Activity 2- Ecstasy Epidemic

I chose to research the Ecstasy epidemic on Google. There were about 384,000 hits for this specific search.

The overall theme that is emphasized in the five articles was that ecstasy use is rapidly rising, and could overtake the use of drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Interest of this drug has increased by users, researchers, educators, and policy makers in recent years. The ecstasy industry has become a huge enterprise in less than a decade, and younger and younger people are beginning to abuse this drug.  

In the “Britain on verge of ecstasy epidemic” article, the reporter emphasized the rise in production and use of the drug. “The great ecstasy epidemic” article covered the trafficking of the drug and the development of the industry. The “Graham: Tuesday, A New Tool To Combat Ecstasy Epidemic” article covered the laws that have been enacted to protect people against the drug and the penalties for distributing this drug. “Declaring an Ecstasy Epidemic” explained what Santa Clara County has done to declare ecstasy an epidemic and showed young people disapproving of the drug. “Questions & Answers: The Ecstasy Epidemic” explains how ecstasy is no longer a big city epidemic, but has spread everywhere. It also suggests that the drug has become mainstream due to its changing name and marketing strategy.

I think that these themes are valid in regards to the drug due to the huge interest of the drug in the party culture. In addition, I think that these themes are valid because dance clubs and raves are becoming more and more of an interest to young people and ecstasy plays a huge role in these events.

I think that the drug is a problem of epidemic proportions because of the place it has taken in the rave and dance culture in today’s society. More and more people, especially young people, have begun to participate in this drug as a means of fitting in and “having fun” at clubs and raves. I think the media labels this drug as an epidemic for the same reasons, because it is becoming more and more common and more and more accessible.

I think this information relates to class material because we the age group that this drug generally effects falls within the age group of our class. Also, in the class we learn about Schedule 1 drugs, like this one, synthetic drugs and their effects, and how today’s society views this drug.

Resources

Declaring an Ecstasy Epidemic. (2012, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.nbcbayarea.com/on-air/as-seen-on/editorialsDeclaring-an-Ecstasy-Epidemic-138225504.html

Graham: Tuesday, A New Tool To Combat Ecstasy Epidemic. (2001, April 30). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2001-04-30/news/0104300081_1_ecstasy-sentencing-guidelines-gram

Hickley, M. (n.d.). Britain on verge of ecstasy epidemic. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-197808/Britain-verge-ecstasy-epidemic.html

Questions &Amp; Answers: The Ecstasy Epidemic. (2000, January 1). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.newsweek.com/questions-amp-answers-ecstasy-epidemic-158691

The great ecstasy epidemic. (2003, September 27). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/news/2003/sep/28/drugs.society