MDMA

Ecstasy/MDMA acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen, producing an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.

Adolescents and young adults use it to reduce inhibitions and to promote:

• Euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality

Known as a party drug, ecstasy comes in pill or powder form; the pill has a variety of logos and colours.

Adam, Beans, Biscuit, Clarity, Disco Biscuit, E, Eve, Go, Hug Drug, Lover’s Speed, MDMA, Peace, STP, X, XTC

Swallowing gel capsules (Molly), pills, and tablets. Powder, Crystal, liquid. Crushed or snorted. Occasionally smoked.

Increased motor activity, alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, tremors, teeth clenching, nausea, sweating, euphoria, empathy, reduced inhibition, chills, blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, severe dehydration, sleep problems, and drug craving.

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, or cardiovascular system failure, swelling of the brain, and even death.

Furthermore, repeated use of MDMA over a short time may lead to potentially harmful concentrations of MDMA within the body due to the complex metabolism of MDMA.