Most people who have used the drug ecstasy know that it can provide a euphoric feeling. However, that great feeling could be setting users up for a long battle with depression.

A recent study out of Canada reported by CBS news, revealed that teens who get high on MDMA (ecstasy), methamphetamine and/or amphetamine could be setting themselves up for feeling depressed long after they take the drugs, according to a new Canadian study.

Frightening Findings

Researchers interviewed about 3,900 10th graders in Quebec and followed up with them when they were in the 11th grade. Those who admitted to using the drugs had a 60 to 70 percent risk of experiencing depression symptoms a year after they said they used the substances. Teens who used both the drugs had double the risk for signs of depression compared to those who didn't use the drugs.

How accurate are these findings? Really the only true way to see the effects of these drugs on depression would be to have a test group using a placebo which will never happen.

In my opinion, these drugs mess with the body’s nature chemical balance, altering serotonin levels and making it more difficult to appreciate life without the aid of chemicals.

Drugs are evil. There is no need to make life more difficult by using drugs and getting addicted to chemical substances. The best way to steer clear of depression is to steer clear of addictions. If you or someone you care about has a drug problem seek help. There are also online drug classes.

In our series on addictive drugs we next look at ecstasy. Ecstasy, scientifically known as MDMA, can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, and diminished anxiety. Did you know of all the major addictive drugs, ecstasy is the least addictive? On a scale from 0 to 3, with 3 being the most addictive (heroin), MDMA rated a 1.2 for psychological dependence and a 0.7 for physical dependence.

Can Ecstasy Be Good for You?

Many studies, particularly in the fields of psychology and cognitive therapy, have suggested that MDMA has therapeutic benefits and facilitates therapy sessions in certain individuals, a practice for which it had formally been used in the past. Clinical trials are now testing the therapeutic potential of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety associated with terminal cancer.

Most recently, studies have shown that psilocybin, often found in “magic mushrooms” can have a positive effect on personality with as little as one use.

MDMA is criminalized in most countries under a United Nations (UN) agreement, and its possession, manufacture, or sale may result in criminal prosecution, although some limited exceptions exist for scientific and medical research.

MDMA is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world and is taken in a variety of contexts far removed from its roots in psychotherapeutic settings.

As a counselor for both in class and online drug classes my advice is that there is no medical benefit from doing ecstasy.