Wednesday 25th January 2012
Tis the season to be jolly. For many, this includes an increased likelihood of consuming alcohol or recreational drugs. But, if the idea is getting high to get happy, then it's worth considering the latest research.
A new study suggests that ecstasy may be causing permanent harm to users' brains. It's old news that the drug brings on a high by elevating seretonin levels - a chemical that regulates mood, appetite, sleep and learning. But, it appears that it also simultaneously depletes the brain of seretonin, inhibiting the receptors. This can lead to long-term depression, weight gain and a diminished ability to learn.
The researchers believe the increase in receptor density is the brain's attempt to compensate for a loss of serotonin caused by ecstasy. The same effect has already been seen in some animal studies.
Professor Cowan pointed out that ecstasy, which has the chemical name MDMA, is now being tested as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety linked to cancer.
"It's essential that we understand the risk associated with using ecstasy," he said.