What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy

• Is an illegal synthetic drug.
• Has a similar effect to hallucinogens and stimulants.
• Is often used at all-night dance clubs or discos.
• Is also called a “club drug”, “love drug” and “dance drug”.
• Has the ability to cause addiction.

How does ecstasy affect your body?

1.      Positive short-term effects include:

• Extreme mood lift.
• Increased willingness to communicate.
• Increased energy.
• Feelings of comfort and closeness to others.
• Increased awareness and appreciation of music.

2.      Negative short-term effects are:

• Nausea.
• Chills.
• Sweating.
• Increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Involuntary teeth clenching.
• Muscle cramping.

3.      Negative long-term effects include:

• Anxiety.
• Paranoia.
• Dehydration.
• Depression.
• Heart and / or kidney failure.
• Memory loss.

Why is ecstasy dangerous?

It is dangerous because it may cause:

• Dependence.
• Psychiatric problems (e.g. depression, hallucination).
• Damage to nerve and brain.
• Damage to important organs (heart, liver, kidney).
• Injury due to violence or accidents.
• Drinking and smoking problems.
• Death.

You may also:

• Be exposed to unsafe and unwarranted sex.
• Be subjected to police arrest for breaking the law.

If you are already on ecstasy or are involved with people on it, what should you do?

• Seek help and support from your parents, teachers, school counselors or doctors.
• Be assertive and say “NO” to this behaviour.
• For details link to:
  • Drug abuse and Assertiveness module, other web sites.
  • Say “no” to smoking.