Ellen Campbell- Grizzle
PEARL SPENT the first two weeks of this year in treatment for ecstasy abuse. She still experiences some twitches and jaw clenching. A year ago, no one could have told her that she would spend the Christmas and the New Year season without going to a party or nightclub. Yet, that is what she chose to do.
People like Pearl, who have escaped death from drugs, such as ecstasy, make strenuous efforts to overcome the cravings. They have learnt to avoid those parties, clubs and 'ravers' associated with drug abuse. An 'ecstasy crash' is an experience that many people never wish to repeat.
Pearl liked to dance and was a flawless mover. Her friends called her a real 'party animal'. At Christmas and New Year's season, she revelled in the party and nightclub scene. Pearl lived with her seven-year-old daughter, Angel, and would pride herself on being a good mother. At Christmas time, Angel went to stay with her father and his family. Pearl was really free to party during the holidays. However, her days as a 'party animal' ended last New Year's Eve. Her party posse bought their tickets for the New Year's Eve party at a popular nightclub. Pearl ate, drank glasses of champagne and hit the dance floor.
WAVES OF EUPHORIA
The ecstasy tablets that she had swallowed half an hour before kicked in and she was on a 'roll'. Waves of euphoria and energy overwhelmed her as she felt the rhythm intensify. For a long time Pearl moved frenetically around the dance floor, switching from partner to partner. Then, the efficiently air-conditioned club felt like an oven to her and the lights started to flicker ominously. She swaggered back to her table, sat down, gulped down some water, felt numb and conked out.
The doctors told her that she almost died. Ecstasy, or methylenedio-symethamphetamine (MDMA), had released large amounts of the chemical serotonin, and blocked off the normal route by which the body reabsorbed it. Serotonin is responsible for regulating many aspects of physical and psychological behaviour, such as mood, sleep, appetite and body temperature. The ecstasy also released another chemical, dopamine, bringing about higher energy levels and hyperactivity. Under the influence of ecstasy, Pearl had felt bursts of energy, mood elevation, lowered inhibitions and overconfidence. She experienced blurred vision, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. The combination of alcohol and ecstasy had increased dehydration.
Pearl is still undergoing therapy. Sometimes, she feels lethargic, isolated and depressed, but her appetite and concentration are returning. Last Yuletide season, Angel was with her and this was a real blessing. She has discovered that time spent focused on Angel reduces her desire to party. Some simple credos have kept her 'together' over the past few months. Here are Pearl's words of wisdom:
Contentment and happiness come from within.
Pray, meditate and fill your mind with positive thoughts.
Spend more time with your children and family.
Party as if there is a tomorrow.
Have a wonder-filled 2006.
Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, information and research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
