There are all kinds of arguments for and against legalising drugs.
Amy Thomson before MDMA left her in a coma and later wheelchair-bound (Picture: Facebook/Amy Thomson)
But whichever side of the fence you sit on, it is hard not to be shocked by the transformation taking MDMA has had on this teenager from Glasgow.
Amy Thomson, 16, only took one crystal capsule of MDMA at a house party in June, but that was enough to transform her life dramatically, leaving her in a wheelchair, with brain damage and slurred speech.
She and three other teenagers were taken to hospital, but Amy was critically ill and ended up in a coma for weeks.
She is now in rehab and occasionally visits her family at home.
Now, we aren’t saying that MDMA was the cause of her death, but often it is mixed with unknown substances that could prove fatal.
Amy now has slurred speech and restricted movement (Picture: Facebook/Amy Thomson)
Her family has released footage and pictures of Amy to try and discourage other people who might be tempted to try the drug.
The clip, which shows Amy in her wheelchair thanking well-wishers for their support has been shared by hundreds.
Her family has released footage and pictures of Amy to try and discourage other people who might be tempted to try the drug.
The clip, which shows Amy in her wheelchair thanking well-wishers for their support has been shared by hundreds.
Her cousin Kayla hopes the footage will act as a warning for anyone else thinking of experimenting with drugs.
She said: ‘Some people may have cried, laughed or been shocked seeing the video. But this is what a tiny pill can do to you.
‘If this isn’t an eye opener for everyone who continues to take stuff, I dunno what is!’
Amy took a small amount of MDMA at a house party (Picture: Amy Thomson/Facebook)
‘What you are seeing is amazing compared to the way she was a few weeks ago.
‘She’s improved in many amazing ways.’
Around the same time, three other girls, aged 15, 17 and 18 were also taken to hospital in connection with the crystallised MDMA consumed by Amy.
‘What you are seeing is amazing compared to the way she was a few weeks ago.
‘She’s improved in many amazing ways.’
Around the same time, three other girls, aged 15, 17 and 18 were also taken to hospital in connection with the crystallised MDMA consumed by Amy.
The teenager has improved enough to enjoy home visits (Picture: Amy Thomson/Facebook)
Police Scotland’s national drug coordinator, Dectective Michael Miller, said: ‘Any drug can be dangerous and MDMA in crystalline form is likely to be far more concentrated. There incidents highlight the dangers of taking MDMA in both its crystalline and pill form.
‘These drugs are potent and you are putting your health at risk if you take ecstasy. I cannot emphasise enough that consuming MDMA with alcohol or any other drug increases the risks significantly.’
Knowing the risks
Ecstasy affects the body’s temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere, like a club, increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. Users should take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down and watch out for any mates who are on it – they mightn’t realise they’re in danger of overheating or getting dehydrated.
However, drinking too much can also be dangerous. Ecstasy can cause the body to release a hormone which stops it making urine. Drink too quickly and it affects your body’s salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water. Users should sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour.
Police Scotland’s national drug coordinator, Dectective Michael Miller, said: ‘Any drug can be dangerous and MDMA in crystalline form is likely to be far more concentrated. There incidents highlight the dangers of taking MDMA in both its crystalline and pill form.
‘These drugs are potent and you are putting your health at risk if you take ecstasy. I cannot emphasise enough that consuming MDMA with alcohol or any other drug increases the risks significantly.’
Knowing the risks
Ecstasy affects the body’s temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere, like a club, increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. Users should take regular breaks from the dance floor to cool down and watch out for any mates who are on it – they mightn’t realise they’re in danger of overheating or getting dehydrated.
However, drinking too much can also be dangerous. Ecstasy can cause the body to release a hormone which stops it making urine. Drink too quickly and it affects your body’s salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water. Users should sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour.
Metro
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