| Part Four: Home at NU As most know, NU is not known for partying, especially with the disappearance of tailgates. But the 'E' culture, as it moves its way up in popularity across the nation, has filtered its way into the lives of some NU students, especially in the past two years. "The use of ecstasy on this campus blew up at the beginning of last year," Ben says. "It is partly due to the fact that it is so mainstream, so easy to get. It is what is in the market right now. After we tried it and loved it, we started bringing it in and supplying it to a lot of different people." Since ecstasy is a feeling drug, rather than a thinking drug, it is perfect for stressed out young adults as a form of escapism. MDMA is technically not an addictive drug, but it seems that NU students and others across the country turn back to it again and again for that first initial high, euphoric feeling, which unfortunately, can only be later met with higher doses of the drug. "NU students do it because it is the one drug that for a little while, you forget all the pressures," Samantha says. "Coke makes you function, whereas with pot you are still aware of pressures, but they just don't seem that important. But with ecstasy, you don't even realize you have that paper to do. Plus, it is an appearance drug. Some people can get away with being on it without other people knowing it, and it is the in thing to do right now–the recreational designer drug."  But some students do say that the recent research makes them more apprehensive about the drug. Students who use to take ecstasy somewhat frequently are starting to think twice about the long-term effects of the drug, saving rolling for only "special occasions."
"The only reason that it scares me is that I get so happy, that it takes me so much longer to get to that stage of happiness," Samantha adds. "I don't want to feel that way because of a drug, something synthetic. And I wish I didn't feel so stupid the day after, but I am glad I do otherwise I would do it all the time." But still, ecstasy is continuing to become popular in and outside of the club scene, at NU and across the country. Ecstasy offers a few of the best hours of your life, without any of the scariness that corresponds with hallucinogens. Most feel that no matter if people join "Generation Ecstasy" or not, the culture's influence will thrive for some time. "It is a culture developing, not a fad," says Tim, a NU student. "Ecstasy is playing a role in this decade that LSD played in the 60s and 70s, and will for at least for a couple more years. There is a lot of hype and people keep overdoing it without realizing the potential negative consequences." But then again, who really understands something without trying it? Stacy Shoemaker is a Medill senior. When she's not raving 'til dawn, you can reach her at s-shoemaker@northwestern.edu. Editor's Note: The names of Ecstasy users have been changed. back: What's all the fuss about? [ or, go back to the top ] | 
