What is MDMA/ Catch22 Surrey Young Peoples Substance Ecstasy? Misuse Service

(Molly, Mandy, Pills , XTC, Beans, Doves) Catch22 Surrey Young People’s Substance Misuse service is a service for young people aged MDMA / MDMA is the official chemical name for the pure between 11 and 25 chemical compound. 3,4-Methylenedioxy We offer free confidential advice and support. methamphetamine or more commonly known as Ecstasy

Ecstasy (E), it is a psychoactive drug. If you would like to know more about the risks and effects of alcohol or drugs, or are struggling Understanding the risks MDMA/Ecstasy is a "psychedelic" stimulant drug and would like some help- we will listen and help usually sold as tablets, but is sometimes dabbed on to you work through your problems. gums or snorted in its powder form. Please contact  There is no safe level of drug use. It is MDMA/Ecstasy is a drug that is used recreationally important to be careful when taking any because of the way it can make people feel euphoric 24/7 helpline 08006226662 type of drug. and empathetic. Users may take it to feel energised, T: 01372 832905 happy or to stay awake and dance for hours. The Text: 07595088388 effects take about half an hour to kick in and tend to Email: [email protected] last between 3 to 6 hours, followed by a gradual Facebook & Twitter: Catch22 YPSM comedown. catch-22.org.uk/surrey-substance-misuse

Ecstasy is often taken at music festivals (often multi- Drug information for young people http://www.talktofrank.com/news/dangers- day events with multiple artists), nightclubs, raves xanax-misuse (large dance parties), or house parties.

Ecstasy pills are swallowed and come in different shapes, colours and sizes and are often imprinted with Catch-22.org.uk a picture or symbols, but they it can also come in the 01372 832905 form of capsules, powder or crystal. (MDMA) 10 things you 5. When Ecstasy has been cut with an 10. The effects of taking ecstasy with other alternative stimulant that may be slower drugs − including over-the-counter or to kick in than MDMA, some users may need to know prescribed medications − can be then top up with another dose unpredictable and dangerous. 1. MDMA/Ecstasy is a Class A controlled prematurely and find they suffer side- Substance, which means it is illegal to effects and may suffer an over-dose. Symptoms of withdrawal buy or supply. If you are caught, you could be sentenced to 7 years for 6. The number of people that die from include: possession, up to life in prison for supply ecstasy use is low compared to drugs such Depression, confusion, anxiety, cravings, and an unlimited fine or both. as heroin, cocaine, alcohol and tranquillisers. Nonetheless, a number of Agitation, Paranoia, Insomnia, Fatigue, difficulty 2. MDMA affects hormonal activity in the people in the UK do die from deaths concentrating, loss of appetite, memory brain of at least three related to ecstasy or ecstasy-type drugs problems, changes in self-perception. neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, every year. and norepinephrine. The uptake of Serotonin from MDMA significantly 7. Drug dealers will often mix the drug with Symptoms of overdose effect mood, sleep, appetite, and other substances because they may be may include: emotional health and wellbeing. cheaper to produce to increase the dealer’s profits - increasing the risks for Anxiety and paranoia, Hallucinations, 3. Tablets contain varying amounts/ users. Restlessness or agitation, very high blood strengths; some are drug mixes or could pressure, chest pain, rapid breathing, irregular or be fake. Regardless of what it looks like 8. MDMA can cause anxiety or panic or what it is called, you cannot be sure attacks, and leave you feeling fast heartbeat, hyperthermia—a dangerous what is in a pill or powder and you disorientated or confused. overheating of the body, fainting spells, loss of

cannot predict how you will react. consciousness, seizures. 9. The drug can push up your body 4. After taking ecstasy users may feel very temperature to what could be life- If you have used MDMA and you are feeling unwell tired and low and need a long periods of threatening levels, which is made worse or notice someone is unwell whilst using, after sleep to recover. This may last up to by hot clubs and dancing. MDMA-related using or after stopping using MDMA; then seek three or four days and is known as a deaths are often due to heatstroke, heart medical attention urgently – go straight to A&E or comedown. failure or drinking too little or too much if an emergency call emergency services. For water. urgent medical advice contact 111 or 999 in an Emergency