The Nervous System Suffers
Effect on the serotonin-metabolism
Ecstasy alters the metabolism of the brain it attacks the steering mechanism of the messenger substance Serotonin. Serotonin determines a lot of ordinary processes such as mood changes, memory, sleep, appetite and sexual activity. Ecstasy intervenes in the Serotonin metabolism, in that it puts the Serotonin-transporter out of action. As a result the body's own serotonin floods the gaps at the nerve endings, where the transmission of impulses to other nerve cells takes place.
With every single dose of MDMA, the supply of Serotoinin in these nerve cells is exhausted. This leads to malfuntions of important cerebral functions.
Damage to Nerve Cells
Ecstasy can damage nerve cells. Such findings have been known for some time from animal experiments. From studies on monkeys we know that some of these effects are permanent - they cannot be reversed by stopping the intake of ecstasy.
In a new study, the brains of 14 former ecstasy consumers were examined using Positron-Emission - Tomography (PET). It was found that: people that had consumed large quantities of ecstasy in the past had significantly less serotonin transporting protein. The greater the quantity of Ecstasy taken, the more significant the effect.
This is due to a loss of or damage to nerve fibre endings. It is assumed that MDMA literally reduces or destroys the nerve fibres of the Serotonin cells. For now, it remains open to debate as to whether damage is permanent.
Odd cases of destruction of the white brain substance, as it can also occur after smoking heroin, have also been described after the consumption of ecstasy.
Epileptic Seizures
Epileptic seizures are the most common neurological complication from Ecstasy.
Parkinson Syndrome
Ecstasy can lead to Parkinson's disease. Triggers are an increased amount of free oxygen radicals in the brain. This leads to young people aged between 14 and 18 already suffering form degeneration of the brain that otherwise only takes place in older people. Typical symptoms are strong shaking, stiff movements, fixed stare and hesitant walk.
Potential for Addiction
A mental dependency is created, which is further reinforced by the depressive moods resulting from the damage to the serotonin cells.
Damage Psychological Effects
Mental changes can come about and become chronic after a single intake or after several pills or after consumption over several years: lack of motivation, general inactivity and passivity as well as a flattening of emotions. The picture is similar to the syndrome of absence of motivation from the consumption of Cannabis.
Memory
The consumption of Ecstasy affects - just like Cannabis - the productivity of the memory and leads to forgetfulness. As a result learning for school, apprenticeship or profession can become significantly more difficult.
Horror Trip, Fear and States of Panic
It is not unusual for the initial euphoria after the intake of ecstasy to be over shadowed by serious anxiety and panic attacks, also known as 'horror trips'. This can result in depression and suicidal thoughts.
Deep depressive moods resulting in suicide or attempted suicide after a single intake, have been observed. All this is the result of damage to the serotonin cells in the brain, which plays an important role in depressions.
Schizophrenic illnesses
Anxiety attacks can lead to actual psychiatric illness, and the connection with reality is largely lost. The ill person experiences himself and his surroundings as changed, unreal and often threatening too. Hallucinations and delusions appear. These psychological anomalies (similar to Schizophrenia) require psychiatric treatment, often in a clinic.
Such illnesses can last for weeks or months and can also reoccur later without consumption of ecstasy (flash back). For the person affected it means a serious intrusion into his life, often combined with giving up school or job and loss of relationships and friends.
Ecstasy in Traffic
The negative effects of ecstasy also have an impact on traffic and innocent bystanders. Through the pick-me-up effect of the drug, an aggressive way of driving is created and the sense of reality disappears. An artificial widening of the pupils increases the danger of being blinded at night by oncoming car lights. In addition, the drug switches off the inner limits for pain and resistance, so that often there is a sudden state of physical and metal exhaustion after a night' s dancing-when the effect of the drug fades.
The danger of car accident is therefore increased massively, particularly as a lot of participants of technoparties are there with their own cars.
LIQUID 'ECSTASY'
or GHB= Gamma-Hydroxy-Butyron acid (or Butyrat) is a drug that has nothing to do with ecstasy. It is clear liquid that tastes salty and is sold mostly in small plastic bottles.
GHB was used in the 60's as a narcotic, as well as to calm down comatose brain injured people. It was replaced by other medicines because of seriousness unwanted side effect (seizure, vomiting, long and undetermined lengthy effect. GHB unfolds its effect in the brain on its own GHB-Receptors or on the GABA-Receptors (Gamma-Amino butter acids).
Consequences in the Body
Low quantity lead to sickness, vomiting, headaches and attacks of convulsions. Even a small increase in the quantities taken can lead to unpleasant side effects, e.g. confusion, speech disturbances, sudden sleep and coma. Higher doses lead to aggressive behaviour.
GHB Lowers the number of breaths taken and lowers the pulse to dangerously low levels. This can lead to heart and respiratory disturbances. People with symptoms of poisoning gasp for air as if drowning, behave very aggressively and need artificial respiration for several hours.
Death through Respiratory Failure
The cause of death usually is respiratory failure. Such cases of death can also appear without additional consumption of alcohol. Alcohol and drugs increase the negative influence on the respiratory system and thereby increase, the risk of a deadly respiratory failure.
Withdrawal symptoms
After prolonged abuse the withdrawal symptoms of sleeplessness, anxiety and trembling appear. The symptoms last from approximately 3 to 12 days.
Being in a good mood, getting into contact with people talking to each other, that's what young people want when they go out in the evening. Also, they like dancing, relaxing an being merry!
All this is possible without drugs, and chemical stimulation, and it can be learned!
If someone has difficulties getting into contact with people drugs won't help at all. No real friendship can develop if you have a drowsy head. Friendship is based on authenticity, truthfulness and confidence. Anybody who is under the influence of drugs is unable to find true friends, as we have learned from alcohol.
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