Pubdate: Thu, 31 May 2001 Source: Saanich News (CN BC) Contact: http://www.saanichnews.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1209 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy) THE STRAIGHT DOPE Ecstasy - meaning intense delight or rapture - comes from the Greek word ekstasis, to displace or to drive out of your mind. Slang for methylenedioxymethamphetamine - MDMA, is a drug available in pill and capsule form receiving attention in association with the "dance culture". The word evokes ideas of pleasure, and the drug does the same. MDMA affects the body various ways. As a stimulant it speeds up the body metabolism, promoting over heating and dehydration. As an empathogen, it creates a chemical reaction that feels like an extreme emotional connection to those around you. As an illicit substance, the ingredients of which are typically unknown, it presents risks associated with illegal activity and unknown chemical ingestion. In the simplest terms, MDMA works by making your brain release large amounts of serotonin at once. Serotonin is the chemical your brain releases naturally when you feel happy, fall in love, or experience intense pleasure. Your brain is neither used to releasing this chemical in large amounts, nor equipped to replace the supply very quickly. For those of you using MDMA, remember it is a unique substance and taking more will not prolong the effects. If you take any, keep your body cool, drink 500ml (2 cups) of water per hour, take care of yourself and your friends. Give your brain a rest, allow the serotonin supply to replenish, taking up to two weeks and find ways to get natural serotonin delights in your daily life. More info? Check out dallassociety.com. Questions or comments... --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe