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
"Adolescents are particularly at risk of adverse reactions from hallucinogen use as they enter puberty, a time of rapid physical and emotional changes. Hallucinogens are particularly dangerous because the effects are so unpredictable. They can cause violent behavior in some and suicidal tendencies in others. As memory, perception, and judgment are clouded under the influence, users are at risk of severe injuries, overdose, and death from drowning, burns, falls, and car accidents. Sometimes, hallucinogen use can uncover severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or severe depression." Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
