Ecstasy has several primary effects on the major systems of the body. The full extent of the impact of this drug affects the entire body, however. Of the primary effects, the most common is stimulation of the nervous system. Ecstasy increases the amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain to generate a high degree of pleasure, empathy, and a sense of well being. However, it can also produce an inability to regulate aggression or emotion in general.
Ecstasy has several primary effects on the major systems of the body. The full extent of the impact of this drug affects the entire body, however. Of the primary effects, the most common is stimulation of the nervous system. Ecstasy increases the amounts of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain to generate a high degree of pleasure, empathy, and a sense of well being. However, it can also produce an inability to regulate aggression or emotion in general.
The scientific term for the drug is MDMA which stands for methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. It has been recently referred to as “Molly” which is slang for “molecular” and refers to the drug’s alleged purity. It was popularized in the dance party scenes and raves of the late 1980s and 1990s, and continues to persist as a standard of electronic music culture. These events, generally lasting all night, are characterized by multiple drug experiences wherein Molly is mixed with other drugs. Stimulants like these are used, among other things, to enhance the prolonged and high intensity activities of these nightclub scenes.
MDMA has serious effects on the mind as it impairs its ability to process information, control motor functions, and recall memory; all of which become increasingly worse with prolonged use. Further physical effects include blurred vision, chills, muscle spasms, dangerous fluctuations in body temperature, potential kidney failure, and teeth grinding which can lead to more serious dental complications.
Ecstasy also takes a very heavy toll on the heart. By stimulating the heart to work harder than it is conditioned to work, it puts undue stress on this vital organ which often results in hypertension and tachycardia. This drug can also place the lungs under too much stress causing them to collapse. The elevated levels in body temperature run the risk of damaging the liver as well.
For women, the use of the ecstasy during pregnancy can cause brain damage in the fetus, motor function abnormalities, and behavioral issues after birth. For both men and women, regular use of the drug can lower reproductive health and sometimes cause infertility.
It is important to note that the effects of drugs like ecstasy can be detrimental and dangerous for someone in perfect physical health, which means someone in bad health using this drug (or any illicit drug) is at a much more severe risk of harm. For someone with high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other chronic condition, the effects of drugs are much more dangerous. Exposing oneself to these types of drugs can very realistically be fatal.
LEAD Treatment Center encourages you to contact our offices if you have questions about drugs, addiction, or the recovery process. Our expert addiction specialists can direct you toward the best treatment options for addiction and substance abuse.
