MDMA acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic, producing an energizing effect as well as distortions in time and
perception and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences. Adolescents and young adults use it to promote euphoria, feelings
of closeness, empathy, sexuality and to reduce inhibitions.
Although MDMA is known universally among users as Ecstasy, researchers have determined that many Ecstasy tablets contain
not only MDMA but also a number of other drugs or drug combinations that can be harmful, such as methamphetamine, Ketamine,
cocaine, the over-the-counter cough suppressant dextromethorphan, the diet drug ephedrine and caffeine.
In addition, other drugs similar to MDMA, such as MDA or PMA, are often sold as Ecstasy, which can lead to overdose and
death when the user takes additional doses to obtain the desired effect.
Ecstacy Street Names
Tabs, Molly (implies that the pills or capsuls are pure MDMA), Adam, Beans, Clarity, Disco Biscuit, E, Ecstasy, Eve,
Go, Hug Drug, Lover's Speed, MDMA, Peace, STP, X, XTC
Looks Like
MDMA is mainly distributed in tablet form. MDMA tablets are sold with logos, creating brand names for users to seek
out. The colorful pills are often hidden among colorful candies. MDMA is also distributed in capsules, powder, and liquid
forms.
Methods of Ecstacy Abuse
MDMA use mainly involves swallowing tablets (50-150 mg). It is also available as a powder, and tablets are sometimes
crushed and snorted, occasionally smoked but rarely injected. MDMA abusers usually take MDMA by "stacking" (taking three or
more tablets at once) or by "piggy-backing" (taking a series of tablets over a short period of
time).
One trend among young adults is "candy flipping," which is the co-abuse of MDMA and LSD. It is considered a "party drug"
and obtained at "rave" or "techno" parties. However, its abuse has expanded to include other settings outside of the rave
scenes, such as on college campuses.
As with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely used alone. It is not uncommon for users to mix MDMA with other substances,
such as alcohol and marijuana.
Affect on Ecstacy on the Mind
MDMA mainly affects brain cells that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with each other. Serotonin helps to
regulate mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep and sensitivity to pain.
Clinical studies suggest that MDMA may increase the risk of long-term, perhaps permanent, problems with memory and learning.
MDMA causes changes in perception, including increased sensitivity to touch, euphoria, increased energy, increased sensual
and sexual arousal, increased "need" to be touched (i.e., hugged) and an increased need for stimulation.
Some unwanted psychological effects include confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug craving.
All these effects usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of swallowing the drug and usually last 4 to 6 hours, but they may
occur or last weeks
after ingestion.
Affect of Ecstacy on the Body
Users of MDMA experience many of the same effects and face many of the same risks as users of other stimulants
such as cocaine and amphetamines. These include increased motor activity, alertness, heart rate and blood pressure.
Some unwanted physical effects include muscle tension, tremors, involuntary teeth clenching, muscle cramps, nausea,faintness,
chills, sweating and blurred vision. High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate body temperature, resulting
in a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), leading to liver, kidney and
cardiovascular failure.
Severe dehydration can result from the combination of the drug’s effects and the crowded and hot conditions in
which the drug is often taken.
Studies suggest chronic use of MDMA can produce damage to the serotonin system. It is ironic that a drug that is taken
to increase pleasure may cause damage that reduces a person’s ability to feel pleasure.
Drugs Causing Similar Effects
No one other drug is quite like MDMA, but MDMA produces both amphetamine-like stimulation and mild mescaline-like
hallucinations.
Ecstacy Overdose Effects
As noted above, in high doses, MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. On occasions,
this can lead to a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system
failure and death. Because MDMA can interfere with its own metabolism (that is, its break down within the body), potentially
harmful levels can be reached by repeated drug use within short intervals.
Legal Status in the United States
MDMA is a Schedule I drug, meaning it has no approved medical usage and a high potential for abuse.
Common Places of Origin
MDMA is a synthetic chemical, made in labs. Seized MDMA in the U.S. is primarily manufactured in clandestine laboratories
in Canada and to a lesser extent the Netherlands and is smuggled across our borders. A small number of MDMA clandestine laboratories
have also been identified operating in the U.S.
