The Dangers of Ecstasy essays

The Dangers of Ecstasy essays Ecstasy is becoming one of the most widely used drugs in America. In fact, 35% of teenagers say that Ecstasy is easy to get(1, Drug Dangers). In a 1998 MTF study, 5.1% of 10th graders and 5.8% of 12th graders had used ecstasy at least once within the past year(2, Drug Dangers). Ecstasy is the street name for the drug MDMA or 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine(3, Designer Drugs). It is also called X, E, XTC, Adam, lovers speed, and essence(4, Designer Drugs). Ecstasy was originally developed by a German chemical company in 1912(5, Designer Drugs). It was originally intended to be a diet pill, but it is not known if it was ever used as one(6, Designer Drugs). In 1965, Ecstasy was brought into use once more by Alexander Shulgin. He and a group of fellow psychiatrists used it during psychotherapy to promote openness, empathy and awareness(7, Designer Drugs). Between 1977 and 1985, approximately  ½ million doses of Ecstasy were used for treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and rape-related trauma(8, IBB). In the early 80s, Ecstasy began to make its way onto college campuses and into nightclubs, however, at the time, the drug was still legal(9, Designer Drugs). In 1985, the Drug Enforcement Agency banned Ecstasy(10, Designer Drugs). It wa s then placed in the most restrictive category of illegal drugs because tests had shown that it might cause brain damage (11, Designer Drugs). Ecstasy is most widely used at raves huge gatherings with trance music, special lighting effects, and lots of dancing(12, Designer Drugs). It is also used at parties, at concerts, and with small groups of friends(13, Drug Dangers). Ecstasy is used for many of the same things that amphetamines are used for primarily activities that require motivation, concentration, energy or creativity. Doing homework, writing, studying,...