The rave and party drug that has taken the party scene by a storm for several decades .
it is available in Pill form – Ecstasy –
which can however be adulterated by bath salts[cathionines] or any
other chemicals. It is called Molly for “molecular” available in capsule
form but which can be mixed with bath salts again. It is also available
in crystal form which is swallowed or dissolved in water and drunk .
Powdered versions are also available which are snorted.
it is a psychedelic drug with stimulant effects.
It affects three chemicals in the brain-
Dopamine- causes euphoria and increased energy.
Norepinephrine- causes increase in heart rate and in blood pressure which can result even in a heart attack or a stroke.
Serotonin- MDMA causes the brain to
secrete enormous amounts of serotonin and eventually this depletes the
serotonin sources and reduces it considerably. Initially it causes one
to feel all loving and caring , alters perceptions, heightens the
senses. However, soon it causes a very low dip or even depression and
anxiety in the individual.
The effect of MDMA sets in within 30 to
60 minutes. In 3.5 to 4 hours it peaks followed by a plateau and then a
depressive phase to stave off which a dose is popped again.
At times to enhance the psychedelic
effects it is combined with LSD, Psilocybin mushrooms or Ketamine called
as “flipping”. Also with marijuana and alcohol.
Effects. The person under
influence becomes physically very active alert and hence it is used in
rave parties where people dance non stop for the entire night and day .
The music has a synergistic effect in enhancing the psychedelic effects.
The mind becomes hyperactive. Thoughts run at a high speed.
After effects- dry mouth, lack
of appetite, bruxism [ lockjaw] repeated involuntary clenching of
teeth , blurred vision, chills, sweating, fatigue, anxiety, paranoea,
feelings of excessive love, increased sexual desire, this can result in
high risk sexual behaviors too , insomnia, lack of focus .
In people who have myopia, with a high
number , MDMA causes expansion of the eyeball which puts pressure on the
retina . the small retinal capillaries might leak resulting in floaters
in the line of vision. Retinal tears also might happen increasing the
risk of loss of vision.
In people who have traits of ADHD , the use of this drug magnifies the effects.
In people with underlying anxiety and dependency issues , these symptoms get highlighted and last longer.
Thus depending on the frequency ,
duration, quantity of usage and the underlying personality traits, the
duration of the effects also vary.
Over the course of the week following
moderate use of the drug, a person may experience: irritability,
impulsiveness and aggression, depression,sleep problems, anxiety, memory
and attention problems, decreased appetite, decreased interest in and
pleasure from sex
Chronic use results in depression anxiety and paranoea.
Other physical adverse effects
MDMA can cause increased body
temperatures to abnormal levels so much so that it can lead to multi
organ failure , heart failure and can prove fatal.
Withdrawals seen – fatigue , anxiety, depression, lack of appetite , difficulty in focus.
Treatment-
Residential care in an alternate life
therapy center/drug rehab in an environment that is non judgmental,
loving and accepting with counseling, meditation, yoga, writing and
other alternate therapies is the path to a resolution.
We provide the same at AH
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