Is my teen using ecstasy?
Is my teen using ecstasy?
Ecstasy/MDMA is a drug used by many when partying at clubs or raves, wishing to stay awake and enjoy a feeling of euphoria. Its full name is methylenedioxymethamphetamine and it is classed as an amphetamine and a phenethylamine.
- What does ecstasy look like? How do teens use it?
- Ecstasy use mainly involves swallowing tablets or capsules. Sometimes the pills are crushed and snorted, and very very occasionally, cooked into a liquid and injected. ecstasy is also available as a powder. Ecstasy abusers usually take ecstasy by 'stacking' (taking three or more tablets at once) or by 'piggy-backing' (taking a series of tablets over a short period of time). One trend among young adults is 'candy flipping', which is the co-abuse of ecstasy and LSD. As with many other drugs of abuse, ecstasy is not always used alone. It is common for users to mix ecstasy with other substances like alcohol and marijuana.
- Know that ecstasy can be addictive for teens.
- Ecstasy, or MDMA, produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and distortions in time, perception, and tactile experiences. Teens see it as a way to increase their partying fun, stay awake and uplift their mood. Because it does all of these things, teens want to take it again and again.
- A survey found that 43 per cent of teens and young adults who reported ecstasy use met the accepted diagnostic criteria for dependence, as evidenced by continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, withdrawal effects and tolerance. These results are consistent with those from similar studies in other countries that suggest a high rate of ecstasy dependence among users. Ecstasy abstinence-associated withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, depressed feelings and trouble concentrating.
- What are the signs that my teen is high on ecstasy?
- Psychological difficulties happen during ecstasy use and sometimes weeks after taking ecstasy. These include confusion, depression, sleep problems, cravings for the drug, severe anxiety and paranoia. Physical symptoms may include muscle tension, involuntary clenching of teeth, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, chills and sweating, increases in heart rate and high blood pressure.
- What are the long term effects of teenage ecstasy use?
- Research findings link ecstasy use to long-term damage to those parts of the brain critical to thought and memory, similar effects to cocaine and meth use. It is believed that the drug causes damage to the neurons that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other neurons.
- Ecstasy or MDMA, as it is also known, is related in structure and effects to methamphetamine, which has been shown to cause degeneration of neurons containing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to dopamine containing neurons is the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in Parkinson's disease. Symptoms of this disease begin with lack of coordination and tremors, and can eventually result in a form of paralysis.
- Ecstasy paraphernalia in their room or personal belongings
- The drug paraphernalia that parents may find in and around their teen's rooms or in their backpacks are pacifiers and lollipops which are used to keep the teen from grinding their teeth. Glow sticks, menthol vapour rub and surgical-type masks are used to enhance and stimulate the effects of ecstasy on the senses.
- If you find these objects in your teen's room, you'll want to talk to them about possible ecstasy use. Do not shy away from having this talk as it is the first step to getting your teen help if they are using drugs.
- Test for Ecstasy
- There are drug testing kits available that test for ecstasy, among other things. Have a look either online or in a chemist’s to see what’s available for home use.
The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.
The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.
www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)
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"I was addicted to the free feeling of being a child again. The feeling of not caring about what anyone thinks. The intense euphoria after feeling dead for years. Til this day I still have the urge to do ecstasy, but I do my best to stay away."
Melanie
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