MDE, caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamines, DXM, and occasionally DOB. The effects of DXM, which has recently become more common in street ecstasy, can be extremely unpleasant if you " re not expecting them: strong disorientation, dizziness, nausea, grogginess or strong sedation, and at high enough doses, dissociation from the body. At dosages from 60-80 mg (lower than those used regularly for Ecstasy), it can cause a sudden, large, and potentially fatal rise in blood temperature, body temperature and blood pressure.

Selling ecstasy can get you into some serious trouble now. In March 2001 they changed the sentencing for selling ecstasy. The new guidelines call for sentences of between 63 months to 78 months for first time offenders caught selling 800 pills. The sentence used to be 15 months to 21 months for the same amount. The change makes ecstasy five times more serious to possess or sell than heroin on a per-dose basis.

One major concern about Ecstasy is its widespread use among high school youths, college students, and young adults who frequent night clubs and all-night rave parties. Lured by the drug's availability and intoxicating effects, many youths are unaware of the dangers of Ecstasy and Herbal Ecstasy. In addition, when young people start using Ecstasy regularly, they often lose interest in school work affecting academic success as well. Chronic Ecstasy use can place students and young adults at risk of dropping out of school or college, loss of employment, and possible encounters with law enforcement. The good news is that children can be taught resist social pressures to try drugs. Parents can help by becoming informed about Ecstasy, and by talking to their children about drug use.

T CADA researchers have found that participation in extracurricular activities, the expression of parental disapproval of using alcohol and drugs, and parental attendance at school events can help protect against drug experimentation. Communities can help by decreasing the availability of drugs, promoting drug-free homes and environments, and by supporting drug use prevention programs.