Ecstasy

Paper Summary:

MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), or "Ecstasy" as it is more commonly called, has earned its place as the recreational drug of choice for many people. Its users cite its supposed safety as well as its perceived psychological benefits. This paper presents an unbiased look at the drug. It shows the history and development of the drug, its physical and psychological effects (initial, short-term and long-term) and details the probability of birth defects on babies whose mothers used MSMA. The paper also looks at the effects on cognitive functioning, misuse of the drug and illnesses connected to its use. A conclusion asks the question, "Is it worth it?"

From the Paper:

"Many studies have been done on non-human primates and rats. In these studies, the administration of MDMA produced extensive and possibly permanent damage to axons and synapses containing 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). The areas of the brain most affected by this damage are the cortex, hippocampus and striatum. The hippocampus is of particular interest because it is associated with the storing of new memories, a task which studies have shown MDMA users have extreme difficult with. A reduced glucose metabolism rate of the left hippocampus is also seen."

More papers on Ecstasy:

• Analytical Essay # 4282 : "Ecstasy in the United States"
• Term Paper # 140178 : "The Pros and Cons of Ecstasy"
• Essay # 6114 : "The Agony of Ecstasy"
• Research Paper # 120034 : "Is Ecstasy Dangerous?"

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