![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.anfocal.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/mdma-300x164.png\")
<\/p>\n\u201cI never really think about what I\u2019m taking. One night recently I was taking MD, Ket, and Coke
\naltogether.”<\/p>\n
“I don\u2019t think of it as a big deal, it\u2019s just a bit of fun.”<\/p>\n
The words of one student who spoke to An Focal under the condition of remaining anonymous.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t take a genius to tell that there is a serious drug phenomenon amongst Irish students.<\/p>\n
The drug culture is more prevalent than ever in Limerick, with techno events and the culture
\nthat goes along with it, steadily growing in popularity.<\/p>\n
After speaking to some UL students who are well-versed in the drugs scene, it became apparent
\nthat MDMA was the most popular among them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so readily available to buy. I probably have three or four contacts on my phone who I
\ncould text right now and have a bag in an hour if I wanted it. It\u2019s nearly too easy to get your
\nhands on,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
So, what is MDMA?<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
MDMA, or more commonly known as Ecstasy or MD, is a stimulant drug that causes mild
\nhallucinogenic effects.<\/p>\n
Short-term effects include the \u2018love-buzz\u2019, where people feel intense emotions towards
\nthose around them, dilation of pupils and tightening of the jaw.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no better feeling than the rush of warmth you get shortly after taking a scoop, it
\nmakes you feel like the happiest person on earth\u201d said another student.<\/p>\n
However, there are some serious risks to taking MDMA, including a \u2018come-down\u2019, where
\nusers may feel bouts of depression in the hours after the drug wearing off.<\/p>\n
Some other long-term side effects include weight loss, sleep problems and loss of interest in
\nwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe morning after taking drugs is a write-off. I can never face going into college or doing
\nany work. Some people might see that as a day wasted, but if the night was good, then I
\ndon\u2019t think it is,” one student posited.<\/p>\n
When asked about precautions taken surrounding their drug use, An Focal was met with a series of
\nmixed responses from the group of UL students who wished to speak off the record.<\/p>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/cdn.pixabay.com\/photo\/2018\/06\/23\/13\/50\/nightclub-3492748_960_720.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cI always buy from the same person; I would never buy drugs off of a random lad in a
\nnightclub. I think it\u2019s better to have one or two people you trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI always make sure to let everyone in my friend-group know what I\u2019m taking well before
\nthe night so at least if something goes wrong or I start acting weird they won\u2019t be as worried
\nand will know it\u2019s the drugs,” came another reply.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always make sure to drink very little if I\u2019m planning on taking stuff that night. I make sure
\nto stop after two drinks max,” another added.<\/p>\n
UL Student Life run several campaigns throughout the year in order to promote safe drug-
\nuse, often hosting Q and A sessions on Instagram where students can ask anonymous
\nquestions and receive advice on their own drug use.<\/p>\n
Drug use may be a huge issue among college students, but it seems for the most part, that UL students are aware of the risks and dangers associated with what they\u2019re taking and try to take sensible precautions in order to ensure safer drug use.<\/p>\n
Education and rehabilitation, and not scare-mongering punishment, is the way forward to tackle the issue.<\/p>\n