Article: - Ecstasy: bad for your skin, bad for your brain!
Ecstasy is used on the rave and clubbing scenes, despite the fact that there have been some high profile cases of teenagers dying from the side-effects of ecstasy in recent years. Its effects include an increase in energy, a feeling of inner peace, a sense of intimacy with others and general euphoria, which all sound good, until you hear the side and after effects of it.
Ecstasy is classified as a class A drug in the UK (the most serious class of drug), which means that you face up to 7 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if you are caught with it, or a life in prison and/or an unlimited fine if you are caught selling it to others. Pretty serious consequences if all you are after is a ‘good’ night out.
Okay so you know how getting caught with ecstasy could affect your life, but how does ecstasy affect the body? The Oy! team explains…
Skin
- Can cause an acne-like rash. You MUST stop taking ecstasy if this happens, as it seems to be a precursor to liver damage.
Brain
- Decreased attention span
- Less effective memory and learning
- Difficulty in decision making
- May damage cells which regulate mood, appetite and pain
Mood
- Loss of inhibitions
- Anxiety after euphoric effects have worn off
- Mild depression for up to a week afterwards
- Sleep problems
Body
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Impaired vision
- Dehydration
- Hyperthermia
- Seizures
- Teeth clenching and muscle spasms
- Nausea
Ecstasy deaths
Deaths of ecstasy users normally happen because the drug makes it harder to detect how hot or dehydrated you are. People may dance in very hot, crowded venues for hours on end and get so hot or dehydrated that their body can’t take any more. The other danger is overcompensation; the person is aware of the risk of dehydration and ends up drinking far too much water. Sadly, this can sometimes result in fatal water intoxication.