Ecstasy use in teenagers and young adults

Ecstasy use in teens and young adults has been on the rise for the past 35 years. Do you know anyone who is using or has used ecstasy? A study performed in 2000 by NIDA, which found that 3.1% of 8th graders, 5.4% of 10th graders, and 8.2% of 12th graders use or have used ecstasy. (Effects of MDMA 1616) The study also showed that 61% of students said that it is "fairly" to "very" easy to get. Methylenedioxy methylamphetamine of MDMA was first synthesized and patented by Merck in 1912. (Effects of MDMA) MDMA was originally created for a potential appetite suppressant, although some marriage counselors used it. The drugs Psychoactivity was first realized in the 70's and became a psychotherapeutic tool. It was also becoming available on the streets. The drug has become a very serious problem and needs to be stopped before it grows into a larger problem that can't be contained. Teenagers and young adults are the primary users of ecstasy. The drug ecstasy is a very dangerous drug that has become a very serious problem for teenagers and young adults in America; thus we need to put an end to it now so we don't need to fight it in the future.

        Ecstasy use has many side effects, both short and long term. Short term effects include jaw clenching and teeth grinding, irritation, headaches, vomiting, panic, anxiety, convulsions, heart attack, brain damage, exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. (Charmichael 64) Ecstasy use also causes euphoria, feelings, of well being, enhanced emotional and mental clarity, increased energy, heightened sensitivity to touch, and enhanced sexuality. In high doses it can cause hallucination, sensations, of lightlessness and floating, depression and paranoia, and irrational behavior including violence. It may also cause post MDMA depression that can up to two weeks after...