After the first experience many ecstasy users want to feel these positive feelings again and become ongoing users. Another reason for the current trend of ecstasy abuse is the rise of the number of raves going on in America. Raves are usually large dance parties with "loud, repetitive, synthesized electronical rock music at 80 to 120 beats per minute" (Schwartz). They usually cost $7 to $15 dollars and are held at makeshift dance halls and Warehouses. Ecstasy is very easy to obtain at these raves and the vast majority of ravers there are on ecstasy. Its hard to tell if raves started the ecstasy trend we are now in or the other way around, But many people feel you would not have much of one without the other. Another reason for people to try ecstasy is peer pressure. Almost all teens and young adults want to feel like they belong to something. If many of ones friends are doing ecstasy it is hard to not fall to the temptation. By seeing their friends doing it most people figure that ecstasy cannot have many side effects. It is also possible to make new friends by just using ecstasy. Because when on it they feel more friendly and outgoing, and feel they fit better into the rave scene. .
Unfortunately there still is not enough knowledge on exactly what the long term side effects of ecstasy are; however, the research that has been done shows some very serious side effects. One of these horrible side effects is called MDMA neurotoxicity. It is described as " the lasting reduction of serotonin transporters occurred throughout the brain" (Special). That can lead to "Long-term affects on memory and other cognitive functions" (Special). Also MDMA, or ecstasy can lead to "Increases in the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature" (Special). At raves where many people are on ecstasy and dancing for extended amounts of time dehydration, heat stroke, and hypertension is common. In the most extreme cases this can lead to heart failure, kidney failure and even death.
