body and when needed are released from storage sacks in the nerve cells, Yet between the millions of brain/nerve cells lays a tiny junction or gap, named the synaptic gap.
These Neurotransmitters when needed are released by the by the nerve cells are “squirted” across the synaptic gap, and the shower of chemical neurotransmitters land on a field on a field of miniature bumps attached to the surface of the other nerve cell on the other side of the synaptic gap. (Diagram to the right)
These bumps are receptors, and they all have distinctive shapes. The neurotransmitters then after bridging the gap bind themselves tightly to the receptors and proceed to send the message to the subsequent nerve cell to release serotonin, a chemicals considered by many scientists to greatly effect our emotions and moods, low serotonin levels are often associated with depression, what MDMA does is releases large amounts of serotonin making you feel as described by MDMA users warm and “fuzzy”
An MDMA pill takes effect after 30 to 45 minutes, starting with little rushes of exhilaration. These are sometimes accompanied by feelings of nausea and disorientation. Some users also find their stomach starts churning. Others experience a mild panic, especially if they're unfamiliar with the drug. Such negative effects don't usually persist for long, though. The peak effects of MDMA are felt 60 to 90 minutes after ingestion and last for two to four hours, followed by a gradual comedown.
In simpler terms MDMA enhances physical sensations. The sense of touch is heightened, food may smell and taste different to normal, and many people say that music sounds better. There's more awareness of the moment and more contentment with whatever that moment might be.
The fact that certain drugs (such as ecstasy) essentially “fool” receptors into receiving them is one of the most important and far-reaching discoveries in the history of modern science. It is the reason why even minute amounts of certain drugs can have such powerful effects on the human nervous system. This is the reason why people get the “high” that makes the drug so much sought after.
Negative Effects of taking MDMA
Although not everything about MDMA is good, Other effects are less pleasant, some even lethal with 200 deaths been recorded since 1996[2]. For a start, the drug can cause a loss of body temperature regulation, leading to a rise in body temperature or a fall. There are changes in blood pressure and heart rate, too, usually upwards.
Users may also find they have a dry mouth, blurred vision, wiggling eyes and the chills. Involuntary muscular activity and muscular tension sometimes occurs, resulting in twitches and cramps. The lower face muscles are especially prone to this, causing jaw clenching and teeth grinding. This 'gurning' effect has long been a joke in MDMA users. MDMA users don't realise they've have this effect, though, because MDMA also has a paradoxical relaxation effect, which means that users are unaware of what is happening to their bodies. This paradoxical relaxation effect also makes physical activity seem easier, with minor pains and fatigue not noticed making the drug more popular with the dance scene.
After the drug has been taken and run it’s course, Many users feel tired and/or depressed as their serotonin levels are rebalanced. Suffers from post-MDMA depression often state that the depression that it peaks 3 or 4 days after taking the drug. In a few cases MDMA users have had depression become a long term problem sometimes of a severe nature.
Depression isn’t all that users have to worry about. According to some research, the involuntary jaw clenching may cause damage to back teeth. More seriously, there have been numerous cases of MDMA-induced hepatitis and, more seriously still, liver failure. Those who repeatedly take the drug may also suffer from a range of post-MDMA psychological problems - paranoia, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and nightmare.
Although the fact that MDMA causes long term brain damage is highly debated about, One thing we can be sure about is that taking MDMA can be fatal.
Some people are particularly chemically sensitive to the drug and just one dose may be enough to kill them.
Other fatalities associated with MDMA have been due to an overdose, the signs of which include vomiting, dizziness, head pains and strong muscle cramps. The most common cause of MDMA-related death, however, is due to the drug inducing a rise in body temperature to the point of hyperthermia (overheating).
The potential danger of hyperthermia is all the greater for clubbers. Part of the drug's appeal to clubbers is that the paradoxical relaxation effect, the unawareness factor, allowing them to dance for a long time without feeling tired. But in doing so they are raising their body temputure
The loss of body fluids through sweating and the often crowded, sometimes airless environment are factors, too. The result can be heatstroke. another problem is the paradoxical relaxation effect also means that most of those in danger of overheating don't even realise it.
In the same way that their legs and arms don't seem to feel tired, they're oblivious to the normal warning signs that their temperature is soaring and their pulse is racing closer to their death.
Timeline of the effect of MDMA .
As you can see from the graph and table above you can see how the MDMA effects the human body, The graph peaks at 1 – 1.5 hours showing us that after 1 to 1.5 hours after orally ingesting the drug they will reach the intended high (if no side effect’s occur) The effects slowly fade until 3 hours after ingestion where it drops fairly quickly and is known to the MDMA users as the “Low” or the “down”.
The Law on MDMA
MDMA was made illegal and a Class A drug in 1977 by a order to change the the already existing misuse of drugs act passed through government in 1971.[3] The penalties of MDMA are the same of the other class A drugs.
Simply possessing the drugs even without to intent to use them yourself will give yourself 7 years in prison, a criminal record and a find likely to reach into the hundreds, Supplying the drug if even to your friend will give you a life imprisonment and unlimited fine. [4]
Advantages & disadvantages
What are the advantages of MDMA? What could it achieve if it was readily available?
Advantages
Therapy - Many of the psychological effects of MDMA would be helpful in a therapists situation, with the increased feeling of empathy and acceptance when taking MDMA, MDMA would find its niche making aggressive, defensive and unwilling individuals to “open up” to the their therapist. Current research shows that MDMA appears to break down most if not all barriers in communication that would allow the therapy to occur in the best suited situation.
Post traumatic stress disorder, cured? Only July 19th the Journal of Psychopharmacology [5] reported the results of a test of giving people PTSD whose conditions hadn’t been cured by any standard procedures a mixture of MDMA and placebos (for the control group). The results not only showed that MDMA is perfectly safe in controlled conditions but is remarkably effective in curing PTSD.
Disadvantages
Physical Side effects – As mentioned above, MDMA has some negative physical side effects, Some when in certain conditions can cause serious injury and often death, Some of these side effects include: Tightening of the jaw muscle (lock-jaw), Raised body temperatures and increased heart rate.
Psychological side effects – As well as easily identifiable physical side effects, there are some serious psychological l side effects which can cause a danger to you, and your friends and family, Some of these side effects are: Paranoia, Extreme Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Confused episodes and psychotic states.
Brain Damage – Recent Research from a variety of sources have found a link between brain damage in MDMA users. [7] Although this isn’t concrete evidence, as with all science nothing is definite, This recent research definitely points out that theirs a significant chance that large MDMA usage can cause long term or even permanent brain damage.
Conclusion .
After re-reading my case study and analaysing the advantages and disadvantages of ectasy I believe we should’t entire legalize MDMA due to the fact that their’s a chance a large section of society would abuse it, But then there are some benefits of MDMA such as the fact that it can cure PTSD and help with depression. So I believe the best solution is to find the middle ground, Legalize MDMA but make it so it’s only available as through a subscription through your local doctor.
