Ectasy

Ectasy

MDMA or ecstasy (3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties.  

What are the street names/slang terms for it?

Adam, Bean, E, Ecstasy, M, Roll, X, XTC

What does it look like?

Ecstasy come in a tablet form that is often branded, e.g. Playboy bunnies, Nike swoosh, CK.

How is it used?

Taken in pill form, users sometimes take ecstasy at "raves," clubs, and other parties to keep on dancing and for mood enhancement.

What are its short-term effects?

Short-term effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, unusual displays of affection, transfixion on sights and sounds, muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, and chills or sweating. After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety and depression.

Ecstasy can cause severe dehydration, seizures and strokes. It can cause dramatic increases in body temperature and can lead to muscle breakdown, which can cause kidney failure. It can lead to liver and cardiovascular failure, which have been reported in some of the ecstasy-related fatalities.

What are its long-term effects?

Repeated use of ecstasy ultimately may damage the cells that produce serotonin, which has an important role in the regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory. There already is research suggesting ecstasy use can disrupt or interfere with memory.

What is its federal classification?

MDMA is a Schedule I drug.

Price

In the F-M area, one tablet of "ectasy" costs $25 to $30.

Treatment

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers tips for finding a drug treatment program. You can also call 1-800-662-HELP for referral to a treatment program.

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America (www.drugfreeamerica.com)