hot environment. Consequences of Hypothermia are damage to the muscle tissues, liver and kidneys, and the intravascular system (Kalant 7). Keeping the body cool, resting frequently when dancing, and staying well hydrated can prevent these conditions.The type of fluid that is consumed is also important, and water intake should be monitored to avoid hyponatremia, or a low concentration of sodium in the blood. When hyponatremia occurs at raves, it is often because large quantities of salt are lost through the users sweat while they are dancing. In an effort to avoid dehydration and hypothermia, many ecstasy users will drink excessive amounts of water. This does prevent dehydration by keeping the body cool, but the replacement of water alone only serves to further dilute the level of salt that is available in the blood stream (Kalant 7). When this level becomes too low, hyponatremia occurs, and the users body will go into shock. People suffering from this condition often demonstrate “nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, slurred speech, confusion, and inappropriate behavior” (Salt 2). In more serious cases, the water will diffuse through the blood stream and into the tissues, causing a sort of internal drowning. This excess water is also known to spread into the brain, causing water retention and swelling, and often resulting in coma (Kalant 7). To avoid Hyponatremia, users should eat salty foods and hydrate themselves with a sodium containing sports drink such as Gatorade rather than drinking water (Salt 2). The effects of Ecstasy on the brain are completely different than the rapidly occurring effects witnessed in the rest of the body. The damage to the brain occurs slowly, often without users noticing a change until it is too late. Dr. Una McCann, a Psychiatry professor at John Hopkins University, states that “most people who use MDMA don’t die or have psychiatric problems right afterward....
