Recreational Use Of Ecstasy May Lead To Memory Problems
For the past few decades, there are those who think that ecstasy is ‘getting a bad rap’ by drug enforcement officials. Many users suggest that the effects are relatively harmless and the only problem with XTC is the fact that it is illegal. However, a recent study published in the journal Addiction proves that there are problems that are far more serious than originally expected. The study demonstrates the causative effect of the drug and provides scientific evidence that even recreational use can lead to changes in the brain.
What The Study Did And How It Was Different
The reason that this recent study is significant is because of the different methodology that it used. Previous studies on the subject have been notoriously hard to interpret. The reason that they were difficult to interpret is that the brain differences between non-users and ecstasy users may have been present long before the person ever started using XTC. This meant that in those studies, it was probable that the drug led to specific problems, but there was no scientific basis that provided infallible proof. Add in the fact that people who use XTC tend to use other illicit substances as well; you may understand why the effects of ecstasy on the brain were so hard to determine.
This study was set up so as to determine how the brain may change when using ecstasy, meaning that the team of scientists had to find people that had used MDMA five times or less in their entire lives. The research team found 149 individuals that met that criteria and made them undergo a litany of brain tests. These brain tests were in place to look for signs of mental deficits. A year later, the scientists tested patients again. Out of the people tested, 43 had not used XTC since the previous test and 23 people used ten or more ecstasy pills during that year. On average, those who used ecstasy pills reported having used 33.6 within those 12 months.
The two groups performed similarly on most laboratory tests. However, it was a particular memory test in which those participants who had used MDMA scored significantly worse. The people with problems demonstrated difficulty in remembering what distinguishing border framed a specific picture. They had complications remembering right away and an hour later. This demonstrates that memory problems can occur within a year, even with a moderate amount of MDMA use. This makes it clear to scientists and hopefully makes it clear to people around the world, that this drug is not as harmless as previously suspected.
What Are The Common Side Effects Of The Drug?
For most people that take a single “hit” of XTC, the effects will last anywhere between three and six hours. Once the person swallows the pill or tablet, it takes approximately 15 minutes before the ecstasy dissolves and enters the bloodstream. From there, it moves rapidly to the brain. Within 45 minutes, the person will start to experience the “high” associated with MDMA use. People who use it report feeling hyperactive and very alert. That is the reason it is often used in the nightclub scene, people can dance for hours at a time without needing to take a rest. During this high, some users will experience changes in perception (for example, they may have an enhanced sense of touch) or lose sense of time.
However, the effects are not pleasant for everyone taking the drug. Some users become agitated or anxious; others may experience chills or sweating and some feel dizzy or faint. There are a number of other physical signs, such as increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, blurred vision, nausea and muscle tension. Many users experience a forceful clenching of the teeth. The emotional side effects include depression, anxiety and sadness. While the euphoric sensations of the drug may last several hours, these negative side effects can last for days.
Physical Dangers Associated With The Drug
Because the users of MDMA are often engaging in vigorous activity in a relatively narrow and warm environment, dehydration can become a serious problem. Even though dehydration may not seem like a serious issue at first glance; considering that ecstasy already interferes with our body’s own ability to regulate temperature, it could lead to dangerous overheating. This dangerous overheating can lead to kidney or heart problems – it may even prove to be fatal. Because the user tends to feel sad or depressed after the effects begin to wear off, users take multiple small doses within a short period in order to keep the euphoric effects going. This may impede the heart’s ability to maintain its normal rhythms and also increases the risk of seizures.
Increased Risks To The Brain
In order to understand why XTC may damage the brain, it is important to understand that messages from our brain and the rest of our bodies travel through neurons (nerve cells). Scientists believe that ecstasy may affect those nerve cells that use the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin, in order to send messages to other nerve cells. The serotonin system is an important factor in our sensitivity to pain, sleep patterns, sexual activity, aggression and overall mood.
More studies need to be done to determine whether the brain damage caused by XTC is permanent or whether the patient can reverse the effects by no longer using. Animal studies determined that the damage done to the brain that occurred after a mere four days of exposure to high dosages of ecstasy was still present six or seven years later. The one silver lining in that situation is that scientists noted that some nerve fibers started to grow back in the same place that those damaging toxic reactions had taken place. However, even if the nerve fibers were repaired, scientists are not sure if they worked in the same capacity as the damaged nerve fibers. It should be obvious by now that XTC is not the harmless drug that people once believed it was.
January 8th, 2013 at 7:03 am
I can very well say this is true. My son is one glaring example of what damage ecstasy can do to a person’s memory. He was a fast-riser in the corporate world, success was his every action and he got into drugs because of people he socialized with. But less than two years into heavy partying, booze and drugs (particularly recreational drugs and yeah, ecstasy) he soon FORGOT he had responsibilities. It’s not just the little things that connects him to his work and what’s expected from him by the company. it’s also about forgetting his values, parents and sense of self-worth. He even FORGOT who his real friends were and only kept equally hooked losers. Soon after he lost his job, he lost just about everything else. It’s good that when he and two others were apprehended for other reasons (his friend was drunk driving) and turned out they were carrying a few pills and who knows what else, my son finally remembered the one important thing we taught him: clean up his mess. Now he’s a few weeks into rehab and we can only wish him well. Whoever called the drug ecstasy should also be punished severely for misleading anyone who tries it. It’s HELL after a few seconds taste of false heaven. That I can say after I witnessed the devil eat up my son.
January 10th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Let’s be clear here that up to this day, scientists and health professionals don’t have a definitive answer if ecstasy is addictive or not. Much as it’s filled with negative long-term and short-term effects, it should be known XTC or ecstasy doesn’t have the same components as other narcotics and street drugs and so don’t jump the gun!
HOWEVER… There are several pieces of evidence that suggest that ecstasy has the potential to be addictive. In one study late in 2011, around 38% of ecstasy users/respondents fitted the criteria that are commonly used to determine dependence for other drugs of abuse. These respondents showed symptoms such as repeated and continued use of ecstasy even after knowing the effects on their health and well-being.
Primates in another study were learned to administer upon themselves ecstasy like when they were subjected availability of other drugs. Note that the same animals don’t get the drugs which they have tried and didn’t do any effect similar to addictive drugs. Such that scientists believe that ecstasy has the actions in the “reward pathway” or limbic system in primates as well as humans.
But despite all these rationalization, it should be understood that while not classified as addictive, ecstasy is often abused. And like other drugs with psychoactive components and bring “highs” for many hours, it’s ill effects are never pleasant. Suffice it to say that a drug like XTC need not be addictive to produce adverse effects, right? So better not do it…
January 14th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
The devil is winning the battle when we talk of drugs and alcohol. It does not only swallow the physical wellness of the person but the temple of God. Remember that each and every human body is just a vessel of His love and goodness. Once a person wills himself to drug abuse, alcoholism, promiscuity and every evil, then God’s temple is ruined. Do not let the devil win the body and soul of the person you love. It could be your child, a parent, a family member or a good friend. No matter who the person is, be God’s warrior in saving his soul and body from the hellish life of drugs and alcohol. Free the person from sins that would eat up his whole being. Prevent him from destroying God’s temple NOW!
February 1st, 2013 at 5:35 am
Came across this as I wanted to know more about the effects of using ecstasy. Tho my 27 y.o. son isn’t addicted, he ‘fessed up to have used it when he was younger. Juz one of those father-and-son thing but it gimme a scare, particularly because his having a hard time after a shocking divorce a few weeks back which came a coupla months after he lost his job. He’s been drinking heavily since then and I dun want it to get worse so Im kina reaching out. Even if its ecstasy I wand to know more about at least Im learning swell about drug abuse and susbtance use. Also addiction. Thankful for this post.
March 5th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
You folks act and speak like your perfect. Get a grip of your lives first!If we use ecstasy and what drugs we use its our problem not yours. Better that you watch your kids and dont let them drink and drive or get high and get f^^^cked. Thats all you can do. But this is America and I can do what I wanna do with my life. You folks wern’t there when I lost both parents and lived up a shithole with folks I hardly know. Getting pushed around and dreams cut short aint easy. Where were you gusy then? Now you come making judgments and condemnations againts drug users. Hell, I know some and we all think we got this under control. Unlike being in shitholes where we get used for sex and ego trips and done criminal acts for others. Same old, same old. You can do nothing and probly just read us off a page or website when death finally take us. So dont fret about how we give problems bec. I dont take from welfare. Just mind you’re own business and kids. I ain’t yours!
June 6th, 2013 at 6:52 am
First of all, ecstasy is one drug that’s dangerous. That’s already a given fact and yet anyone who ignores that is an asshole. It’s not like the rest of the world can just watch anyone waste away a gift from God for a few moments of high.
Next, there’s no judgment passed in this article. I don’t see any. So it’s strange that the previous comment is being mean without cause. All the article mentions is how harmful it is. Whether or not your parents or friends or lover don’t care much about your choice is their problem. The point of this article is to keep YOU informed (obviously you need this! you just refuse to admit it!). Besides you’re not the only one reading this. There’s millions of others who are thankful for information such as this – even if you’re not.
Lastly, the freedom that America provides guarantees any website the freedom to publish helpful information as well. Quit meaning that it’s going against the freedom you enjoy. But as I see it, you’re imprisoned in a hell-hole of addiction. Whatever the reasons, I also don’t care. Most likely millions of us don’t actually care if you use it or not. It’s your life, go ahead and waste it!
But then again you have a choice – to quit and be clean. Or you can just waste it away like you seem to want!
January 13th, 2014 at 3:16 am
great article! surely would be a help to an essay i’m writing about the future generation of America being hooked on drugs.
i’m only 16, i have lots of dreams and i want to make a difference. in school and in our community, i’m doing my best to stay active, spread the word that we as youth must say NO to drugs. in a way my essay would sure be a message that could touch hearts and push dreamers to do better.
thanks for this article!!!
August 20th, 2014 at 4:03 am
As a dad to two teens, I’m very careful and strict as well with how to deal with their issues of growing up and drugs. Alarming cuz my daughter asked me about it, and she’s only 15! But understandable, and I’m greateful that I have better understanding of it. Teens are at a time in their lives where they may experiment with drugs or alcohol and may be meet new people. This age group often attends parties and clubs, and some teens may use drugs. There are special teen rehab programs that can help teens who start drugs and have trouble stopping. To help prevent your teen from using drugs, talk to him or her about the facts about ecstasy, ecstasy problems and side effects, and any other info that you think is important for teen safety at clubs and parties. The best way to prevent drug use is to make sure your child is informed about ecstasy abuse facts and how the drug can be detrimental to the body. If your kid asks, make sure you know… And make sure you always give them direction, advise and wisdom so that they will bravely say NO!
October 2nd, 2014 at 7:48 pm
Well, here’s another of those anti-ecstasy piece that doesn’t really tell all. They have argued that it can induce memory loss, decrease cognitive performance and has long-lasting effects on behaviour. Taking of ecstasy has also been linked to damage to the central nervous system and research in recent years has suggested that long-term changes to emotional states and behaviour have been triggered by consumption of the drug. The thing is the general agreement that is emerging about ecstasy is that while you are using the drug, you might expect a very subtle memory impairment but it’s probably not significant in the real world. I’ve known a few folks who’s been using for some time. Doesn’t adversely affect them in any way. But yes, when you stop using it, as most people do, things go back to the way they were.