Ecstasy: One pill can kill you

Drugs can kill you. Recently, there were several reports of deaths following the use of Ecstasy pills. Young people and partygoers are often the victims.

Ecstasy pill is supposedly composed of MDMA (methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine). However, many pills are found to be tampered and mixed with other lethal drugs.

Why are young people hooked on Ecstasy? It’s probably because of the immediate effect of Ecstasy, which is a pleasurable feeling of being high. Ecstasy users feel extremely happy, well connected to other people, and invincible like a superhero. On the short term, users may get extra energy, alertness, and strength because Ecstasy is a stimulant drug, just like having too much coffee.

Because of this, the recreational use of Ecstasy has become popular in musical events, the so-called raves. Because of the concert’s special use of lighting and sound, this makes it conducive for users to feel emotionally attached to the music, lighting, surroundings, and even to people they don’t know. Users claim they have so much energy and can join these raves for many hours without feeling tired.

However, the problem occurs when the participants become too dehydrated and the extra physical activity puts a strain on their hearts. Users develop high blood pressure and fast heartbeats, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

Just like other stimulant drugs, Ecstasy users become dependent on the drug, as the pleasurable effects don’t last long. When they use it again, they will need a higher dosage to achieve the same desired effect.

A main cause of death associated with Ecstasy use is hyperthermia (high temperature), caused by severe dehydration. Hyperthermia can cause serious and life-threatening damage to the heart and kidneys.

Other short-term effects of Ecstasy include impaired judgment, false sense of affection, confusion, depression, paranoia, sleep problems, drug cravings, muscle tension, and involuntary teeth clenching.

Permanent Damage

Many studies have been conducted on Ecstasy. They show that:

• Young people have died of dehydration, exhaustion, and heart attack as a result of taking Ecstasy.

• Ecstasy can cause kidney, liver, and brain damage, including long-lasting injuries on brain tissue. Even a small amount of Ecstasy can be toxic enough to poison the nervous system and cause irreparable damage.

•Warning to young people: Physical damage to the kidney and heart caused by Ecstasy use can be permanent. Even after they have stopped using the drug, they are still at high risk for a heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Even a single pill can be deadly. Permanent damage can also be found in the teeth and gums because users are prone to suck and grind their teeth. Some use pacifiers to suck on during Ecstasy use. This can lead to mouth injuries, dental cavities, broken teeth, and bleeding gums.

Worse of all, Ecstasy can damage the production of serotonin in the brain. Some users can recover in months, but in others, the damage is permanent. There may be permanent loss of memory and ability to concentrate.

Don’t Listen To Drug Sellers

To the youth: Don’t believe the hype. The “positive” image of drugs or party pills comes from being glamorized in movies and music. When a new substance first appears on the market, it is seldom considered dangerous until after the harmful effects become obvious.

People will approach you as a friend and offer to “help you out” with “something to bring you up.” They say the drug will “help you fit in” or “make you cool.” But, of course, they are just after your money.

Sellers will promise you that if you take Ecstasy, “you can be with a lot of girls.” They don’t care if the drug destroys your life.

Illegal drugs are essentially poisons. Many drugs and party pills can directly affect the mind. They can distort the user’s perception of what is happening around him/her. As a result, the person’s actions may be odd, irrational, inappropriate, and even destructive.

People take drugs for many reasons: 1) to fit in, 2) to escape or relax, 3) to relieve boredom, and 4) to rebel and experiment.

Some people think drugs are a solution. But eventually, the drugs become the problem. You have to seek help and face your problems without using drugs.

The support of family and good friends can help you recover. Prayers will help immensely, too. Yes, you can have a happy, healthy, and clean life. Seek medical help now.