The Problem of Ecstasy Addiction in Nevada

Nevada's prolific club culture has led to a sharp rise in the use of illegal synthetic 'club drugs' among teens and youth over the past decade. One of the most widely available of these recreational drugs is MDMA, popularly known as Ecstasy. Ecstasy is trafficked into the state along with GHB and LSD, especially in the southern cities including Las Vegas, where casinos and club culture is most rampant. The drugs are readily accessible to abusers in casinos, nightclubs and raves and have led to a serious issue of Ecstasy addiction in Nevada.

While large scale trafficking of Ecstasy is rampant throughout the state with connections between local and out of state distributors, small scale local trafficking has also been seen. A case in point is the busting of a high school drug racket in April of 2013 where six high school students were arrested for drug sales during school hours to peers.

The Dangers of Ecstasy Addiction

While Ecstasy is not as addictive as cocaine or heroin, it is nevertheless addictive and can have adverse long term effects ranging from nausea, hallucinations, chills, tremors, muscle cramping, blurred vision and in worst cases, symptoms of depression, paranoia and anxiety. Ecstasy overdose can also result in death. The drug is popular among clubbers because it is reputed to suppress the need to sleep or eat, allowing abusers to enjoy three-day long parties. It is also physically damaging in that it can lead to unprotected sex and contribute to teen pregnancy and transmissions of STD. One US survey revealed that 43 percent of young people who reported the use of Ecstasy also showed symptoms of dependence on the drug.

Ecstasy Abuse in Nevada

Ecstasy is usually sold in the form of capsules, as a loose white crystalline powder or in the form of pressed pills. The average dose costs between $10-$30, and the drug is usually swallowed and snorted. The drug can also be snorted or injected. Most of the Ecstasy abused in Las Vegas in the south and Reno in the north is sourced from New York and Southern California. However it is difficult to determine the percentage of Ecstasy use in the state due to the proliferation of all kinds of illegal drugs.

The History of Ecstasy Abuse in Nevada

Ecstasy became popular in the late 1980s and 1990s and is now a big part of the drug scene throughout the country and parts of Nevada. A World Drug Report (WDR) released by the United Nations in 2005 revealed that there were 8 million users of Ecstasy in the United States as of that year. In 2003, the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse found that of all drug and alcohol abusers in Nevada, Clark County (of which Las Vegas is the seat) saw 0.65 % of club drug abuse, while the figures were 0.40% for rural Nevada and 0.20% in Washoe County. In contrast, Carlson City saw little or no abuse of club drugs.

Between 2004 and 2008, there was a 75 percent increase in the use of Ecstasy throughout the country, and saw as many as 17,000 Ecstasy-related visits to emergency rooms. Nevada has also seen a proportionate rise in emergency room visits due to Ecstasy use.

Current Status Quo of Ecstasy Addiction in Nevada

Nevada and its 'Sin City' Las Vegas have not yet successfully managed to suppress the growing addiction to Ecstasy and other club drugs. Outside of Reno and Las Vegas, club drugs like Ecstasy, GHB, PCP, LSD, Ketamine and others pose a significant threat to college and high school students in the state. However there are plenty of drug rehab centers in the state for addicts. Nevada authorities are also battling the possession, manufacture, distribution and sale of the drug with stringent laws meting out high fines and long prison terms to offenders.