Pubdate: Thu, 31 May 2001
Source: Saanich News (CN BC)
Contact:  http://www.saanichnews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1209
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

THE STRAIGHT DOPE

Ecstasy - meaning intense delight or rapture - comes from the Greek 
word ekstasis, to displace or to drive out of your mind. Slang for 
methylenedioxymethamphetamine - MDMA, is a drug available in pill and 
capsule form receiving attention in association with the "dance 
culture".

The word evokes ideas of pleasure, and the drug does the same. MDMA 
affects the body various ways. As a stimulant it speeds up the body 
metabolism, promoting over heating and dehydration. As an empathogen, 
it creates a chemical reaction that feels like an extreme emotional 
connection to those around you.

As an illicit substance, the ingredients of which are typically 
unknown, it presents risks associated with illegal activity and 
unknown chemical ingestion. In the simplest terms, MDMA works by 
making your brain release large amounts of serotonin at once.

Serotonin is the chemical your brain releases naturally when you feel 
happy, fall in love, or experience intense pleasure. Your brain is 
neither used to releasing this chemical in large amounts, nor 
equipped to replace the supply very quickly.

For those of you using MDMA, remember it is a unique substance and 
taking more will not prolong the effects. If you take any, keep your 
body cool, drink 500ml (2 cups) of water per hour, take care of 
yourself and your friends. Give your brain a rest, allow the 
serotonin supply to replenish, taking up to two weeks and find ways 
to get natural serotonin delights in your daily life. More info? 
Check out dallassociety.com.

Questions or comments...  ---
MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe