the AGONY of ECSTASY.The popular drug "Ecstasy" promises pure bliss. But the price may be convulsions Convulsions Also termed seizures; a sudden violent contraction of a group of muscles. Mentioned in: Heat Disorders , strokes, and permanent brain damage. Lauren Simmons(*) thought she found what she'd been searching for when she started to take the illegal drug called Ecstasy. After all, Ecstasy is a mood elevator that alters brain chemistry to produce temporary feelings of pleasure and well-being. But when the drug wore off, 16-year-old Lauren found herself the same person as before--shy, self-conscious, and insecure. Except now she faced bigger problems: slurred slur tr.v. slurred, slur·ring, slurs 1. To pronounce indistinctly. 2. To talk about disparagingly or insultingly. 3. To pass over lightly or carelessly; treat without due consideration. speech, agonizing depression, and the inability to concentrate: "I'd lose my train of thought in a conversation and totally forget what I was talking about," she says. Like thousands of other teens, Lauren began to experience the agony of Ecstasy. THE PRICE OF PLEASURE Despite the drug's short-term dangers--seizures, stokes, severe dehydration (extreme water loss)--teen use of Ecstasy spiked 55 percent in 1999 as the use of most other drugs declined. Eight percent of high school seniors admit they've tried the drug at least once--far less than the 60 percent who report consuming alcohol. But authorities fear a new wave of teen drug abuse is about to strike. "We expect to confiscate To expropriate private property for public use without compensating the owner under the authority of the Police Power of the government. To seize property. When property is confiscated it is transferred from private to public use, usually for reasons such as 7 to 8 million Ecstasy pills this year," says Raymond Kelly, U.S. Customs Commissioner. If the short-term effects of Ecstasy don't seem scary enough, new research suggests the drug may create a long-term nightmare. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University, mainly at Baltimore, Md. Johns Hopkins in 1867 had a group of his associates incorporated as the trustees of a university and a hospital, endowing each with $3.5 million. Daniel C. in Baltimore, Md., recently reported that in studies of monkeys and rats Ecstasy results in brain damage--deforming a particular set of brain cells thought to be critical in mood regulation. "I had terrible mood swings and was diagnosed with manic-depression," Lauren says. Manic-depression is a psychiatric condition associated with extreme emotional highs and lows. NO PLEASURE PILL How can a pleasure pill cause so much misery? "The first time I took Ecstasy, I felt so good," Lauren says. "Nothing bothers you--you love everybody." That's because Lauren introduced her body to Ecstasy's prized ingredient: a chemical called MDMA MDMA 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. MDMA n. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine; a mescaline analog. MDMA 3,4 methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. See Ecstasy. . Known as a mood elevator, MDMA produces feelings of relaxation and happiness by coaxing your brain to crank out crank 1 n. 1. A device for transmitting rotary motion, consisting of a handle or arm attached at right angles to a shaft. 2. A clever turn of speech; a verbal conceit: quips and cranks. excess amounts of serotonin serotonin (sĕr'ətō`nĭn), organic compound that was first recognized as a powerful vasoconstrictor occurring in blood serum. It was partially purified, crystallized, and named in 1948, and its structure was deduced a year later. , a chemical naturally occurring in your brain that helps regulate mood, memory, pain perception, sleep, and appetite. Once in the bloodstream, MDMA hones in on the brain's millions of serotonin-producing nerve cells. These cells are shaped like starfish, and consist of a central cell body (command center), dendrites (thin, stringy string·y adj. string·i·er, string·i·est 1. Consisting of, resembling, or containing strings or a string. 2. Slender and sinewy; wiry. 3. Forming strings, as a viscous liquid; ropy. fibers that carry electrical signals), and axons (long fibers that relay electrical signals to other nerve cells). Nerve cells help control your moods by releasing neurotransmitters Neurotransmitters Chemicals within the nervous system that transmit information from or between nerve cells. Mentioned in: Bulimia Nervosa, Impotence, Pain, Withdrawal Syndromes , or brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine dopamine (dōp`əmēn), one of the intermediate substances in the biosynthesis of epinephrine and norepinephrine. See catecholamine. dopamine One of the catecholamines, widely distributed in the central nervous system. , another chemical critical to mood regulation. When you feel pleasure at winning a soccer game, for instance, nerve endings release neurotransmitters that flow across a tiny space called the synaptic gap synaptic gap n. The minute space between the cell membrane of an axon terminal and of the target cell with which it synapses. Also called synaptic cleft. . The chemicals then lock onto receptors (docking sites) located on neighboring neigh·bor n. 1. One who lives near or next to another. 2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another. 3. A fellow human. 4. Used as a form of familiar address. v. nerve cells (see diagram). Finally, neurotransmitters trigger an electrical pulse to travel along the nerve cells and then signal the brain to feel pleasurable emotions. What ECSTASY DOES To Your BRAIN 1 Ecstasy locks onto the millions of nerve cells in your brain that produce serotonin, one of many brain chemicals that help regulate mood. The nerve cells originate deep in the base of your brain in a region called the raphe nucleus raphe nucleus n. Any of the various unpaired nerve cell groups that are located in and along the median plane of the mesencephalic and rhombencephalic tegmenta that include neurons with serotonin-carrying axons that extend to the hypothalamus, septum, . They sprout long, stringy fibers called axons that connect to more distant parts of the brain. Scientists believe serotonin released by these nerve cells causes feelings of well-being. 2 Finer than a strand of hair, axons can stretch to as long as 30 centimeters (1 foot). Axons help nerve cells communicate by carrying electrical signals. The signals trigger the release of serotonin from knobs called vesicles on the end of each axon. Serotonin is then secreted into the synaptic gap, a tiny space in between two nerve cells. 3 Serotonin molecules migrate across the synaptic gap and lock onto receptors located on neighboring nerve cells. In less than a millisecond One thousandth of a second. See space/time and ohnosecond. (unit) millisecond - (ms) One thousandth of a second, one thousand microseconds. A long time for a modern computer. , serotonin triggers the nerve cells to relay an electrical signal to other nerve cells. 4 Ecstasy causes vesicles to release too much serotonin. The chemical floods the synaptic gap and overstimulates neighboring receptors. Ecstasy also keeps serotonin from being reabsorbed, further increasing its concentration in the brain. Extreme serotonin levels cause temporary feelings of euphoria, or bliss. 5 New research shows that Ecstasy may cause nerve cell endings to initially swell, and then wither and die. Although they attempt to grow back, the new neurons Neurons Nerve cells in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord that connect the nervous system and the muscles. Mentioned in: Speech Disorders function abnormally, resulting in a slew of behavioral problems, including depression and sleep disorders Sleep Disorders Definition Sleep disorders are a group of syndromes characterized by disturbance in the patient's amount of sleep, quality or timing of sleep, or in behaviors or physiological conditions associated with sleep. . Use the diagrams shown to answer the following questions: 1. Which brain nerve cells does Ecstasy lock onto? 2. What is serotonin? 3. Electrical signals from which nerve fibers trigger the release of serotonin? 4. After it's secreted, where does serotonin go? 5. How does Ecstasy change the normal flow of serotonin? 6. How do excess amounts of serotonin make you feel? 7. What happens to nerve cells after exposure to Ecstasy? 8. What lingering health problems may occur? ANSWERS 1. Ecstasy locks on to nerve cells that produce serotonin. 2. Serotonin is one of many brain chemicals that regulate mood. 3. Serotonin is released from knobs at the end of axons called vesicles. 4. Serotonin is secreted into the synaptic gap, where it locks onto nerve-cell receptors. 5. Ecstasy stimulates the release of too much serotonin, and keeps the brain chemical from being reabsorbed. 6. Excess serotonin creates temporary feelings of bliss. 7. Initially, nerve-cell endings swell, but then wither and die. 8. Nerve-cell damage may cause behavioral problems such as depression and sleep disorders. But for reasons still not understood, MDMA forces serotonin-producing nerve cells to spew out Verb 1. spew out - eject or send out in large quantities, also metaphorical; "the volcano spews out molten rocks every day"; "The editors of the paper spew out hostile articles about the Presidential candidate" eruct, spew too much of the chemical, literally flooding the brain with serotonin. Result: short-term elation elation /ela·tion/ (e-la´shun) emotional excitement marked by acceleration of mental and bodily activity, with extreme joy and an overly optimistic attitude. . What happens when MDMA wears off? The aftermath is grim, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Mark Molliver, a neuroscientist neuroscientist A researcher, often with an advanced degree–MD, MS, PhD–who investigates neural and brain-related phenomena (brain scientist) at Johns Hopkins University. In rat and monkey studies, "Ecstasy causes nerve fibers to initially swell, then wither and die off like a rotting tree branch," he explains. After three months, nerve cells try to grow back but don't succeed. GROWING DANGER Though some studies show that Ecstasy induces short-term memory short-term memory n. Abbr. STM The phase of the memory process in which stimuli that have been recognized and registered are stored briefly. loss and depression, other scientists claim that, as of now, no clear evidence proves that brain damage caused by Ecstasy is permanent. Still, serotonin is a powerful chemical--extreme amounts in the brain can short-circuit the body's ability to control its own temperature: "Too much serotonin can make blood vessels Blood vessels Tubular channels for blood transport, of which there are three principal types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Only the larger arteries and veins in the body bear distinct names. shrink," Molliver explains. "This reduces blood circulation and prevents heat from escaping through your skin." In some users, Ecstasy has caused their body temperatures to skyrocket from a normal 98.6 [degrees] F to as high as 110 [degrees] F--with death the end result in more than two dozen cases. Yet evidence of Ecstasy's popularity and danger is growing: In 1993, 68 emergency-room visits nationwide occurred as a result of Ecstasy; in 1997, the number jumped to 637--an 837 percent increase over five years. Another danger: ingredients in Ecstasy pills vary widely. "There's no way to know what you're getting when you take a street drug," says Molliver. "There's no quality control." Pills often contain other ingredients, such as stimulants Stimulants A class of drugs, including Ritalin, used to treat people with autism. They may make children calmer and better able to concentrate, but they also may limit growth or have other side effects. Mentioned in: Autism like speed and PMA PMA (papillary-marginal-attached), n a system of epidemiologic scoring of periodontal disease devised by Schour and Massler in which the symbols denote the areas involved in gingival inflammation. PMA Progressive muscular atrophy , which cause increased heart rate, hyperactivity hyperactivity, excessive physical activity of emotional or physiological origin, usually seen in young children; one of the components of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. , and anxiety. And many pills contain MDA (1) (Monochrome Display Adapter) The first IBM PC monochrome video display standard for text. Due to its lack of graphics, MDA cards were often replaced with Hercules cards, which provided both text and graphics. See PC display modes and Hercules Graphics. , a poisonous chemical cousin of MDMA. "It causes about 10 times more damage to the brain than MDMA," says Molliver. For teens like Lauren, the misery of ecstasy has greatly outweighed any short-lived pleasure: "I was in rehab for a month and a half. It scared me to death." [GRAPH OMITTED] The Straight Dope: A Guide to Common Types of Recreational Drugs
DRUG EFFECTS ON THE BODY RISKS
Alcohol Central nervous system Impairs judgment,
depressant; reduces perception, and body
inhibitions, increases control. Long-term use
talkativeness. can cause brain and
liver damage, and
addiction (alcoholism).
Amphetamines Central nervous system Can cause insomnia, loss
(Dexedrine, stimulants; releases of appetite, agitation,
crystal brain chemical headache, and extreme
meth, speed) dopamine, which aggressiveness. Extended
temporarily increases use can cause delusions
energy. and psychosis.
Cocaine Central nervous system Highly addictive;
(blow) stimulant; releases withdrawal symptoms
brain chemical include insomnia and
dopamine; temporarily depression. Can cause
increases energy. heart attacks and
strokes. Overdoses may
be fatal.
Depressants Depresses the central Psychosis, coma, or
(Xanax, nervous system; death from overdose;
Valium, reduces anxiety, extremely dangerous when
downers) breathing rate, blood mixed with alcohol or
pressure, heart rate, other drugs.
and rapid eye movement
(REM) sleep.
GHB Creates feelings of May induce seizures,
(Liquid X, euphoria and coma, or death.
Scoop, relaxation by Extremely dangerous when
Grievous depressing the central combined with alcohol or
Bodily Harm) nervous system; higher other drugs.
doses slow heart rate.
Heroin Central nervous system Highly addictive, may
(dope, depressant; reduces induce vomiting,
smack, H, pain and induces respiratory failure, and
brown sugar) euphoria by releasing coma. Injecting with
endorphins, hormones unsterile needles
that block pain and increases HIV risk.
anxiety. Overdose can cause
death.
Ketamine Classified as Can cause fatal
(special K, anaesthetic drug; respiratory problems,
cereal) separates perception agitation, depression,
from sensation. delirium, and loss of
body control.
LSD Classified as a Likely to create
(acid) hallucinogenic drug; anxiety, paranoia, and
chemical lysergic acid possibly psychosis.
diethylamide alters
mood, thoughts, and
perceptions.
Marijuana Chemical THC creates Impedes concentration
(pot, feelings of mild and coordination.
cannabis, euphoria and Long-term use may cause
grass, bud, relaxation. lung disease.
chronic,
reefer)
MDMA Overstimulates May cause nausea,
(Ecstasy, E, serotonin-producing fainting, and
Adam) nerve cells; creates depression. Initial
intense but short-term studies show nerve cell
feelings of pleasure damage in the brain.
and increases energy.
Nicotine Both stimulates and Highly addictive.
(cigarettes, sedates the central Long-term use may cause
cigars, nervous system; causes cancer and other
snuff) kidneys to secrete pulmonary diseases.
epinephrine, a stress
hormone.
Psilocybin A psychedelic drug May cause nausea,
(shrooms, with hallucinogenic anxiety, or paranoia.
magic effects similar to
mushrooms) those of LSD.
Need another reason to snub drugs? Check out this Web site: www.whatsyourantidrug.com Cross-Curricular Connection Health: Research rates of teen drug abuse in other countries. Are they different than those in the U.S.? Did you Know? * Tests have shown that up to 40 percent of so-called Ecstasy pills are fake. One of the most dangerous substances found in Ecstasy is DXM DXM Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant; sometimes used as a recreational drug) DXM Direct X Media , a cough suppressant Cough suppressant Medicine that stops or prevents coughing. Mentioned in: Expectorants cough suppressant Medtalk A drug used to control a dry, annoying cough that in high doses causes hallucinations--and can kill by causing heatstroke heatstroke, profound disturbance of the heat-regulating mechanism of the body, also known as sunstroke. It is characterized by extremely high body temperatures and sometimes by convulsions and coma. . * Health risks from Ecstasy and other recreational drugs depend on many factors, including: individual susceptibility, dosage, frequency of use, and whether one takes a drug in combination with other drugs or alcohol. * Possession of most recreational drugs carries the risk of jail time, with penalties varying from state to state. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] National Science Education Standards The National Science Education Standards (NSES) are a set of guidelines for the science education in primary and secondary schools in the United States, as established by the National Research Council in 1996. Grades 5-8: personal health * regulation and behavior * risks and benefits * science and technology in society * structure and function in living systems Grades 9-12: personal and community health * natural and human-induced hazards Resources "New Highs, New Risks," The New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times Upfront, May 8, 2000, p. 10 "Ecstasy--Happiness is ... a Pill?" Time, June 5, 2000, p. 64 "Drugs and Alcohol: Making Smart Decisions," Choices (Scholastic), January 1999, p.20 Directions: Circle the word that best fits the sentence. 1. Serotonin is a (neurotransmitter neurotransmitter, chemical that transmits information across the junction (synapse) that separates one nerve cell (neuron) from another nerve cell or a muscle. Neurotransmitters are stored in the nerve cell's bulbous end (axon). , pill) that controls mood. 2. Ecstasy use among U.S. teens is (rising, falling). 3. Ecstasy's mood-altering ingredient is (MDMA, dopamine). 4. In rat and monkey studies, use of Ecstasy caused (synapses, nerve-cell endings) to swell--then wither and die off. 5. (Vesicles, Axons) are long fibers that relay electrical signals to other nerve cells. ANSWERS 1. neurotransmitter 2. rising 3. MDMA 4. nerve cells endings 5. axons |
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