Introduction

= __MDMA__ =

__Introduction:__

==== MDMA(3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine)or more commonly known as ecstasy, is one of the most popular and highly addictive drugs going. 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine can come in different forms such as; pills and powder. In this presentation we will be taking a more in depth look at the affects and misconceptions of MDMA, as well as looking at the 5 “W” questions; who, what, when, where, and why. This will give people in the social service worker program as well as the medical and health professions a better idea of, prevention programs, why people use MDMA, as well as the history of the substance and effects it has on the body. ====

==== Many Urban misconceptions related to MDMA and other drugs have been around for decades. Here is a list of the most highly recognized misconceptions regarding MDMA. People are under the assumption that drug use can shrink or even cause permanent damage to parts of the brain resulting in one or multiple holes. This however is not the case; studies have shown that drug use does not cause deterioration leading to holes in the brain. As a matter of fact the only thing that can cause a permanent disfiguration to the brain is a physical trauma; no known drug is capable of this kind of harm.(Top 10 myths about the brain(Shanna freeman, 2008)) (1*) ====

====Another common misconception around MDMA and it’s users, is that it drains spinal fluid and causes damage to the spinal cord. This likely came from a 1994 study that had to do with serotonin break down where the results were measured by extracting spinal fluid from long time ecstasy users, the loss of spinal fluid resulted from drug researcher’s rather than the actual drug itself. This theory was popularized by the 2000’s song “//Drug Ballad//” by admitted MDMA user Eminem. ( **Ecstasy drains spinal fluid?** **(Alice, 2007) )(2*)** ====

==== One interesting fact regarding MDMA is that it is used to counteract the effects of L-Dopa by releasing the neurotransmitter “serotonin” ( Ecstasy has dramatic effect on Parkinson's symptoms( [|David Concar],2002)) (3*) ====