Hallucinogens are among the oldest known group of drugs that have been used for the ability to alter human perception and mood. Weeks or even months after some hallucinogens have been taken, the user may experience flashbacks fragmentary resources of certain aspects of the drug experience in the absence of actually taking the drug. The occurrence of a flashback is unpredictable but is more likely to occur during times of stress and seem to occur more frequently in younger individuals. With time these episodes diminish and become more intense. The abuse of hallucinogens in the united states reached a peak in the late 1960's. It has started back up in the 1990's more so in junior high.

MDMA, called "ADAM","ECSTYASY", or "X-TC" on the street, i a syntheticpsychosis drug with hallucinagenic anphetamine-like properties. It's known to cause brain damage.

Beleifs about ecstasy are reminisant of similar claims made about LSD in the 1960's which proved to be untrue.

Many problems users encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the usual anphetamines and cocaine. They are as follows:

- psychological dificulties , including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drugs cause severe anxiety, and paranoia, durring and sometimes weeks after the drug has been taken, psychotic episodes have been reported.

-physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involentary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, faintness, and chills or sweating.

Increase in heart rate and blood preasure, a special risk for people with circulating heart disease.

NIDA has arranged to have MDMA synthesized so that qualified researchers can conduct studies on the drugs long term newrotoxity and abuse potentials. It is because of them that this research will indicate that MDMA causes brain damage, just as MDMA and Metaphetamine do.

MDMA destroys serotonin-producing neurons, wich play a direct role in regulatingagression, sexual activity, sleep,and sensitivity to pain. It is probably this action on the serotoxic system that gives MDMA it's purported properties to heightened sexual experience, tranquility, and conviviality.

MDMA is also related in structure and effects to methamphetamine. Methamphetamine has been shown by the Chicago researchers to cause degeneration of neurons containing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to these neurons is the undelightful cause of the motor disturbances seen in parkensons disease. This drug is popular in college students in at least 21 states and Canada.

In June of 1985, the DEA banned MDMA. Manufactureres of schedule 1 drugs are subject to a fine of up to $125,000 , and a prison term of 15 years.In many cases designer drugs are more dangerous and more potent than the original drug. In these cases the prison term is 15 years with a fine of $250,000.

It was first discovered in 1912 and patented as an appetite supressant in 1914 by a German company. It was used in the 1970's by American phychotherapists as an aid to thereapy before being outlawed in the mid 1980's.

Ecstacy powder is usually pressed into tablets which cary widely in color and size. Capsules are also available, but there is more risk of them being tampered with.

There is often an increase in the sensitivity of both touch and hearing. Effects of ecstacy usually peak for about 2 hours, although they last for several hours in total.

Users of ecstacy are prone to panic attacks, depression and psychotic illness. Each week, a million younsters are reported to "pop" an E tab to improve their social lives. Ecstacy can be very damaging to your physical and mental health.

Some harmful effects of ecstacy include epileptic fit, paranoid states, episodes of confusion and permanent visual changes. Ecstacy has been linked to many deaths and it causes direct damage to the liver and heart.

Dehydration and overheating are common when using this drug.

-by Justin, Ben and Josh

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