atara
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2010
- Messages
- 2,786
While we all have an interest in reducing harm, I sometimes feel that the caution here is over the top when discussing ecstasy. In all comparison studies I have read over the years; in terms both of dependence and harm, MDMA/ecstasy is safer than tobacco and alcohol (and less dependent than cannabis.)
While generally true, it's important to remember that it's not the drugs that are dangerous, but the patterns of use and behavior that accompany them.
The context of raving, i.e. loud music, sustained exertion, lack of sleep, hanging out in crowded places, little food intake, and repeated dosing, is one that should be treated with caution. Attempting to prolong the effects of any anorectic stimulant is going to lead to issues if done repeatedly; the body needs food and rest, and while these are often taken in excess in the sober corners of society the opposite is present here. The big problems we see are hyperthermia and hyponatremia, drug effects which do not exist in a vacuum. The former is suspected as a major contributing factor to any possible neurotoxic effects, which is not surprising as elevated body temperature can cause such on its own, absent any worries about quinone metabolites or monoamine transporters.
Combined usage of MDMA and other recreational substances presents additional concerns.