Ecstasy use is life-threatening- Psychiatrist

Nov 24, 2019 News

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The famous drug that has been used for years to achieve that dreamy or euphoric feeling can be a threat to the lives of its users. This is according to Psychiatrist, Dr. Stephon Henry.
In conveying the irony between that good feeling that Ecstasy gives and inflicting direct or indirect harm, Dr. Henry spoke about the health impacts Ecstasy induces.
WHAT IS ECSTASY?
Dr. Henry said that Ecstasy or Molly is a psychoactive drug that is used chiefly for recreational purposes. It is a substance that changes a person’s mental state by affecting the way the brain and nervous system work.
He explained that chemically Ecstasy is called MDMA “after its main chemical ingredient which is 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine [MDMA].”
The psychiatrist underscored that it is one of the very popular drugs being used presently in this country. He recollected that a drug ring among secondary schools in Georgetown was discovered in 2018.
He added that sale of this drug was widespread, spanning several regions in both public and private schools. He further emphasised, “This goes to show it is a big problem in our society and even more alarming, among our youths.”
In addition, this publication recently reported the prevalence of Molly in some secondary schools. Fortunately, the police cracked down on this issue. However, the drug is still circulating very secretly.
Dr. Henry highlighted, “According to a report by the Guyana Drug Information Network 2019, of 478 cases processed for court in 2018, 17 returned positive results for Ecstasy.”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The psychiatrist explained how such a small pill can have numerous health defects.
“The chemical structure of Ecstasy allows it to reach the brain very easily. Once ingested, it is absorbed from the stomach and small intestines and goes into the bloodstream to the liver.”
He stated that from the liver, it goes to the heart with deoxygenated blood, that is, blood that does not contain oxygen and the heart pumps it with oxygenated blood to the brain.
“The nerve pathway in the brain that is predominantly affected by Ecstasy is called the serotonin pathway. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of processes within the brain, including our mood, emotions, aggression, sleep, appetite, anxiety, memory, and perceptions.”
As it relates to perception, Dr. Henry explained that perception is the part of the mental status examination under which hallucinations fall. He elaborated that auditory, visual, tactile among others can be impacted.
As a result, a person using Ecstasy may tend to see, hear or taste things that are not actually there.
WHY IS ECSTACY DETRIMENTAL?
The drug subsequently has a direct effect on the brain. Moreover, Dr. Henry disclosed, “Short term changes are to the brain’s chemistry and behaviour and long term changes are to the brain’s structure and behaviour.”
The psychiatrist explained that when someone uses Ecstasy, it increases serotonin in different regions of the brain and has psychological effects which include elevated mood and feelings of empathy.
He added, “It is very reinforcing meaning that its pleasurable effects makes the person want to try it all over again and this can make it addictive.”
He stated that dependence can develop. In this regard, he explained that the person would continue to use the drug despite knowledge of physical or psychological harm, experiencing withdrawal effects, and tolerance or diminished response to repeated use of Ecstasy.
“Ecstasy has harmful effects as well as drugs that are able to produce desirable effects also produce side effects,” Dr. Henry highlighted.
He elaborated that it can take only one Ecstasy pill to have negative psychological effects such as clouded thinking, agitation, disturbed behaviour. These effects, to some extent, can potentially have associated risks.
He stated, “For instance, studies indicated that generally Ecstasy does not affect driving performance nor did it change the impairing effects of sleep loss.
“This means that Ecstasy cannot compensate for the impairing effects of sleep loss, and that drivers who are under the influence of Ecstasy and sleep deprived are unfit to drive.”
Moreover, Dr. Henry noted that other adverse effects can occur from using Ecstasy. He stated, “These include sweating, dry mouth [or] intense thirst, increased heart rate, fatigue, muscle spasms especially jaw-clenching and hyperthermia.”
Furthermore, the psychiatrist noted that increased or repeated doses of Ecstasy can become life-threatening. He explained that outcomes include hypertension or high blood pressure; irregular heartbeat; heat injury due to hyperthermia, which is a condition of having a body temperature greatly above normal; muscle breakdown among others. He pointed out that one of the effects that can be very dangerous is renal failure due to salt and fluid depletion.
However, Dr. Henry explained that even after a person stops the use of Ecstasy some symptoms can persist. He added, “These often include the development of depression-like feelings, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Memory impairment can become evident as well.”
Moreover, Dr. Henry highlighted that Ecstasy-use also has several social outcomes. He explained that people use it for the euphoric effect and end up being addicted.
He added, “With addiction or dependency then one can start neglecting themselves and their responsibilities.” He further explained that responsibilities like school, jobs, and relationships among others can hit the bottom as a result of being neglected.
HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR ECSTASY-USE
The psychiatrist iterated that using Ecstasy can result in severe health conflicts. As such, he extended help to those individuals who are using Ecstasy or have an addiction to the drug.
He said, “In Guyana, there are two main rehabilitation centres which assist in the treatment of individuals who may be addicted to any psychoactive substance and this includes Ecstasy.
There is the Phoenix Recovery Project and the Salvation Army Men’s Social Service who provide inpatient treatment.”
He added that the Georgetown Public Hospital Psychiatric Department offers support to these organisations by treating individuals who use these substances and develop symptoms of any mental illness such as substance induced psychotic disorders.
Dr. Stephon Henry is a resident in Psychiatry working with the Ministry of Health and attached to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

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