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Abuse of ecstasy in South Bohemia region and possibilities of prevention
POLÁK, Robert
Ecstasy, MDMA (3,4-methylendioxymetamfetamin) is a synthetic, psychoactive substance, chemically similar to stimulant methamphetamine and hallucinogenic mescaline. MDMA is active primarily on neurons in the brain. For the communication with other neurons, neurons are using serotonin. Serotonin system plays a significant role in regulation of mood, aggressiveness, sleep and pain sensitivity. In high dosage MDMA disturbs the ability of the body to regulate body temperature. This may lead to fast increase in body temperature (hyperthermia). Ecstasy is generally considered to be a rather safe drug, although a number of physical as well as psychiatrical consecutive health problems have occurred. Specific mechanisms of MDMA toxicity have still not been fully clarified; however, it is obvious that these cannot be attributed only to MDMA over dosage or the use of impure tablets (i.e. e. toxicity cannot be ascribed plainly to admixture in tablets).
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Risks of ecstasy use and harm reduction
VEITSOVÁ, Petra
The risks of Extasy Use This topic is very present in Czech Republic as the use of soft drugs, including the extasy is becoming increasingly popular. Extasy is considered as a weekend or experimental drug that is mostly used by the young population. Our society is tolerant towards the use of the soft drugs; consequently these drugs are becoming a common part of our lives. Extasy is represented as a soft and safe drug. Nevertheless the use of any addictive substances is far to be without risks. Such risks are often neglected or totally ignored. This diploma thesis consists of two parts: theoretical and practical part. First part, the literature review is embracing all different aspects of the dance drug extasy and its culture. History of the drug, description of its effects, identification of its users, hazards related to its use and also preventive measures - harm reduction programs are being defined. The aim of this work was to present complex information about the extasy drug and yet to describe the hazards linked to the drug abuse and draw attention its dangers. First part also includes the description of the means for minimising such risks and the harm reduction preventive programs {--} analysis of an extasy tablet. Practical part of this work results from several interviews of the formal extasy users. The endeavour of this part was to get more information about the drug. The interviews consisted of a number of parts. Questions in these parts focused on frequency of attendance of the dance parties, number of the extasy tablet used on average and the circumstances of the drug use, knowledge of the drug and its incidences and motivation to stop using it. Other set of questions enquired about the dangers of extasy in combinations with other drugs, ``fake extasy{\crqq} issue and dangerous behavioural under the influence of extasy. In the following part of the interview extasy users were asked to describe their awareness of the dangers and risks linked to the use of the drug, what precautions are they taking to avoid such risks and weather they know about possibility to get the pill analysed for purity and further if they care about the importance of the fluid intake. This thesis demonstrated that the extasy users are well informed about the risks, hazards and dangers of the drug however they overlook it and act as they are not aware of the hazards.
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