Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Ecstasy still dangerous despite new study findings
By Staff Writer
MDMA, or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that 2.1 million Americans age 12 and older have abused at least once, according to a survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration in 2008. However, there has been much discussion as to whether abuse of the drug can have an effect on users' cognitive abilities.
Due to what may have been flawed methods of capturing data, a team of researchers, backed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, conducted one of the largest studies ever undertaken to reexamine the cognitive effects ecstasy has on users.
Though past research showed that ecstasy users performed worse on tests of mental ability, results from the new study reveal that users showed no decrease in mental ability. The researchers behind this latest study worked to correct what they felt were mistakes in previous research.
The study participants included 52 carefully chosen ecstasy users and 59 closely-matched non-users. Results from both groups were compared and no risks to cognitive performance could be identified.
Despite these results, the researchers still believe that the consumption of ecstasy is dangerous, as the pills are illegally made and may contain harmful contaminants. An individual who takes ecstasy on a regular basis may require a drug intervention or substance abuse help.
