How to Tell When a Teen Is Using Ecstasy
Ecstasy is an illegal stimulant usually taken in pill form that causes feelings of euphoria and increased heart rate. It is common among teens who frequent concerts, nightclubs and dance parties, often referred to as "raves," because of its effects in increasing the enjoyment of music and bodily movement and touch. Ecstasy is generally made in home laboratories and may include a variety of dangerous chemicals, depending on the source. There are certain signs to watch for that may tell you if your teen is using ecstasy.
Instructions
Observe your teen's mood for sudden bursts of happiness or euphoria. If your teen comes home seeming unusually exhilarated or talks about feeling overwhelming love or free of all worries and concerns, it is possible she might be high on ecstasy. Ecstasy often causes an extreme feeling of well being and empathy in people who use it. Notice any problems your teen has with his memory to tell when he might be using ecstasy. Ecstasy's effect on the brain often leads to memory loss. If your teen seems to have trouble remembering recent actions or things he said, he might be using ecstasy. Be attentive to feelings of depression that your teen may express verbally or show through actions and behavior. The immediate period following use of ecstasy tends to result in feelings of depression, often described as "coming down" by people who use it, and may vary in terms of harshness and length depending on the person's body and the amount of ecstasy taken. Heavy ecstasy use is believed to lead to long-term depression in some teens. Examine any problems your teen has sleeping, especially if these issues seem to be consistent on weekend nights or other times after your teen is out with friends. Due to the increase in heart rate and blood pressure caused by ecstasy, people often have trouble falling asleep for several hours after using it. Look closely at your child's physical appearance and behavior when she comes home from a night out to tell when she has been using ecstasy. Your teen is likely to appear sweaty and have a high body temperature and may seem dizzy or close to fainting. Teens who use ecstasy also often grind their teeth together or may suck on lollipops or other types of candy to prevent this from happening.