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░ Definition
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA, most commonly known as ecstasy, ‘Adam’ or ‘XTC’, is a synthetic and illegal drug whose effects are similar to amphetamines.
MDMA was first synthesized and patented in 1914 by the German drug company called Merck. Scientists thought that this drug could be used as an appetite suppressant. In the 1970s, MDMA was given to psychotherapy patients because it helped them open up and talk about their feelings. This practice was stopped in 1986 when animal studies showed that ecstasy caused brain damage.
░ Effects of ecstasy
The behavior :
Some users say ecstasy lowers their inhibitions and makes them relax, increases awareness and feelings of pleasure and to give people energy. However, some people report side effects after taking MDMA such as headaches, chills, eye twitching, jaw clenching, blurred vision and nausea. Some doses of MDMA can cause dehydration, hyperthermia and seizures, and some people entered the emergency room cause of ecstasy use.
░ The brain
MDMA has several effects on the brain: causes the release of serotonin, blocks the reuptake of serotonin and, consequently, depletes the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Dr. George Ricaurte, an associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed brain scans of people who had used ecstasy, using an imaging technique called Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Finally, the research showed how the ecstasy damages cells that release serotonin: Ricaurte noted a 20-60% reduction in healthy serotonin cells.
Damages caused on the brain affect behaviour too, lowering the ability to think and to remember. Besides, it is difficult to know how long the damages affect the brain or even if these are permanent.
░ Important: Apparently normal
In spite of the serious cerebral deterioration cause by the ecstasy, the user may do not be realizing the risk. The research of Dr. George Ricaurte included people who had used ecstasy an average of 200 times over 5 years, and the behaviour of these people appeared normal. Only when they had to pass memory tests and other mental abilities tests, the scores were really lower in comparison to the average non-drug users.
More information (University of Washington) >>
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