Ecstasy Abuse and the Brain

#1. Ecstasy Abuse and the Brain

Ecstasy Abuse and the Brain

Ecstasy is the popular name for the drug Mdma (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). In base with most illegal drugs, when it was created it was intended to be used for medical rather than recreational purposes. In America in the 1960s it was sometimes used by psycholanalysts to treat patients, as they found its affects on emotional effects Mdma induced could help people suffering from problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, (in single Vietnam veterans at the time).

Ecstasy Abuse and the Brain

Years later, illegal Mdma became popular on the rave scene as it triggered feelings of euphoria and gave dancers an vigor boost. By the 1990s the dangers of ecstasy had become well publicised. In the worst case scenario Mdma can kill, commonly as a direct corollary of severe dehydration and overheating. Ecstasy tablets also pose a risk they are rarely pure and are often mixed with other drugs like aspirin and paracetamol. But even if you take ecstasy without distinct introductory side effects, there are long term implications of it use.

In short, ecstasy causes problems in the brain if used regularly. Mdma elevates serotonin and dopamine in the brain to abnormal levels. Unnaturally high levels of these neurotransmitters alter the person's emotional state, causing the feelings of euphoria linked with the drug. But after continued use the brain will take measures to counteract these abnormal levels of neurotransmitter. Part of how it does this is by cutting down on the number of paths the neurotransmitters have for entering nerve cells. If the abuse of Mdma has been particularly frequent the nerves responsible for producing these considerable chemicals might even die.

These changes to the brain mean that when a person is not taking Mdma, there will be unusually low levels of dopamine and serotonin. Since these neurotransmitters are considerable for proper brain function and have a large sway on mood, the side effects of ecstasy use can include confusion, depression and an inability to concentrate. If the changes to the brain are particularly considerable there is also evidence that optic and spatial skills can be affected, as well as working memories.

People should be aware of the long term implications of their actions, before indulging in recreational drug use.

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