Ecstasy
Talk with your
kids about Ecstasy
Ecstasy makes you feel amazing (euphoric) by releasing a large amount of dopamine into your body. Ever heard of runners high? It’s like that times a thousand. Your senses are heightened and you are transported into another realm where everything is magical but you’re still here (unlike LSD or mushrooms where you can literally go somewhere else). When a person takes Ecstasy, their body can dangerously overheat during dancing or other physical activities, which can lead to muscle breakdown, kidney, liver and heart damage, and even death. Ecstasy extremely reduces inhibition which can place users in dangerous or physically risky situations, and can cause seizures, brain swelling and permanent brain damage. When kids see their peers using drugs like ecstasy, they perceive it as harmless. Also, if the child’s first impression of drugs is via their peers or other outside sources, it can distort their whole perception in regards to the negativity surrounding drug use in general. As a loved one, it is essential to take the time to be the first source of information your child gets about drugs. The first step is to know the facts yourself. This makes answering the inevitable questions easier. Because there are so many dangers of ecstasy use, it is hard to overstate them. One obvious approach is to reinforce the danger of accepting anything from strangers, particularly pills. Another is to ensure you know who their friends are, where they hang out, and what they are doing. Starting the conversation is the hardest part. Don’t act accusatory or angry, but concerned. You can use an opening such as “I heard troubling news about ecstasy use at your school” or “I hear they’re having a big party at one of your friend’s houses.” These are good lead-ins because they approach the subject indirectly. What are the Signs if Kids are Using Ecstasy
None of these signs necessarily
indicate Ecstasy use. These symptoms can overlap with the
effects of other drugs or with other problems that do not
involve drug use. The bottom line - do not let your child be
another sad statistic. Be a resource for them to learn about
drugs and a resource for them to go to if they have a drug
abuse problem. Street Names
These names may sound innocuous, but they are all talking about the same dangerous drug. There is also a form of ecstasy that is becoming quite popular that goes by the street name molly. Molly is a pure form of ecstasy that is usually in a powder or capsule form, but is still just as dangerous as the other form. It is important to let your children know about these street names, in case they are ever used by their peers to refer to ecstasy. Ecstacy
If you have not done so already, make sure you have taken our FREE foundation program The Neutral Parenting Formula: A Blueprint For Raising Successful Teenagers. This will really help you get the most from this lesson otherwise some of the concepts outlined may not make sense. You can access it here for FREE through the end of 2012. After this the program will cost $997. Overview Ecstasy (MDMA) is a pill that was developed in the 60’s as a drug offered by therapists for married couples having marital issues. The therapist would have the couple take the pill during therapy sessions so it would open them up to have deeper and more meaningful conversations. Depending on your perspective, this might sound very controversial but in its purest form (not what you find on the streets) I think a lot of people would benefit if they were to take ecstasy at least once in their life. If used in the right way, it can really heal a lot of people by helping them get in touch with their emotions. I have seen some of the most aggressive gangsters turn into little children within minutes (I kid you not). A lot of gangsters would come to my raves and I saw them change instantly. It REALLY does feel like you are in bliss, heaven, Utopia, etc. and ones ability to get in touch with their feelings and emotions is taken to a whole different level. In my opinion, this is a magic pill that can work miracles when done with good intentions and in the appropriate environment. Ecstasy makes you feel amazing (euphoric) by releasing a large amount of dopamine into the body (that we already have). Ever heard of runners high? It’s like that times a thousand. Your senses are heightened and you are transported into another realm where everything is magical but you’re still here (unlike LSD or mushrooms where you can literally go somewhere else). The effects usually last up to four hours. The Downside Because it makes a person feel so euphoric some can become addicted to it, not chemically like heroin, but mentally and emotionally because you want to remain in that space. However, if a person was to become addicted to it mentally, it really has nothing to do with the drug and more to do with the person. For a person to become addicted, they already have some major emotional issues in life that make them want to take the drug so that their problems “go away”. However this is no different then adults who take pharmaceutical drugs for their “pain”. I have personally seen people become addicted to it and it’s not the same as a chemical/physical addiction. These people were already “sad” in life and then began using ecstasy to make them happy, instead of focusing on themselves internally. Depression Some people have been known to become depressed from taking Ecstasy because they wish life was always like what they felt when they were on it. Basically, the “down” is hard because you are so high and happy when you are on it. The Upside Ecstasy (when taken in the right environment) can have a very healing affect because it gets a person in touch with their emotions and who they really are. Many people have had life altering experiences on this drug that have given them profound perspectives about who they are, what they want to do with their lives, and their relationship with their friends and the world. Personally speaking I’ve seen more good then bad come from this drug and would prefer this drug to alcohol. I’ve seen some of the angriest and most hate filled people take Ecstasy and become the most kind and loving individual’s, literally overnight. What You Need to Know If your teenager is taking Ecstasy, here are some tips you can use to help keep them safe and responsible: 1. They don’t do it too often (no
more then once a month max!). Approaching the Situation Likely, if your teenager is doing Ecstasy, they’re also going to clubs or raves. Once again I want to point out that if this is the case, don’t panic or react in a negative way because it will push your teenager away and close the door on your ability to help keep them safe. Again, I’m in no way condoning the use of it. Your teenager will be doing this if they want whether you like it or not and your best bet is to keep the lines of communication open. Here is what you can say to them regarding this: “I know that if you want to take Ecstasy you can and there is nothing I can do about it. I prefer that you hold off until a later age to try it if you’re going to try it. But if you’re going to try it now, here are some of the pros and cons of doing it (then discussing the points I mention above along with any other research you find as you educate yourself as much as possible on the subject). Also, if you’re going to try it please do it somewhere where you’re safe and don’t drive or do anything where you might harm someone else. If you do take Ecstasy and get in trouble or cause damage, you will need to suffer those consequences. I love you no matter what and as mentioned, here is why I prefer you to not do it”. Deaths Almost all of the deaths parents think are caused by Ecstasy are not because of Ecstasy. It’s because their child: 1. Mixed the drug with other drugs and
their heart could not take all the mixing (the heart is
being told to go up with one drug and go down with
another). This is why it’s so important that you have the ability to educate your teenager on the issue so that they know “how” to take it and be more responsible with it. Almost all the negative effects I saw with the use of this drug had to do with either: 1. Poor education and lack of ability
on how to use the drug in a responsible manner (mixing,
taking too much, not drinking enough water, in a bad
environment, etc.) I know you’re afraid to hear this
because of all the misinformation you’ve been given by
the media. Ecstasy is a great drug and really fun when taken
in the right environment and dosage. If your teenager does
it, they will likely want to do it again. If you’re
really strict and can keep them away from it for a bit, it
won’t last too long because they will be able do it on
their own when they turn eighteen. The downside to a strict
parenting point of view is that when they do it,
they’re not well educated on the subject and have the
potential of suffering more damage. If you just accept the
fact that it’s a potential choice your best bet is to
educate them so they can be responsible about it. MDMA (Molly)
Parental Warning What is Molly? Molly is the slang name for the drug also known as Ecstasy or simple “E.” The chemical name for Ecstasy is MDMA, or methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. This drug has the unusual characteristic of being both a hallucinogen and a stimulant. It creates feelings of euphoria and is associated with a removal of inhibitions. Ecstasy or MDMA “trips” can last for many hours. There is some confusion over the terms “Molly,” “Ecstasy,” and MDMA. Molly usually refers to pure MDMA, with nothing else added. However, because these are all illegal drugs, the person buying it never knows exactly what he or she is getting. This is one of the reasons using this drug can be deadly; what is sold as Ecstasy may also contain other drugs such as cocaine or heroin—sometimes in doses that are unsafe. Ecstasy has been around for several decades now and has long been a popular party drug. It is especially widespread at parties, concerts, and raves—events where trance or techno style music is played. Many raves are illegal and attended by teens and young adults at locations disclosed only at the last minute. How to Tell if Kids are Using Ecstasy There are certain signs that may indicate that a teen is using Ecstasy. These may include:
None of these signs necessarily indicates Ecstasy use. These symptoms can overlap with the effects of other drugs or with other problems that do not involve drug use. Effects and Dangers of MDMA MDMA increases the heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous for anyone with a preexisting heart condition. Another side effect of the drug is that it can produce dehydration if the user isn’t careful to drink fluids during the course of the trip. Some fatal MDMA overdoses have occurred when the victim suffered from overheating related to dehydration. Some less extreme side effects of Ecstasy, or MDMA, include sweating, nausea, chills, muscle pain, and blurred vision. In most cases, these are temporary. Because Ecstasy, or MDMA, is such a powerful stimulant, it can produce a powerful letdown when the effects of the drug wear off. This can be dangerous for people already suffering from depression or other mood disorders. It can also cause the user to want to continue taking the drug to recapture the high. Although the long-term effects of prolonged MDMA use are still being studied, research indicates that this drug can cause memory loss and other types of brain damage. It can also harm the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, which in turn can cause heart, liver, or kidney problems. Misconceptions About MDMA One of the biggest myths about MDMA is that it’s safe. Many medical problems and deaths have been associated with this drug in recent years. As we have seen, one of the problems is that users can never be certain what the drug contains. This makes the risk of overdosing or ingesting a toxic substance a real danger. Another danger is that young people who are experimenting with drugs often take more than one drug at the same time. Events where people are using Ecstasy are also likely to include the use of other drugs, such as marijuana, LSD, cocaine, or even alcohol. Some users end up taking a random cocktail mix of substances, and this can lead to unpredictable reactions and sometimes overdoses. Preventing Abuse of Molly and MDMA There is no simple solution to the
problem of MDMA abuse. It has been popular for some time,
and many young people are anxious to experiment with it.
There are, however, quite a few dangers associated with this
drug, as we have outlined above. Some of the long-term
effects are still unknown. The best thing parents can do is
to educate their kids about the dangers of these drugs and
to keep the channels of communication open as much as
possible. How
Can I Teach My Children About Ecstasy?
What does Ecstasy do? Ecstasy, or MDMA as it is known in scientific circles, is often classed with amphetamines because it functions as a powerful stimulant. Among its other effects, ecstasy causes the brain to release large amounts of an endorphin known as serotonin. Among its other effects are a sense of heightened well-being and a heightened perception of colors, sounds, and textures. Serotonin is toxic in large amounts in the human body, and one of the reasons heatstroke is commonly associated with ecstasy is because the body is attempting to literally burn the serotonin and the ecstasy out of the user’s system. This is often compounded by heavily active dancing such as might occur at a “rave” or other forms of physical exertion. Because of Ecstasy’s neuroactive properties, it causes many users to feel relaxed or sexually aroused. Many cases of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases have been linked to ecstasy and other drug and alcohol use due to the lowered inhibitions and focus on physical sensations ecstasy causes. Ecstasy users are not in full control of their mental faculties, increasing the likelihood of having unprotected intercourse. According to the March of Dimes, there is evidence that ecstasy may contribute to congenital heart defects and skeletal disorders such as clubfoot, primary in females. However, these studies have been small and the findings are not conclusive at this time. How To Talk To Kids About Ecstasy The first step in teaching children about ecstasy is to know the facts yourself. This makes answering the inevitable questions your children will have about this drug easier. Because there are so many dangers of ecstasy use, it is hard to overstate them. One obvious approach is to reinforce the danger of accepting anything from strangers, particularly pills. Ecstasy commonly comes in pill form, in a number of colors which resemble candy, which makes younger people especially vulnerable to being given ecstasy without realizing it. Another is to ensure you know who your children’s friends are, where they hang out, and what they are doing. Starting the conversation is the hardest part. Don’t act accusatory or angry, but concerned. You can use an opening such as “I heard a troubling news story about ecstasy use at your school” or “I hear they’re having a big dance party at one of your friend’s house.” These are good lead-ins because they approach the subject indirectly. Since school and parties are the venues where children are most likely to be exposed to ecstasy, these are the places to consider first. After you find a way to get on the subject, let them know about the drugs that they may be exposed to at a party or in other situations. Do not just end with ecstasy. Some children begin using drugs like alcohol or marijuana, and this leads to them making other reckless choices, such as choosing to abuse ecstasy. Take Time to Educate Your Children Many parents and guardians think their child would never use a drug, especially one with such a bad reputation as ecstasy; however, this is far from the reality. Ecstasy is showing up at parties and clubs, and becoming more and more available for the younger generations. When children see their peers using drugs like ecstasy, they perceive it at harmless. Also, if the child’s first impression of drugs is via their peers or other outside sources, it can distort their whole perception in regards to the negativity surrounding drug use in general. As a loved one, it is essential to take the time to be the first source of information your child gets about drugs. Do your child a favor and take the time to talk to them about the dangers and risks associated with using ecstasy. While it may be uncomfortable, teaching your children about ecstasy and its dangers may be one of the best gifts you ever give them. Take the time to educate your children about drugs, before they learn about them from another source that could potentially be negative. As a parent, you cannot be there to make sure their every choice is the best one for their success and health, but you can give them the information they need to make the smartest choice. Do not let your child be another sad
statistic, be a resource for them to learn about drugs and a
resource for them to go to if they have a drug abuse
problem. Ecstasy
Can Cause Memory Loss Ecstasy use can cause short- and long-term memory loss, and some users experience memory problems after taking just a single dose of the drug, according to British researchers. Reuters reported June 28 that 75 percent of Ecstasy users have memory impairments, and that the damage does not seem to be limited to long-term users. "It's almost as if there is a one-hit problem," said lead researcher Keith Laws of Hertfordshire University. "Essentially it's the same if you take only a few, or an extremely large amount of tablets." Laws and colleagues reviewed 26 Ecstasy studies that included 600 users. "Often when you ask people who take ecstasy if they have memory problems, they say no, but when you test them, they realize that they have serious problems," he said. The study is slated to
be published in the journal
Human
Psychopharmacology: Clinical and
Experimental
Ecstasy: What
parents need to know - KidsHealth
Ecstasy is a stimulant drug that can cause hallucinations. It is known as a designer drug because it was created for the purpose of making someone feel high. The drug is popular with teens and young adults who go to clubs, concerts, or "rave" parties. Users think the drug will make them feel good and enable them to keep going for days without rest. But people who use Ecstasy don't realize how dangerous this drug actually is. Ecstasy has become one of the most common illegal drugs sold on the streets. In the last few years, Ecstasy has sent many young people to emergency rooms because of its dangerous side effects. Ecstasy can kill. How It's Used: Ecstasy can be swallowed (pill or tablet) or snorted (powder). What It Does: Ecstasy is both a hallucinogenic and a stimulant drug. It makes users experience a rush of good feelings (a high) and makes feelings much more intense, whether they're good or bad. The drug's effects usually last up to 6 hours. Ecstasy increases heart rate and can cause dry mouth, clenched teeth, blurred vision, chills, sweating, or nausea. It can make some users feel anxious, confused, and paranoid, like someone is trying to hurt them or is plotting against them. Ecstasy may cause damage to brain cells that are involved in thinking and memory. If a person takes Ecstasy, his or her
body can dangerously overheat during dancing or other
physical activities, which can lead to muscle breakdown,
kidney, liver and heart damage, and even death. Taking the
drug can cause seizures, brain swelling and permanent brain
damage.
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