MDMA drugs that have long been prohibited for recreational purposes, continue to have a flourishing sale among senior high school students, and at raves, nightclubs, and bars. The following facts about MDMA might force you to rethink about taking this drug.
Did You Know?
Being labeled as an illegal drug, the exact composition of MDMA tablets is not known.
MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, better known as molly and ecstasy, is a drug that has received a lot of bad press due to its unauthorized usage. The drug has a reputation of giving a ‘high’, a feeling of intense euphoria, making it one of the most sought-after drugs for recreational users. However, here are some startling facts that would act as an eye-opener, and hopefully, desist everyone from using the drug.
Is MDMA outlawed?
In the United States, consumption, selling or delivery of MDMA is deemed illegal since 1985, and anyone caught in possession of MDMA faces arrest. The U.S. DEA has classified it as a Schedule I drug, meaning its usage can lead to abuse and physical dependency. As the drug is deemed to have no medicinal value, its unauthorized usage demands criminal prosecution.
What are the health risks?
MDMA users may experience a feeling of high and relaxation, but the drug can disturb the body temperature regulation mechanism and cause hyperthermia―a condition in which the core body temperature increases substantially―leading to irreversible damage to major organs. The other possible side effects associated with MDMA usage are given below:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Teeth-clenching
- Lack of appetite
- Blurred vision
Also, the MDMA hangover is not something that is easy to handle as it makes you unhappy, miserable, and extremely tired. So, the initial energy boost that you get after taking MDMA is eventually followed by fatigue and a feeling of down in the dumps.
Abusing the drug on a regular basis can lead to long-term mental decline. In one study, people who took the drug for around 60 times over a period of 4 years, failed the visual and verbal memory tests. Also, the results of the test did not improve, despite avoiding the drug for over a month.
How is the drug abused?
MDMA, that is increasingly popular among adolescents in the United States, is often taken multiple times in a short span of time. MDMA seized by the federal agents are often tablets that come in an array of colors, with cartoon-like characters stamped over them. Sniffing or snorting a crushed MDMA tablet or capsule is also prevalent among high school students.
Is MDMA addictive?
MDMA dependency has been reported in quite a few number of cases. Intense cravings after MDMA discontinuation have been observed, indicating the addictive nature of the drug.
What does a dose of MDMA Contain?
As MDMA is a banned drug, it is available through illegal sources, which are often unreliable. Hence, there is no guarantee to get a pure form of MDMA. In fact, the drug sold as MDMA might contain ingredients, which can be a mix of stimulants like ephedrine, cocaine and meth, and even cough suppressants like dextromethorphan that carry serious health risks.
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?
The duration of MDMA stay in your system means the length of the time the person is tested positive for the drug, after the last dose. How long MDMA will be detected is influenced by various factors such as type of drug test, frequency of use, and metabolic rate of the individual. So, a rough estimate of MDMA detection window for first-time users is given below:
- Urine Test: 2-5 days
- Blood Test: 24 hours
- Saliva Test: 1-5 days
Do MDMA drugs have any therapeutic uses?
In the ’70s and early ’80s, there was widespread use of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. Back then, psychotherapists prescribed the drug in very small doses to overcome emotional turmoil, and to promote more interaction with the counselor. However, soon the drug became popular for its stimulating effects, and its usage became rampant for recreational purposes. So, in 1985, the U.S. government enforced a ban on MDMA and any unauthorized possession is considered a criminal offense.
