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Commonly Known As: X, MDMA, XTC, E, M, adam, eve, bean, roll,
love drug, love potion. The experience is often referred to as tripping,
wigging, rolling, X-ing.
Access to Drug: Sold at parties, clubs, raves, and on the streets
in pill form, capsules or powder. Ecstasy is illegal and and is often
manufactured into pill form in illicit labs in the United States and
Europe for distribution. Arrests can be made for possession, sales,
manufacturing and transportation.
Scientific Name: 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a synthesized
compound that is an hallucinogenic stimulant.
Interesting Facts: The compound MDMA was first synthesized and
patented in 1914 as an appetite suppressant. Use of MDMA and MDA picked
up again in the 60’s because of the euphoric effects which is
where the name “love drug” originated. In the 70’s
and early part of the 1980’s some psychologists and psychiatrists
would use MDMA on their patients to help people with psychological and
emotional difficulties. Because of its growing widespread abuse, MDMA
was banned in 1985 by the Federal Government and listed as a Schedule
1 substance. It is the most widely abused club drug on the illegal market
today. Unfortunately, because of its popularity, pills are often sold
under the guise of being Ecstasy but actually are compounds containing
ephedrine, amphetamine, caffeine, DXM or other life threatening combinations.
Methods of Use: Taken orally in pill or gel cap form. The pills
often have “cutsey” designs that change constantly.
Common Effects When Intoxicated: Users experience euphoria,
a sense of well-being, a decrease in inhibitions, and hyperactivity.
It is known for use at raves and clubs because of the hyperactivity
and the ability to dance for an extended period of time. Some users
will experience anxiety and paranoia. Physical effects include clenching
of the jaws, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate,
increased blood pressure, hypothermia and dehydration.
Duration of Intoxication: The full effects of MDMA can start
20 minutes to an hour after ingestion and last for about three to four
hours during the peak experience. The whole experience can last 6 to
24 hours including the “crash” period when the euphoric
feeling begins to wear off the and user notices a worsening of their
mood, sadness, depression or paranoia.
Withdrawal: Many users will experience depression which can
last anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks. There may also be on-going sweats/chills
and insomnia as well as exhaustion from over-exertion. Ecstasy can be
detected for up to 4 days in the urine but labs require specific tests
to detect MDMA/Ecstasy.
Effects of Long Term Use: Long term use can cause long lasting
depletion of the brain Serotonin levels affecting aggression, mood,
sexual activity, sleep and sensitivitiy to pain. There are several studies
showing a reduction in brain memory and increases in depression and
anxiety.
Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction: Peer pressure and curiosity
contribute to the abuse of Ecstasy. It is addicting for psychological
reasons. Users tend to chase the feelings of euphoria created by Ecstasy/MDMA,
however, tolerance does develop, creating the need for higher doses
and stronger after-effects.
Associated Risks: Dehydration, exhaustion, blackouts and a few
cases of death have been reported from the use of Ecstasy/MDMA. It has
also been known to trigger mental illness as well as emotional crisis
while under the influence. Because many of the pills on the street are
often mixed with other compounds, anyone taking a pill called ecstasy
could be taking something else and cause serious harm to themselves
and others.
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