[Student Reports] Ecstasy Use Common Amongst Teens

Jay Kim / 11th. Granada Hills Charter HS

Ecstasy or otherwise known as MDMA is a psychoactive drug known to produce a sense of intimacy with others and eliminate any feelings of fear and anxiety. It is also known to generally enhance sensory experiences provide mental clarity along with a sense of inner peace and self-acceptance.

But what most adults and parents are unaware of is the fact that ecstasy sales possession and consumption occur regularly within the walls of high schools. Students even Korean Americans are exposed to this drug and its popularity has soared along with the recent hype over "raves."

Rave was a term coined back in the 1980's and used to describe all-night dance parties that host performers and DJ's playing electronic trance or techno music. Light shows and artificial fogs are also common at these parties; a specific aspect that provide a hypnotic-like sensation for those who have consumed "e" with their friends prior to entering the rave since it's illegal to possess any at the event.

"Raves have recently experienced a sort of revival everyone was dying to attend them these past couple of months" said an anonymous student at Granada Hills Charter High School. "Once you take 'e' you just feel so good nothing can stop that sense of euphoria spreading through your body. But I have to admit some dangerous things can go on at raves especially since we're all under the influence."

Ecstasy can be found easily if students have the right connections with the right people at their schools. "E" pills are most commonly sold in the youth community for as much as ten dollars a pill.

"Everyone knows how damaging 'e' could be but we do it anyways" the anonymous student stated. "Usually my friends and I purchase the tickets to the raves without our parents knowing and then we just lie saying that we're spending the night at our friend's place on the night of the rave when really we're out doing things our parents would never imagine we'd do."

Students also consume recreational drugs such as "e" even when they don't attend any raves. "E" has become a commonplace drug that may be used when students just hang out or attend local high school parties.

"It's obvious that our age group and high school students in general are influenced by all sorts of drugs. There's always been this preconception that teenagers just sit around and smoke marijuana or drink alcohol and guess what. It's true" Eugene Lee a junior from Granada Hills Charter High School said. "But consuming 'e' is taking it way too far in my opinion. Not only does it damage your brain cells to a devastating degree but it can also kill you on your first try."

"I've seen people on 'e' before. Their eyes dilate and they just keep on touching you because it feels so good to them" senior Pauline Lee from Granada Hills Charter High School said. "It's scary to see my peers put their young lives at risk just for a couple of hours of fun. It's not worth it."