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."
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."
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."
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 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."
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."
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."
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."
Abstract This paper discusses the growing problem of drugs among youth. The paper especially focuses on the drug Ecstasy ("E") and its affect on users. The paper finds that "E" is a dangerous substance being used recklessly by young people in growing numbers.
Abstract This essay analyzes the text of George Ryga's "The Ecstasy of Rita Joe", then links it to issues of publishing, culture, and aboriginal people in Canada. Examines the significance of this publication in light of the Americanization of Canadian literature.
From the Paper 'The Ecstasy of Rita Joe is a series of scenes linked by Rita's memory and associations; their causal relations become clear only through repetition. This cause and effect is well illustrated by a particular scene set: Rita Joe admits to stealing a sweater in court. Later, at a clothing drive arranged by Mr. Homer, Jaimie Paul explicitly forbids Rita Joe from taking a red sweater she is admiring. This cause and effect relationship gives credence to Rita Joe's actions, as we are shown very simply how and why these things happen. Her eventual rape and murder is foreshadowed throughout the play, as "the murderers" are written several times into the background scenes of the play; they act as unknown menacing objects at times that Rita shows vulnerability. In terms of linking this book to the modern day, it is this part of the story that I found so striking and timely, as the book has foreshadowed the reality of the past few decades in the downtown eastside of Vancouver, recently come to a head."
Abstract This paper explains that, in "Mariette in Ecstasy", Ron Hansen utilizes the symbols found in nature to enhance the repressed sexuality Mariette experiences: In nature, sex is not a sin; it is a part of God's creation. The author points out that Hansen uses his poetic descriptions of the natural environment as an editorial critique of the Catholic condemnation of sexuality and pits the nuns' rejection of nature and sex against its insistent and wholesome presence, represented by Mariette. The paper relates that Hansen employs the natural image of moonlight along with Mariettes nakedness and the imagery of the rabbit wire, the rabbit being a symbol for fertility, tied just below her sex.
From the Paper "Mariette in Ecstasy begins in the autumn of 1906 in upstate New York, when a 17-year-old girl wearing "her mother's wedding trousseau of white Holland cloth and watered silk" leaves her father's house to join the Sisters of the Crucifixion. Beautiful and educated and eager to assume the rigors of cloistered life, Mariette Baptiste is a
perfect model of obedience and piety- at first, but then she begins to doubt the strength of her own faith. She writes in her confessional diary..."
Abstract This paper looks at the characters in "On the Road" and their pursuit of "IT"; the ultimate feeling of ecstasy and freedom which among other things they chase through drugs, sex, alcohol, and jazz music in their wanderings across the United States. The paper shows how, although some characters come close, in the end every search for ecstasy ends in disillusionment.
From the Paper "Sal Paradise is narrator of this book. Through his adventures across the United States, the reader is introduced to many different people, all with individual goals, desires, and personalities. One man that Sal chances to meet and befriend is completely "mad" about life, lives only to have some reckless "kicks", and "digs" everyone that he comes in contact with. His name is Dean Moriarty. The reader is given a very good sense of Dean's personality when Sal tells us "fury spat out of his eyes when he told of things he hated; great glows of joy replaced this when he suddenly got happy; every muscle twitched to live and go" (113). It is Dean who first talks to Sal about the search for "IT". Dean believes that living life to the fullest, not worrying about what might happen later on, and finding enjoyment and delight in everything is the best way to find "IT". Sal is completely captivated with Dean's attitude towards living and he always hangs around him being utterly amazed and absorbed with everything that he does."
Abstract A paper about the influence that Dionysus/Bacchus has had on literature, art, and music. The author examines the impact of the myth on various cultures and modern times. Includes illustrations.
From the Paper "The myth of the Olympian god of wine has influenced cultures all the way up to present time. Known as Bacchus by Romans and Dionysus by the Greeks, this god has shown up in art, music, literature, and even in the names of many vineyards and wine cellars. This paper will first recount the myth of Dionysus, discuss his influence on ancient and modern cultures, and provide illustrations".
Abstract This paper will discuss the nature of the drug Ecstasy, and how it affects youth in psychological and physical in negative ways. By learning the data that experts have gathered on the drug, we can understand these adverse affects.
Abstract The paper examines how drugs may change the perception of stress or activities under stress and affect adaptation to stress. The paper discusses how medications have an effect on the brain under stress and stress perception may be altered by circuitously avoiding the effects of normal neuro-transmissions, such as with Ecstasy and Prozac. The paper also looks at drugs such as Inderal and other antidepressant medication that alter the response to stress in the brain, allowing the body to function as it would normally under stress-free situations. Copies of the sources used for the paper are appended to this document.
From the Paper "Stress may make a person alert, but it also restricts the activities of the mind and body. A study done at Ohio State University finds that taking a common drug, a beta-blocker sold as Inderal and by other generic names, restores the mental flexibility that disappears when stress takes over the brain. Inderal restores problem-solving ability in people under stress. The findings were reported in 2005 at the Society for Neuroscience in Washington. A group of people made about 40% fewer correct answers on a test after watching a stressful movie than they did after watching a comedy film, yet memory was not affected."
