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Recognizing Use
Different drugs cause different reactions and signs in the person using them. Parents can narrow down the identification of the substance being used if they are familiar with signs associated with that particular substance. Click on the name of the substance to learn the effects it might have on your teen.
Acid (LSD)
Alcohol
Cocaine
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Heroin
Inhalants
Marijuana
Methamphetamine
PCP
Prescription Drugs
Steroids
Also view the "Identifying Drugs" section to be able to visually recognize
illicit substances.
Ecstasy (MDMA) - Club Drugs
Ecstasy is an orally ingested Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant that primarily affects serotonin; the chemical structure resembles mescaline but base is related to amphetamines. It has stimulating, ephedrine-like effects and hallucinogenic effects. Commonly found at raves and clubs, so it is considered one of the "Club Drugs." Because these drugs are tasteless and odorless, they can be surreptitiously dropped into an unsuspecting person's drink. Warn your teens to keep an eye on their beverage while at parties such as raves to avoid this trick. Girls have been particularly preyed upon in this manner and have become victims of sexual assaults after their drinks were drugged.
What to Look for:
Hyper-Alertness
Sweating
Dry mouth (thirsty)
Increased heart rate
Fatigue
Jaw-clenching
Hyperthermia (cold when they shouldn't be)
Agitation
Increased emotional responses (more empathetic than individual would normally be)
Do not ignore signs of excessive agitation, as this can be serious and life-threatening. "Stacking"--which is when users take multiple doses--can result in stroke, seizures, and other extreme and life-threatening reactions to this drug.
Other club drugs: GHB, Rohypnol, ketamine, methamphetamine
Slang: Clarity, crystal, decadence, G, X, Herbal Bliss, wafers, exotically, gum, Shabu, love drug; MDA (herbal form) also known as Cloud Nine, herbal X, Rave Energy, Herbal Bliss, XTC