MDMA/ecstasy
MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or ecstasy, is one of the better known "club drugs," so called for their wide use by young people at bars, clubs, concerts and parties. MDMA is a synthetic drug taken in pill form that acts as both a stimulant and a psychedelic. It gives users a "high" or sense of euphoria as well as a distorted sense of time and perception.
More than 11 million Americans over age 12, or almost 5% of the population, have tried ecstasy at least once. Street names for MDMA include adam, b-bombs, bens, clarity, cristal, decadence, dex, disco biscuit, E, essence, hug drug, love drug, scooby snacks, X, XTC.
Signs & symptoms of MDMA/ecstasy use
MDMA raises heartbeat, blood pressure and body temperature. In rare cases, a large dose of the drug will cause a sharp increase in body temperature, resulting in organ failure, heart attack and death. Watch for these signs of MDMA abuse:
- Loss of coordination, dizziness, fainting
- Chills or sweating
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Tingling sensation on the skin
- Dry mouth
- Cramps
- Blurred vision
- Involuntary teeth clenching
Some behavioral signs that may signal MDMA use:
- Sleep problems
- Poor memory, lack of focus
- Depression, anxiety, mood swings
- Confusion
- Falling grades, frequent absences from work or school
Who's at risk for MDMA/ecstacy use?
People of all educational backgrounds, income levels and cultural heritages abuse drugs. Teens are especially vulnerable, and so are people with mental illness. MDMA is used mostly by high-school and college-aged young people in social settings like parties or concerts. MDMA use is higher among white and Hispanic youths than among blacks. Risk factors for MDMA and other drug use also include:
- Family history of alcohol or drug problems
- Social environment that's favorable to drug use
- Lack of supervision (teens)
- Depression, anxiety or other mental condition
Professional help
Drug abuse and drug addiction - the compulsive, uncontrollable use of a drug - are chronic conditions that can be successfully treated with behavioral modification therapy and by attending recovery support groups. Right now there are no medications to treat MDMA abuse.
Even after treatment, many people will fall back into drug use. That's why the earlier you get help, the better the chances are for long-term recovery. Priority Health members can
check with our Behavioral Health staff for informationon getting help with drug abuse and addiction problems.
What you can do
If you're a parent, you can have a big influence on whether or not your kids use drugs.
- Talk with your kids about the dangers of using drugs.
- Be involved in their school work and activities.
- Know where they are, who they're with and when they're coming home.
- Find out about drug prevention programs you and your kids can participate in together
If you're in treatment, here are other things you can do to help yourself stay drug-free.
- Stay with the program. It usually takes several months to see improvement, so don't give up too soon on your treatment.
- Get help for other health conditions. People with depression, anxiety or other mental health problems are more likely to abuse drugs. If you have signs or symptoms of any of these, see your doctor for treatment. Read more about mental and emotional health conditions.
- Don't put yourself at risk. Stay away from the places you used to get drugs and the people you did drugs with.
