MDMA (Ecstasy)
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What is MDMA? from middle- and upper-class house- Users also are at risk of consuming holds. MDMA is inexpensive. The aver- other drugs that may be sold to them MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymeth- age retail price of an MDMA tablet is as MDMA. In some instances, the amphetamine, also known as ecstasy) between $20 and $30 making it attrac- synthetic drug PMA (paramethoxy- is a synthetic (man-made) drug that tive and accessible to younger users. amphetamine) has been sold as MDMA. causes both hallucinogenic and stimu- Because PMA’s hallucinogenic effects lant effects. The drug was developed in Where is it used? take longer to appear, users may con- Germany in the early twentieth cen- sume too much of the drug, which can tury as an appetite suppressant, but MDMA is called a club drug because result in overdose death. today’s users consume the drug for its it often is used at all-night dance par- ties (called raves) or at techno parties An additional risk results when hallucinogenic effects, which they other substances are added to MDMA claim heighten their senses and make and nightclubs. In addition, MDMA increasingly is being used in private tablets without the user’s knowledge. them feel less inhibited. Users also Drugs such as heroin and metham- consume MDMA for its stimulant homes and on high school and college campuses. phetamine reportedly have been added properties, which enable them to to MDMA tablets in some parts of the dance for hours at all-night parties What are the risks? United States. and nightclubs. The effects produced by consuming What is it called? What does it look like? MDMA can last for 4 to 6 hours, MDMA generally is sold as a tablet, depending upon the potency of the The most common names for MDMA which is taken orally. MDMA tablets tablet. Using the drug can cause confu- are ecstasy, Adam, and XTC. (Please are available in various colors and sion, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, see the Street Terms text box below for shapes and generally are imprinted craving for the drug, and paranoia. Use additional names.) with a logo. Popular logos include of the drug also may result in muscle smiley faces, clover leaves, cartoon tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, tremors, rapid characters, and symbols associated Street Terms for MDMA with commercial brands such as eye movement, sweating, or chills. Mitsubishi, Nike, and Mercedes. People who have circulatory problems B-bombs Iboga or heart disease face particular risks Clarity Love drug Who uses the drug? because MDMA can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Cristal Morning shot Decadence Pollutants Most MDMA users are teenagers or MDMA abusers also risk dehydra- young adults. More than 10 percent of Disco biscuit Scooby snacks tion, hyperthermia (exceptionally high E Speed for lovers high school seniors have tried MDMA fever), and heart or kidney failure if Essence Sweeties at least once, and more than 2 percent they use the drug while physically have used the drug in the past month, exerting themselves or in hot environ- Eve Wheels according to the University of ments. (These factors pose particular Go X Michigan’s Monitoring the Future risks to individuals who use MDMA at Hug drug Survey. MDMA users typically come raves or techno parties, where they may be dancing among crowds of people.) Other productsof interest: , Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants , Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth , Drugs,Youth, and the Internet MDMAMDMA (Ecstasy)(Ecstasy) © Photodisc FastFast Facts Facts Is it illegal? Yes, MDMA is illegal. Since 1985 MDMA has been a Schedule I For more information on illicit drugs substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I sub- check out our web site at: stances, which include heroin and LSD, have a high potential for www.usdoj.gov/ndic abuse and serve no legitimate National Drug Intelligence Center medical purpose. 319 Washington Street, 5th Floor Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 Telephone: 814-532-4601 Check out Fast Facts on: FAX: 814-532-4690 , , NDIC Washington Liaison Office , Crack cocaine , Methadone 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001 Crystal Methamphetamine McLean, VA 22102-3840 methamphetamine , OxyContin Telephone: 703-556-8970 , , FAX: 703-556-7807 , Drug paraphernalia , PCP , DXM , Powdered cocaine NDIC publications are available on the following web sites: QuestionsQuestions , Foxy , Prescription drugs ADNET http://ndicosa , Fry , Psilocybin LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic andand , GHB and analogs , Ritalin RISS ndic.riss.net , Heroin , Rohypnol INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic Inhalants Salvia divinorum AnswersAnswers Call 814-532-4541 , Jimsonweed , Steroids Call 814-532-4541 , Ketamine , Teens and drugs to requestNDIC products , , National Drug Intelligence Center , Khat , Triple C a component of the LSD Yaba U.S. Department of Justice , Marijuana NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-001 Cover photo t © Porrata Consulting 072903.