Summary
Ecstasy is an illegal hallucinogen and stimulant most often used in pill form. It contains the chemical MDMA, which is very similar to methamphetamine. Popular among teenagers and young adults, Ecstasy intensifies physical sensations and perceptions and produces heightened self-esteem and sociability. During use, the amount of serotonin available in the brain increases, but afterward, the drop in serotonin leads to feelings of depression. Ecstasy also has dangerous physical effects such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and involuntary muscle tension. This updated ebook delves into the effects of using Ecstasy, from the initial pleasure to the dangerous aftereffects.
About the Author(s)
M. Foster Olive received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego in 1991, and went on to receive his Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA in 1997. He is currently a professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience Program in the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University. His research focuses on the neurobiology of addiction, and he has published in numerous academic journals including Psychopharmacology, The Journal of Neuroscience, and Nature Neuroscience. He has also authored several books in the Drugs: The Straight Facts series, including titles such as Peyote and Mescaline, Sleep Aids, Prescription Pain Relievers, Designer Drugs, Crack, and LSD.