Drug Project

Ecstasy

• What is Ecstasy? Ecstasy is a synthetic, hallucinogenic drug. Ecstasy is commonly used as a party drug and is considered a stimulant.

• Ecstasy goes by a number of names including E, disco biscuits, doves, diamonds, fantasy, XTC, and MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

• Ecstasy usually comes as flat round tablets in various sizes and colors (but often white). Occasionally, ecstasy may come as a capsule, which can be yellow, pink or clear and very rarely as powder.

• Ecstasy is nearly always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. However, ecstasy is occasionally snorted, smoked or injected.

• Ecstasy usually makes the user very energetic for a number of hours. Ecstasy usually makes the user feel calm, loving, confident and alert. However, ecstasy can lead the user to panic, feel anxiety, depression, and/or paranoia after the 'good' effects wear off. Some users actually feel sick and experience stiffness in the body. Heatstroke is a major effect of taking ecstasy as it causes a rise in body temperature and being close to hundreds of other people will raise it even further. The long-term effects of ecstasy include sleeping problems and severe depression. There is also a danger of over heating and dehydration. The more you take ecstasy the more it will increase the risk of you suffering long-term paranoia or psychosis. Recent research suggests it could cause liver and kidney problems.

References: 

http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/ecstasy.htm

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_xtc1.php

Stress Survival

Stress Survival for Teens



1) What is stress? Stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world.

2) What causes stress? The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. Anything that puts high demands on you or forces you to adjust can be stressful.

3)Relationship difficulties, work, school, and family are the main causes of stress.

4) The mental symptoms of stress include the following: tension, feeling excessively tired, inability to concentrate, and trouble sleeping. The physical symptoms of stress include the following: a pounding heart, difficulty breathing, dry mouth, sweaty palms, and trembling. 

The Situation

Anna recently entered high school. Anna thought it was going to be a fun experience, but it proved to be quite the opposite. Anna has stayed up every night doing work and gets five hours of sleep at best. Anna is always restless during class and always feels like she's lacking energy. Anna has no ability to concentrate, but an interesting solution comes up when Anna's friend Carly suggests having a cigarette. Carly explains to Anna that having a cigarette might reduce the pressure and help her to loosen up. What should Anna do?

Negative- Anna decides it can't be that bad and takes one from Carly. Suddenly Anna feels calm and relaxed. When Carly and Anna finish, Anna agrees to meet Carly everyday after school for a 'breather'.

Positive- Anna politely turns down Carly's offer and walks away. Anna then decides she should do what her friend Missy does everyday, a to-do list. Anna figures that a to-do list might help her stay organized and on top of things. Anna can now manage her time well and has come to the decision to eat a healthy, well-balanced breakfast every morning to energize her before school.

Learn about stress