Essay Preview: Mdma
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The possession, use and manufacture of MDMA is illegal, the only way of obtaining it being through drug dealers on the black market. As a consequence the drug is often “corrupted” with other, potentially fatal, substances. Therefore, the dangers of using Ecstasy are obvious. Possible fatal side-effects such as dehydration and hypothermia may not always be safely countered without harming the individual.
Its true to say that there are legitimate uses for MDMA in psychotherapy. Its useful in “activating” previously forgotten or repressed memories. Another argument in favor of MDMA for medical purposes is that long-term medication may be avoided as MDMA would be used infrequently or as a “one-off.”
If MDMA was decriminalized, this would remove the need to purchase it from dubious sources, thus removing the risk of poor quality, potentially lethal tablets.
Robert Mathias and Patrick Zickler (from “NIDA conference highlights scientific findings on MDMA/Ecstasy,” NIDA notes (2001) state that the use of MDMA should be prohibited as the psychological and physical effects of ecstasy have been greatly ignored and not enough emphasis has been placed on the long-term use, stating that memory and intellect may suffer as a result of MDMA. Depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders are more likely to become apparent in MDMA users and former users of the drug.
Dehydration is one of the side-effects associated with Ecstasy and huge quantities of water are often required to counter the insatiable thirst. This may result in a possible fatal fluid imbalance. June Riedlinger and Michael Montagne from “using MDMA in the treatment of depression,” in Julie Holland ed. Ecstasy the complete guide, (Park Street press 2001) argue that MDMA should not be prohibited as it has legitimate uses in the treatment of certain psychological/psychiatric procedures. Riedlinger states that under controlled conditions, MDMA is safe and most of the dangerous effects can be avoided if the lowest effective dosages are administered. MDMA alleviates feelings of hopelessness and is therefore, a useful tool in the treatment of certain types of psychopathology.
Theres strong evidence to suggest that MDMA is dangerous both physically and psychologically. Club culture has popularized Ecstasy and people involved in the drug culture play down the effects of