The purpose of my investigation is to express the many different effects Ecstasy has on the brain and how these effects alter relationships.
There are many different forms of relationships, but every single individual relationship is important in society “relationships are the way in which two or more people or things are connected, the state of being connected.”
The users relationships can be greatly affected whilst under the influence of MDMA, and this could possibly impact anyone associated with the user as well as people in the community. MDMA users commonly experience teeth grinding, nausea and muscle tension as well as long term users experiencing depression and aggression.
Molecule formula: C11H15NO2, Molecule weight: 193.246 g/mol
MDMA was initially made in 1912 by Merck pharmaceutical company. In 1953, MDMA was used by the US army for warfare tests. MDMA then surfaced again in 1960 for psychotherapy medication to “lower inhibitions”. It was not until 1970 that MDMA started to be used as a party drug. There are four essential precursors in the manufacturing of MDMA such as safrole, isosafrole, piperonal and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone. Safrole is the most important starting substance as the other three materials can by synthesized from it. In the original Merck making of MDMA, safrole was reacted with hydrobromic acid to create bromosafrole, which was transformed to MDMA using methylamine.
MDMA is an illicit drug that is a stimulant, as well as a hallucinogen which produces a very energized effect.
Ecstasy (commonly known as MDMA) affects the brain by increasing the activity in at least three neurotransmitters, which are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Similar to other amphetamines, MDMA causes these neurotransmitters to be released from their storage areas in neurons, therefore resulting in higher neurotransmitter activity. In comparison to the very powerful stimulant, methamphetamine, MDMA causes serotonin to be released in higher amounts whereas dopamine is released in smaller amounts. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is very important to regulate things like mood, sleep, pain and other behaviors. Due to higher amounts of serotonin released in taking MDMA, this causes the mood heightening effects experienced by users. Although large amounts of serotonin are released by MDMA, the aftereffects of using this drug means that the brain is deprived of the neurotransmitter which contributes to the negative behavior that users express in the days after taking MDMA.
While there is a lot of damage cone to the brain in taking this drug, the physical effects are also inevitable. While detoxifying the stimulants active presence, the body goes through a regular battle with fatigue. Overexertion quickly leads to great struggles in the realm of physical energy. Issues with muscle tension is also a big possibility over extended periods of time of use. Blood pressure and heart rate are both extremely elevated and dental problems are also very common with teeth grinding a natural behavior as many people don’t realize the extreme strength being exerted from their jaw.
A number of studies in animals have shown that in taking MDMA, neurons containing serotonin can be damaged. Some of these studies have proven that the damage can be long lasting. These studies point to the idea that these effects can be seen in humans but, measuring serotonin in humans is very difficult. More studies have shown that some substantial MDMA users experience long lasting depression, confusion and impairment of memory. These memory impairments have been linked with a decrease of functions creating serotonin. Imaging studies in MDMA users have shown changes in brain activity of areas such as cognitive, emotion and motor function.
It is very important to remember that a large amount of MDMA users may be unknowingly consuming other substances or drugs that are sold with Ecstasy, and/or may be purposely taking other drugs such as marijuana that could contribute to these behavioral effects. As well as this, in most studies, records of users behavior prior to taking the drug MDMA aren’t measured, which makes it hard to rule out pre existing conditions. Factors such as gender, amount, frequency of use, intensity of use, age when usage began, the use of other drugs and as well as genetic and environmental factors may also play a role in some of the cognitive damages that result from taking MDMA and should be taken into consideration.
Provided that most MDMA users are and in their reproductive years, it is possible that some female users may be pregnant while they take MDMA because of the misconception that it is a safe drug. The possible adverse effects of MDMA on a developing fetus are very dangerous. Behavioral studies in animals have shown significant negative effects on tests of learning and memory from the exposure to MDMA during a development time which is equivalent to the third trimester in humans. With this, the effects of MDMA on animals earlier in development are still unclear.
Spending more time on drug related activities often leads to the user being withdrawn from anything that doesn’t involve drug use, which more often than not leads to family members and close friends (who care about the person’s drug use) are pushed away and closed off. The great financial strain caused by long term use of Ecstasy can also reinforce negative changes in the user’s relationships, especially if the user is always borrowing money from those individuals to purchase drugs.
Most studies point to ecstasy affecting the user’s relationships in a negative way, but there is also research that shows Ecstasy being effective in repairing relationships “having trouble in your relationship? A little MDMA might just be the trick?”. These studies show that users of the psychedelic drug are able to talk to the important people in their lives with more clarity and depth. A study published in the journal of Psychopharmacology shows that MDMA can help people feel more engaged in their close relationships. Obviously more research would need to be done with these findings as the drug has very dangerous effects.
National Institute of Drug Abuse. March 2006. What does MDMA do to the brain? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-does-mdma-do-to-brain
Health Hype. 2010. Ecstasy (MDMA). Retrieved from http://www.healthhype.com/about-ecstasy-mdma-abuse-addiction-withdrawal-symptomsside-effects-dangers.html
Drug Aware. (ND). Ecstasy. Retrieved from http://drugaware.com.au/getting-the-facts/drug-types/ecstasy/#What-is-ecstasy-
Complex. February 2016. Could MDMA save your relationship? Retrieved from http://www.complex.com/life/2016/02/how-molly-could-help-your-relationship
There are many different forms of relationships, but every single individual relationship is important in society “relationships are the way in which two or more people or things are connected, the state of being connected.”
The users relationships can be greatly affected whilst under the influence of MDMA, and this could possibly impact anyone associated with the user as well as people in the community. MDMA users commonly experience teeth grinding, nausea and muscle tension as well as long term users experiencing depression and aggression.
Background
MDMA (Ecstasy) is an abbreviation for Methylenedioxymethamphetamine which is a synthetic substance commonly found tablet form.Molecule formula: C11H15NO2, Molecule weight: 193.246 g/mol
 |
| Retrieved from: http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/mdma |
MDMA was initially made in 1912 by Merck pharmaceutical company. In 1953, MDMA was used by the US army for warfare tests. MDMA then surfaced again in 1960 for psychotherapy medication to “lower inhibitions”. It was not until 1970 that MDMA started to be used as a party drug. There are four essential precursors in the manufacturing of MDMA such as safrole, isosafrole, piperonal and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-propanone. Safrole is the most important starting substance as the other three materials can by synthesized from it. In the original Merck making of MDMA, safrole was reacted with hydrobromic acid to create bromosafrole, which was transformed to MDMA using methylamine.
MDMA is an illicit drug that is a stimulant, as well as a hallucinogen which produces a very energized effect.
Ecstasy (commonly known as MDMA) affects the brain by increasing the activity in at least three neurotransmitters, which are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Similar to other amphetamines, MDMA causes these neurotransmitters to be released from their storage areas in neurons, therefore resulting in higher neurotransmitter activity. In comparison to the very powerful stimulant, methamphetamine, MDMA causes serotonin to be released in higher amounts whereas dopamine is released in smaller amounts. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is very important to regulate things like mood, sleep, pain and other behaviors. Due to higher amounts of serotonin released in taking MDMA, this causes the mood heightening effects experienced by users. Although large amounts of serotonin are released by MDMA, the aftereffects of using this drug means that the brain is deprived of the neurotransmitter which contributes to the negative behavior that users express in the days after taking MDMA.
While there is a lot of damage cone to the brain in taking this drug, the physical effects are also inevitable. While detoxifying the stimulants active presence, the body goes through a regular battle with fatigue. Overexertion quickly leads to great struggles in the realm of physical energy. Issues with muscle tension is also a big possibility over extended periods of time of use. Blood pressure and heart rate are both extremely elevated and dental problems are also very common with teeth grinding a natural behavior as many people don’t realize the extreme strength being exerted from their jaw.
A number of studies in animals have shown that in taking MDMA, neurons containing serotonin can be damaged. Some of these studies have proven that the damage can be long lasting. These studies point to the idea that these effects can be seen in humans but, measuring serotonin in humans is very difficult. More studies have shown that some substantial MDMA users experience long lasting depression, confusion and impairment of memory. These memory impairments have been linked with a decrease of functions creating serotonin. Imaging studies in MDMA users have shown changes in brain activity of areas such as cognitive, emotion and motor function.
It is very important to remember that a large amount of MDMA users may be unknowingly consuming other substances or drugs that are sold with Ecstasy, and/or may be purposely taking other drugs such as marijuana that could contribute to these behavioral effects. As well as this, in most studies, records of users behavior prior to taking the drug MDMA aren’t measured, which makes it hard to rule out pre existing conditions. Factors such as gender, amount, frequency of use, intensity of use, age when usage began, the use of other drugs and as well as genetic and environmental factors may also play a role in some of the cognitive damages that result from taking MDMA and should be taken into consideration.
Provided that most MDMA users are and in their reproductive years, it is possible that some female users may be pregnant while they take MDMA because of the misconception that it is a safe drug. The possible adverse effects of MDMA on a developing fetus are very dangerous. Behavioral studies in animals have shown significant negative effects on tests of learning and memory from the exposure to MDMA during a development time which is equivalent to the third trimester in humans. With this, the effects of MDMA on animals earlier in development are still unclear.
Discussion
Possibly one of the most painful sides to long term Ecstasy use is the strain it takes on personal relationships. This is mostly due to the fact that Ecstasy users spend a great amount of time involving themselves in activities that include Ecstasy use, such as parties and raves.Spending more time on drug related activities often leads to the user being withdrawn from anything that doesn’t involve drug use, which more often than not leads to family members and close friends (who care about the person’s drug use) are pushed away and closed off. The great financial strain caused by long term use of Ecstasy can also reinforce negative changes in the user’s relationships, especially if the user is always borrowing money from those individuals to purchase drugs.
Most studies point to ecstasy affecting the user’s relationships in a negative way, but there is also research that shows Ecstasy being effective in repairing relationships “having trouble in your relationship? A little MDMA might just be the trick?”. These studies show that users of the psychedelic drug are able to talk to the important people in their lives with more clarity and depth. A study published in the journal of Psychopharmacology shows that MDMA can help people feel more engaged in their close relationships. Obviously more research would need to be done with these findings as the drug has very dangerous effects.
Conclusion
This report provides readers with an understanding of the negative physical and mental/emotional outcomes users of MDMA experience. The use of this drug causes three neurotransmitters to be stimulated, these are serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. While under the brain is under the influence of MDMA, serotonin release is greatly increased causing the user to experience altered mood states. After long term use, serotonin containing neurons can be greatly damaged. Due to the drug's effect on mood states such as depression, aggression and mania, this can result in negative outcomes in the user's social relationships with friends, family and community. Negative changes in relationships can also be caused by the users financial issues. This drug is becoming extremely dangerous due to it being very popular in young people.Public Education Piece
The public education piece is a poster to inform the general public of the information showed in this report.References
EMCDDA. January 2015. MDMA drug profile. Retrieved from http://www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/mdmaNational Institute of Drug Abuse. March 2006. What does MDMA do to the brain? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-does-mdma-do-to-brain
Health Hype. 2010. Ecstasy (MDMA). Retrieved from http://www.healthhype.com/about-ecstasy-mdma-abuse-addiction-withdrawal-symptomsside-effects-dangers.html
Drug Aware. (ND). Ecstasy. Retrieved from http://drugaware.com.au/getting-the-facts/drug-types/ecstasy/#What-is-ecstasy-
Complex. February 2016. Could MDMA save your relationship? Retrieved from http://www.complex.com/life/2016/02/how-molly-could-help-your-relationship
Post a Comment
Thanks for your contribution. Our students appreciate your comment.