Transcript Slide 1
Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? Overview • • • • • • What is ecstasy? What are ecstasy’s effects and signs of use? Who uses ecstasy? What are the treatment options? What can be done to prevent ecstasy use? Where can we get more information? What is ecstasy? Ecstasy Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) XTC Disco Biscuits Adam Essence X Go Truck Driver Clarity Cristal Hug Drug Ecstasy use is one of the most rapidly growing phenomena in today’s drug scene. What is ecstasy? • Illegal “club drug” • White crystalline powder with a slightly musty odor • Produces effects similar to mescaline (hallucinogen) and speed (stimulant) • Usually in gelatin capsules or tablets • Stamped with names or symbols Ecstasy pills often contain other dangerous substances Ecstasy facts • Patented in the early 1900’s • Classified as an illegal drug in 1985 • Produced in Holland and Belgium for less than $1 a tablet • Domestic traffickers sell tablets for $20 to $40 each • Customs seized 10 times more MDMA tablets in 1999 than in 1998. What ae ecstasys effects/signs of use? The effects of ecstasy Short-term effects • • • • • • Feelings of well-being and empathy Reduced anxiety Enhanced self-confidence Greater acceptance of others Increased energy Increased desire for physical contact and visual stimulation • Intensified awareness of senses Ecstasy’s downside • • • • • • • Increases in heart rate and blood pressure Nausea Loss of appetite Jaw tightness Compulsive chewing and teeth clenching Anxiety, panic, and depression Health risks increase if ecstasy is combined with another drug Ecstasy can be deadly What comes after the “high”? • Hungover feeling and depression— “e-tarded” • Moodiness, anxiety, and paranoia • Irritability • Loss of appetite • Insomnia • Chills or sweating • General tiredness Long-term effects • Long-lasting changes – Possible brain damage • Tolerance – Need greater amounts for the same effects • Dependence – Unable to socialize without MDMA Signs of “rave” culture • • • • • Pacifiers Surgical masks and mentholated rub Neon glowsticks Brightly colored beads Clothing with the letters PLUR Who uses ecstasy? Who uses ecstasy? • In 2000, 6.4 million Americans had used ecstasy at least once. (2000 SAMHSA Household Survey) • Ecstasy use is most widespread among white, upper-middle-class youth. (2000 Monitoring the Future) • African-American students are much less likely than white or Hispanic students to use ecstasy. (2000 Monitoring the Future) • MDMA use has jumped, especially among younger students. (2000 Monitoring the Future) Anyone can be an ecstasy user Teenagers College students Youth at all-night parties Gay men Professionals in many fields People searching for spiritual enlightenment What ae the teatment options ? Available Treatments • No specific treatments exist for ecstasy use • Diagnosing ecstasy use is difficult • Dependency can be addressed with cognitive behavior therapy and self-help groups What can be done to pevent ecstasy use? Caregivers can help prevent ecstasy use • Establish and maintain good communication with youth • Be involved in young peoples’ lives • Be a positive role model • Let young people know what is expected of them • Show appreciation for young people • Teach youth to choose friends wisely • Monitor youth activities Help children refuse drugs Prevention requires community involvement • A community working together includes: – Parents, youth, and families – Faith communities – Media – Schools – Professional and civic groups – Health and social services – Courts/Law enforcement – Businesses – Treatment agencies and health organizations Establish a no-use community norm Whee can we get moe infomation? Resources • SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686, www.SAMHSA.gov. Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon. • Informational Web sites – whitehousedrugpolicy.gov – www.nida.nih.gov – www.preventiondss.org – www.clubdrugs.org – www.cadca.org Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? To view slide presentation, 30-minute video, and 90-minute teleconference go to: www.SAMHSA.gov Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon To order the VHS video call: 1-800-729-6686 Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? Teleconference produced by The Office of National Drug Control Policy The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America National Guard Bureau’s Counterdrug Office National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse as part of the teleconference series Myths, Facts, and Illicit Drugs: What You Should Know