Ecstasy
Ecstasy is MDMA (methylene-dioxy-meth-amphetamine). It's a stimulant drug which can have effects similar to hallucinogens. It speeds up the activity in the brain and the central nervous system, altering the sense of reality and making significant changes to the person's state of consciousness. Ecstasy comes in different forms including small white or yellow tablets. It can also be in a powdered form, which teens may inhale through the nose or inject directly into the bloodstream. Parents and teens should be aware of the dangers ecstasy. This drug is often manufactured in "backyard labs" where there is no quality control which is very unsafe. Ecstasy is also sold by dealers on the street and they are out to make money, not to ensure your safety or health. Because it is difficult to know exactly what chemicals are in the tablets, the risk of serious health issues or even overdosing is high.

The effects of ecstasy:
Ecstasy affects people in different ways. It depends on what strength it is, how much the person takes, how the body reacts to it, whether people are used to the drug, what mood they are in before taking the drug, and if it's mixed with other drugs, such as alcohol. When alcohol and ecstasy are taken together, the combination can make a person more vulnerable to sexual assault. People may die from using this drug. Ecstasy may cause a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. There is no way of knowing who is going to have this effect and it can happen with a 'normal' dose. The effects of ecstasy can be felt within about half an hour of taking it. These effects include feelings of energy and closeness to others. These effects can last as long as six hours, or sometimes longer.

Teens taking ecstasy might also experience:
*elevated blood pressure
*sweating
*feeling sick (nausea)
*elevated heart rate
*dehydration
*higher body temperature - (which can become severe and may cause serious illness or death)
*clenched jaw
*grinding teeth
*feeling anxious
*feeling paranoid
*trouble sleeping (insomnia)
*hallucinations
*convulsions
*kidney failure