Ecstasy is a synthetic Adrenergic agonist resembling both amphetamine (a stimulant) and mescaline (a hallucinogen). A “designer drug” once promoted as potentially psychotherapeutic, but now a controlled substance considered a drug of abuse.
Commonly referred to as Ecstasy, XTC, or E. MDMA was first synthesized in 1912 by a German company possibly to be used as an appetite suppressant. Chemically it is an analogue of MDA, a drug that was popular in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s, MDMA was used to facilitate psychotherapy by a small group of therapists in the USA. Illicit use of the drug did not become popular until the late 80’s and early 90’s. MDMA is commonly used in combination with other drugs, however rarely consumed with alcohol. As alcohol is believe to diminish its effects. It is most often distributed at late night parties called “Raves”, night clubs and DJ shows. As the rave and club scene expands to metropolitan and suburban areas across the country, MDMA use and distribution are increasing as well.
This brings me to a story that has happened in Edmonton, Albert about 2 weeks ago on Thanksgiving Weekend 2009.
West division detectives are investigating after a 19 year old man (Zachary Lamb of Okotoks), suspected of taking ecstasy collapsed at a rave in West Edmonton Mall in the early morning and died later in hospital.
Officers were called to Edmonton’s Events Center around 3:47 am, responding to a man who collapsed while reveling at the ‘FROST’ 2009 rave party.
He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he died at about 6am. 3 of his friends (in their 20’s) also suspected of taking ecstasy, were treated in hospital and later released.
Police state that the man’s death is not considered suspicious, but police continue to look for the supplier of the drugs.
“I guess some people still aren’t getting the message.” said Guy Bueler, who’s 14 year old step-daughter (Cassie Williams) died on April 24th after taking a high dose of ecstasy at a Rock’n'Ride Dance party. “My message to people is still ‘Don’t Touch That Stuff”. Cassie’s friend also took the drug, but recovered after being treated in hospital. West Edmonton Mall later cancelled the long time event.
Adam Munro was at the Rave and told CTV News he was patted down by security staff prior to entering the concert. He said staff also asked him what was in his pockets, but didn’t inspect further. Munro believes drug sniffing dogs should be at the door. “The police already have a strong presence there so it really wouldn’t be that much effort to bring in a couple and just get them to sniff people.” He said.
Police say there is ample security at mall events, but the people who want to buy and sell drugs will find a way. Detective Niel Thompson with the Edmonton Police said the victim was a first time user. City counselor Karen Leibovici doesn’t think adding more security will prevent deaths. “The reality is, you might be able to prevent it in the location itself, and then you go into the parking lot, and it is a whole different story.” She said.
Police charged 2 men with drug posession , but they aren’t sure if the ecstasy they had was the same as the ecstasy ingested by the victim.
Jake Bailey, 20 and Joshua Karkus, 19 were arrested in a west end hotel room on the Monday afternoon after the party.
Karl Giroux who was at the party said there was nearly 3000 people at the rave. “It was one big party. Everyone was dancing and partying.” While he doesn’t touch ecstasy “because I know what it can do to you,” the drug is typically part of the rave scene, Giroux said. “I know it keeps you up all night and makes you hyper.”
An overdose of ecstasy can kill in at least 3 ways. Because the amphetamine-type drugs stimulate the heart, they can increase blood pressure until a blood vessel bursts. This usually occurs in the brain, where bleeding can be fatal.
The drug can also cause hyperthermia or an increase in the body temperature, to the point of death.
Another danger is fluid retention, which cause the brain to swell and leads to brain damage.
Ecstasy pills are usually homemade and have multiple drugs in them, with some tablets containing no ecstasy at all. Some batches are stronger than others and each individual reacts differently. A dose that can be harmless to one user, can kill the next, experts say.
Symptoms of Ecstasy intoxication
Raised pulse- raised temperature- general feeling of wellness- felling of a “rush”- nausea- affection for others- raised blood pressure- overconfidence-relaxed feeling- teeth grinding- jaw clenching- anxiety- loss of appetite- sweating- blurred vision
Symptoms of Excessive doses may include
Convulsions- vomiting- sensation of floating- irrational behavior- bizarre behavior- hallucinations
Symptoms on the way “down” after may include
Irritability- depressive symptoms- exhaustion- fatigue- insomnia- paranoid symptoms- concentration difficulty
Symptoms of Ecstasy overdose may include
High temperature- high blood pressure- rapid pulse- hallucinations
Complications pertaining to Ecstasy abuse
Heart attack- dehydration- brain hemorrhage- hypothermia- hyponatremia (from drinking too much water to cause a “dilutional” hyponatremia
Long term complications of Ecstasy use
Psychological dependence on ecstasy- physical dependence on ecstasy- social or family problems- fetal complications in pregnant women (Miscarriage)
Duration of Ecstasy Abuse:
Intoxication may last up to 6 hours, while some intoxication symptoms may last for more than 24 hours. “Coming Down” symptoms can last for days.