Risks Of Ecstasy

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What are the health risks of ecstasy?

Taking ecstasy involves some risks. Here’s what it could do to you:

  • There’s no way of telling what’s in ecstasy until you've swallowed it. There may be negative side effects from other drugs and ingredients added to the E.
  • The comedown from ecstasy can make people feel lethargic and depressed.
  • Evidence suggests long-term users can suffer memory problems and may develop depression and anxiety.
  • Using Ecstasy has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems. Some users report getting colds and sore throats more often, which may be partly caused by staying awake for 24 hours, which can itself affect your immune system.
  • Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.
  • There’ve been over 200 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK since 1996. Ecstasy causes many of these deaths, but some involve other substances sold as ecstasy, such as PMA.
  • Ecstasy affects the body's temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere, like a club, increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. Take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down and watch out for your mates – they mightn’t realise they're in danger of overheating or getting dehydrated.
  • Be careful with fluids – drinking too much can also be dangerous. Ecstasy can cause the body to release a hormone which stops it making urine. Drink too quickly and it affects your body's salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water. Sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour.


What is ecstasy cut with?

A big problem with Ecstasy pills is that they're rarely pure. They can be cut with amphetamines (like speed), caffeine and other substances with some similar effects – because it’s cheaper to produce and can increase the dealer’s profits.

When Ecstasy has been cut with an alternative stimulant that is slower to kick in than MDMA, some users have then topped-up with another dose prematurely; and then they find they suffer side-effects because they’ve then overdosed.


Can you get addicted to Ecstasy?

It's possible to build up tolerance to ecstasy, which means people need to take more of the drug to get the same buzz. You may also develop a psychological dependence (a strong desire to keep on using despite the long-term risks, such as damaging relationships or losing your job).


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

www.haveigotaproblem.com was created and is run by 'Advising Communities’, which is a UK registered charity (Charity No. 1061055)

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