Abstract
This paper provides a well-researched book review of a work which focuses on the phenomenon of ecstasy use. The paper approaches this as a social and cultural phenomenon and discusses it according to theories of deviance, subculture, and social control. The work is reviewed in light of major social theorists and their ideas.

From the Paper
"Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a fairly new drug; its popularity is a relatively new phenomenon. It does not occur naturally, and is the product of a laboratory. It was initially implemented as a therapy tool for husbands and wives who were not getting along and who needed help overcoming their repression and psychological boundaries. It has since entered the public realm of illicit drug culture, and is one of the most widely used illicit chemicals today. Because MDMA as a social phenomenon is a relatively new development, it can be studied effectively and chronologically. There has been only about twenty years for the myths to be constructed, for people to use it widely, and for others to experiment recreationally. For this reason, the study "The Pursuit of Ecstasy: The MDMA Experience" by Jerome Beck ad Marsha Rosenbaum (1994) is a well-timed one, because it is able to examine the subculture of Ecstasy users and find out what these early explorers of the MDMA experience have to say. The book is based on hundreds of interviews describing first hand the experience of MDMA use; it describes the ups, the downs, and the overall social experience that has come from MDMA use in these people. The cross section of samples is surprisingly large, and its varied nature demonstrates the in-depth research which was conducted."

Tags:drugs, raves, hallucinogens

Abstract
Examines the drug's development and uses, therapeutically and recreationally. Examines the dangerous and unpredictable side effects of the "designer" drug. Discusses how it is the "club drug" of choice and how Ecstasy enhances empathy and closeness.

From the Paper
"MDMA, known in clubs and on the street as "Ecstasy," was first synthesized in the early 1900s by German chemists and was patented in 1914. The earliest use of MDMA, according to Wood and Synovitz (2001), was as a..."

Abstract
This paper takes a thorough look at the drug MDMA (ecstasy). It characterizes the types of people who use it and uses case studies and medical data to explain the effects of the drug and dangers of its use. The writer also explores the problems in controlling its distribution.

From the Paper
"A large proportion of young people in the world today are users of the drug MDMA, or ecstasy, for a simple reason: it provides them with access to an experience that they value. Yet the majority of first-time users has no access to reliable information about the drug and relies on folklore for guidance; many regard the drug as completely harmless, sometimes even beneficial. Unfortunately, ecstasy use can prove fatal, as it has on many occasions. Besides the fact that the drug itself causes several unfavorable short- and long-term effects, many of which remain unknown, the actual content of doses sold on the streets is questionable. The processes of manufacturing and distributing ecstasy are quite inexpensive, and hold much appeal for criminals seeking out a lucrative niche in the drug market. The difficulties in classifying the drug ecstasy have caused complications in creating legislation for the control of its distribution and use; the number of abusers is constantly growing. Ecstasy is one of the most popular, yet dangerous drugs on the underground market today."

Tags:abuse, drug, ecstasy, mdma, narcotic, distribution, addict

Abstract
This paper contains information on the effects of ecstasy, mentally and physically. It shows the history and the banning of MDMA and contains information on trafficking, marketing, distributing, manufacturing, and even logos. It explains short term and long term effects from using ecstasy. It shows how serious the drug is and how just one dose can kill you.

From the paper:

"Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is becoming increasingly popular amongst high school and college students and studies show that it can have severe effects. The scientific name for ecstasy is methelynedioxymethamphetamine. Ecstasy has an interesting history which led to illegal use today. Nicknames for ecstasy include "the love drug" and is sometimes known as "Adam" or "X". Use of this drug is currently rising with high school and college students."

Tags:abuse, addiction, drug, ecstasy

Abstract
One of the many controversial "recreational" drugs to be made illegal is MDMA which is also known as Ecstasy, Adam, X, beans, and the love drug. Due to the fact that the drug was originally manufactured as a meaningful contribution to psychological health for therapeutic purposes which has since been banned, this paper contends that research has shown that it should be allowed for psychological research.

From the Paper
"Outside the therapeutic circles, in the midst of the War on Drugs, MDMA was transformed into a commercial product marketed as "ecstasy" that could be purchased at nightclubs. As a result, in 1982, the DEA began to collect information on MDMA. In July 1984 the DEA filed a formal notice in the Federal Register, announcing its intention to place MDMA in Schedule I. Psychiatrists and therapists from around the country formally requested that the DEA hold a hearing on MDMA's scheduling. Personally, prohibition and the accommodating media attention on the notorious public hearings produced an extended black market. "In May 1986, after almost two years of hearings, the judge concluded that MDMA met the criteria for being safe when used under medical supervision, had medical use, and was not highly addictive."

Tags:ecstasy, x, war, drugs

Abstract
This paper takes an in-depth look at the pros and cons associated with using the recreational drug, Ecstasy. In particular, the paper considers whether or not the fears raised by this drug are excessive. According to the paper, there is evidence that people are right to be concerned, further noting proof that MDMA causes psycho-biological impairment and facilitates depression and anxiety. Additionally, studies show that Ecstasy induces apoptosis in cultured liver tissue and hyponotremia in those who consume the drug. The paper concludes by noting some therapeutic benefits of Ecstasy.

From the Paper
"The following paper will examine the pros and cons associated with using Ecstasy. Most of all, the paper will look at whether or not the fears raised by this drug are excessive. In many ways, there is evidence that people are right to be concerned: there is wide-spread proof that MDMA causes psycho-biological impairment and facilitates depression and anxiety - to say nothing of memory impairment. Additionally, studies show that Ecstasy induces apoptosis in cultured liver tissue and hyponotremia in those who consume the drug. Moreover, researchers disinclined to accept the "good news" about Ecstasy's therapeutic benefits mention that it..."

Tags:concern, drug, ecstasy

Abstract
This paper examines the drug ecstasy, focusing primarily on the deleterious impact of the drug on users, including physiological and psychological impact. The paper also discusses the drug's therapeutic uses by the medical community.

From the Paper
"The drug known as methylenedioxmetharnphetamine is more commonly called MDMA or ecstasy among drug users. The history of MDMA begins in the early twentieth century when, after its discovery by German chemists, it was patented and used as an appetite suppressant for soldiers during World War I. A stimulant, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports MDMA is a psychoactive drug chemically similar to the stimulant, methamphetamine and the hallucinogen, mescaline."

Tags:drugs, drug abuse, raves, euphoria, MDMA, anxiety, psychiatry, teens, sexuality

Abstract
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."

Tags:amphetamines, medication, narcotics, psychobiology, rave

Abstract
This paper looks at the positive and negative effects of ecstasy on its users. These effects include physical and mental effects in both the short and long term.. By looking at the drug, the author also get into Raves.

From the Paper
"When the word "drugs" come to mind the average person usually thinks of the more commonly known drugs as marijuana, LSD, and cocaine, however, MDMA has been increasing in popularity. MDMA's popularity has caused a rise in usage in most cities around the world. Many adolescence conform with their peers in deciding to try and experiment with MDMA. Societies? youth believes that it is a "feel good" drug and that it does not have any negative effects. The drugs effects are supposed to produce feelings of empathy towards others and increase sociability, communication and increased physical and emotional energy. This can make the user feel as though they are taken from a secondary group with their peers to a more personal level of belonging, such as what they may experience in a primary group or in-group."

Tags:drugs, rave, addiction

Abstract
In modern society, heroin, crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, ketamine, MDMA or ecstasy and other drugs are being more heavily abused than at any time in history. As a result, society and drug abusers alike suffer significant losses as the result of criminal and self-destructive behavior caused by drug abuse. The paper shows that many drug abusers become involved in drug rehabilitation centers, although it is not clear whether or not these centers work. The federal government, states and private entities invest billions of dollars annually in drug rehabilitation programs that attempt to prevent the use of illegal drugs. The paper shows, however, that illegal drug use in the United States remains a serious problem. In 1996, approximately 13 million Americans were using drugs. This paper determines whether or not drug rehabilitation works, based on recent research.

From the Paper
"However, research on the most effective treatment interventions for other groups of drug abusers is less definitive (GAO, 1998). Promising treatment approaches for other groups include cognitive-behavioral therapy for treatment of cocaine abuse and family-based therapy for adolescent drug users. According to Narcanon (2003), many drug rehabilitation programs produce incredible results in removing the root causes of addiction. For example, Narcanon's detoxification program has enabled many drug abusers to become drug-free."

Tags:HHS, treatment, cognitive-behavioral