Ash Ganesh M.D. is a Medical Doctor in St. Petersburg Florida. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and Duke University. Dr. Ganesh is a member of the Florida Medical Association as well as licensed with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Ash will be answering questions and writing about various medical topics that concern South Asian Youth. Got a question? Email ash@mybindi.com

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Prior to the emergence of GHB as a facilitator of nonconsensual sex, the king of the Mickeys was Rohypnol, also known as Roaches, Roofies, and Mexican Valium. It is similar to GHB in the way that it alters a users mental status. It can produce a sense of euphoria, disinhibition, hallucinations, and sedation. Some of its undesired effects include memory impairment, drowsiness, and loss of coordination. In more severe cases, it can lead to a faster heart rate, decreased blood pressure, seizures, and respiratory depression. Long term use can result in a physical dependence.

The third drug, MDMA (3,4 Methylenedioxy methamphetamine) was first made in Germany in 1914 as an appetite suppressant but was never marketed. It was later used in the United States as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Eventually, in the 1970s, it became a drug of abuse. MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, Adam, Hug Drug, and M&M is relatively simple to synthesize and costs from $20 to $45 on the street. It takes only thirty to sixty minutes after ingestion until onset of action. It peaks at ninety minutes in the bloodstream and can provide a high lasting over five hours. A study in 1990 reported that 24% of undergraduate students at Tulane University in Louisiana had tried the substance, which exceeded that of cocaine.

MDMA imparts upon its user a sense of euphoria and empathy combined with a feeling of enhanced sensory perception. The drug also dissolves fears, enhances sociability, and increases ones energy level. All these effects combined with hallucinogenic properties have made it the rage at raves. A popular method of consuming the drug is called "stacking", which involves swallowing several tablets at once. This is used to potentiate marathon dancing in a hot environment. However, this can lead to dehydration and hyperthermia. Some raves provide "smart drinks" or "power drinks", which contain vitamins and amino acids to counteract these effects and keep the party goers hydrated. If the consumer is unable to keep up with his or her fluid losses or has taken too much MDMA, serious life threatening emergencies can take place. Initially, one may feel jittery, hot and have a dry mouth. Then muscle cramps along with an elevation in body temperature called hyperthermia may result. If the condition is not reversed, the person may experience hypertension, seizures, and even sudden death from cardiac arrhythmias.

Many consumers erroneously believe that MDMA has no long term side effects. Unlike GHB and Rohypnol, which are addictive, chronic use of MDMA can lead to a profound psychosis, panic attacks, flashbacks, memory disturbances, cognitive dysfunction and nearly untreatable depression. The drug is believed to affect the behavior centers of our brain that help to control our emotions. Continual use of the drug has been shown to permanently damage the neurons that discharge mood modulators such as serotonin and dopamine. Popular antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Celexa rely on these neurons to remain intact in order for effective treatment of anxiety and depression. For chronic users of MDMA, there just is not enough circulating serotonin in the brain for these medications to act upon, thereby leaving the patient with the assorted mental conditions stated earlier.

So there you are. These are the facts. Despite what you may have heard or wanted to believe, the dangers of these rave drug are very real. The next time you find yourself at an all-night party, make sure you've brought your friends and your common sense. Time to make up your mind.

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