There's been a drug that is become quite popular at the local clubs and raves called ecstasy, sometimes just XTC, MDMA, or "X", but either way, this has become quite a problem lately because so many young people believe that, since it's being sold at clubs, that it's not as dangerous as some of the other more well known illegal drugs. Many of the people selling these drugs have nicknamed them so that you really never know exactly what it is you're getting, even more reasons to avoid taking them. Let's take a look at some of the warning signs for parents to be aware of if they believe their kids are taking drugs.
Your Child Is Walking Around In A Daze.
One of the effects of XTC is a strong feeling of euphoria, plus exaggerated feelings of empathy and love, and a complete distortion of time, a minute may feel like an hour to a person wandering around high. They may also burst into an emotional episode, crying and sobbing, over some insignificant minor problem. The reason for this is their brain is overloaded on its natural communication hormone called serotonin. This increase in serotonin is what makes MDMA so highly addictive as the users crave this serotonin overload and will do anything to find another hit. A recent study showed that 43% of ecstasy users believe they are dependent on this highly addictive and damaging drug.
Long-Term Side Effects Are Unknown.
Short-term side effects of addiction to MDMA can include heart damage, rotten teeth, and an imbalance of the communication hormones in the brain. The largest unknown, is whether or not the brain can recover and return to normal, or whether or not these people will be permanently damaged, and have such things as dementia when they are older.
These highly addictive drugs are dangerous from the first time the children take them, and they should be educated prior to their being exposed in the first place. If someone you know is showing the symptoms of addiction, it's important that you call a local drug addiction hotline and get some advice on possibly doing an intervention, but at least enter them into a support group.
