Fifth Grade
Worksheets
All About X
Have you heard of E, X, or XTC? These are all street names for the same illegal drug - ecstasy.
Ecstasy is one of the "club drugs" some teens and young adults are taking. Its proper name is MDMA, short for a very long word with many letters. But X is no joke. MDMA is a stimulant. It makes some people feel good, for a short time.
Ecstasy reacts with the chemicals in your brain. It might make you feel all "warm and fuzzy." You may feel very happy and kinder toward others. Ecstasy can make it feel really great when someone touches you. Some people take it so that they can feel this way.
But, like all drugs, MDMA has some serious side effects. If you take this drug, you are taking a lot of risks. It can affect your mind. After the "high," you can become confused and depressed. You can have trouble sleeping. Your memory might suffer. These effects can happen even weeks after you have taken the drug.
There are dangerous physical side effects, also. Stimulants make your heart race. They can increase your blood pressure. Your kidneys and liver could be damaged forever. Many people shake uncontrollably. They may also grind their teeth.
