How Ecstasy Effects the Brain

 

Young people take the drug ecstasy for the euphoric feeling they get from it and the surge of energy they feel. It gives them strength to stay up and dance all night. They feel like they love everyone and the world is a wonderful place to be. That is until the high wears off. Then, they crash and burn and sleep for days. They are so caught up in the present that they do not stop and think about the damage they are doing to their brain.

Short-Term Effects of Ecstasy on the Brain

More than 16 million people over the age of 12 have used ecstasy at least one time. The chemical designation of the drug is MDMA which is chemically similar to mescaline and methamphetamine. Ecstasy essentially changes the chemistry of the brain. It increases the release of three chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Serotonin is the main chemical that causes the euphoria. When serotonin is no longer released, the user experiences a crash. Serotonin regulates mood and behavior. Sleep patterns, euphoria, depression, memory, confusion and other moods are all affected by the release of serotonin. When serotonin is released normally, people react appropriately to pain and to events that stimulate emotions such as anger and joy. The brain is able to release the correct amount of serotonin in order to maintain emotional stability. When serotonin is released due to ecstasy stimulation, the immediate result is an increased sense of well-being. There is no balancing factor. The more ecstasy that is taken, the more serotonin is released until there is a constant state of euphoria. Users feel loving and in sync with those around them. They report colors are more vivid and music is more pleasurable. They feel self-confident and like they have good interactions with others. When the ecstasy wears off, the brain ceases serotonin production. Without this stimulation, users experience an emotional and physical crash. Some of the symptoms of the brain's reaction to disrupted serotonin release include:

• Depression
• Excessive thirst
• Disruption of sleep
• Irritability
• Sexual problems, which range from lack of ability to perform to inability to feel pleasure
• Decreased appetite
• Clenched teeth

This is what makes the drug so addictive. Users want another euphoric experience and a release of the feelings of depression. They want relief from the negative symptoms that will come with the use of ecstasy and resulting serotonin stimulation.

Long-Term Effects of Ecstasy on the Brain

More studies need to be conducted in order to definitively determine the long-term side effects of ecstasy. Current studies indicate that after repeated use of ecstasy, serotonin is no longer released normally. The brain needs the external stimulation of a drug like ecstasy in order to release serotonin. When serotonin is not normally released by the brain, there are long-term problems that appear to be permanent. These problems include:

• Attention deficit
• Confusion that is long-lasting
• Depression
• Adverse changes to motor skills
• Short-term and long-term memory problems

One study of people who had taken ecstasy more than 200 times indicated frequent users of ecstasy suffer serious permanent ecstasy brain damage. They suffered a decrease of healthy cells responsible for serotonin release from between 20 and 60 per cent. This causes memory loss for which there is no antidote or cure.

Effects of Ecstasy on the Brain of a Fetus When User is Pregnant

So far, studies have only been conducted on animals. Those studies have revealed serious adverse effects on the learning ability and memory of animals that were exposed to ecstasy during a period equivalent to a woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy. The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that more studies are needed to determine the actual effects on the brain of a developing fetus.

Sources:

1. http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-does-mdma-do-to-the-brain