|
opinion:
our view
Forget ecstasy
-- literally
The drug ecstasy is running rampant through our nation.
Scientifically known as MDMA, ecstasy is taken by as many as
1.3 million Americans, the majority of whom are middle and high
school students. It rivals the popularity of acid in the '60s
and cocaine in the '80s.
Ecstasy gives a feeling of a euphoric high, where senses are
heightened and love is in the air. But this feeling only lasts
for so long and researchers are finally revealing the effects
of the popular drug. A recent study reported by a health journal,
The Lancet, revealed that brain damage resulting from ecstasy
use is more prevalent in females than males.
Taking ecstasy produces a flow of seratonin, a brain-messenger
molecule that regulates mood, sexual appetites and pain. Prolonged
use of ecstasy causes a sharp reduction of seratonin levels,
leading to brain damage and memory problems.
The study showed that among women, ecstasy users had less binding
of serotonin than men.
We have seen documentaries on what ecstasy can do. A 24-year-old
female ecstasy user appeared on national television to show
the world a scan of her brain -- one that had been transformed
by years of ecstasy use. Visible holes could be seen in the
brain scan, chunks of memory that can never be regained.
They said the 24-year-old's brain is comparable of that of a
67-year-old Alzheimer's patient. Her brain looked like Swiss
cheese.
If this is not enough to make people stop taking ecstasy, we
don't know what is.
People need to think if a night of partying is really worth
serious brain damage. One night of partying that can make you
forget about everything. Literally.
It's a give and take situation. Take ecstasy, give away years
of memory. You can decide for yourself.
We are not trying to be your parents. But we do want to inform
the world of the seriousness of this readily available drug.
It's just something to think about, that is, if there are enough
brain cells left to remember how to think. |
|
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Search our site
DEPARTMENT
OF
JOURNALISM
ONLINE 49ER
DEPARTMENTS
ADVERTISING
ADMINISTRATION
DAILY
49ER ALUMNI
SUBSCRIPTION
SERVICE
GIVE
FEEDBACK
|
