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What
is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a slang or street name for
Methylenedioxymethamphetamines (MDMA) It is a synthetic, psychoactive mind-altering drug
with hallucinogenic and amphetamine (stimulant) like effects. It alters
perception of time and distance. MDMA
was first developed in 1914 as an appetite suppressant or diet drug. It was a
legal substance up until 1985.
MDMA/ Ecstasy produces less
stimulation than cocaine or amphetamines and is taken for its hallucinogenic
rather than its stimulant properties.
MDMA/Ecstasy is produced in
clandestine laboratories, and is seldom pure.
The amount in a capsule or tablet is likely to vary considerably, which
could lead to overdoses. MDMA is a
Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) -- Schedule I Substance -- meaning
that it has no medical use and high abuse potential. The Federal penalty for
manufacturing or selling can lead to fines up to four million dollars.
A ringleader or head manufacturer could receive life in prison.
Why
the sudden popularity of MDMA / Ecstasy?
This substance has gained in
popularity because it enhances self-awareness and is one of the most popular
drugs used in “Raves” (see our Rave Club fact sheet), large all night
parties. In the mid-1980’s MDMA/Ecstasy burst onto the street drug scene and
since 1999 the surge has been back again. Ecstasy
has fast become the drug of choice for young people around the United States and
Tennessee is no exception. It seems
to be sweeping the country and is gaining in popularity in rural communities as
well as urban areas. Some users have reported a sense of well-being and
sensuality, also a heightened sensory perception and insight. It makes people
who use it feel a strong sense of empathy and emotional intimacy.
What
are the effects of MDMA / Ecstasy?
Beliefs about Ecstasy are reminiscent of similar
claims made about LSD in the 1950’s and 1960’s, which proved to be untrue.
According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and can break
down barriers between therapists and patients, lovers, and between family
members. Many problems users
encounter with MDMA are similar to those found with the use of Amphetamines and
Cocaine.
They are:
·
Psychological
difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving,
severe anxiety, and paranoia -- during and sometimes weeks after taking MDMA
(Psychotic episodes have been reported).
·
Physical
symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred
vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.
Increased heart, blood pressure, pulse and body
temperature. (This drug is a special
risk for people with heart disease, high blood pressure or circulatory
problems.)
Other side effects include:
general restlessness and insomnia after the drug has worn off. |
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What
are the some slang names for MDMA/Ecstasy?
·
Adam
·
X-TC,
X, X-ing
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E,
Essence
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Decadence
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M&M
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Domex
·
Kleenex
·
Love
drug, Love trip
·
MDM
·
Rolling
·
Running
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Shabu
·
Speed
for lovers
How
is MDMA/Ecstasy ingested?
The substance is usually taken orally, sometimes
snorted and rarely injected. It
comes in capsule, tablet or pill form. Prices range from $25 to $40 per
pill. A typical dose has an
onset of about 20 to 60 minutes. Users
feel a euphoric effect that will last about 3 to 5 hours.
Higher doses can cause confusion, anxiety, depression and extreme
physical fatigue, which may last as long as two days. (Similar effects to
Methamphetamines overdose. e.g. sweating, chills, fainting)
What
is “Herbal Ecstasy” and what are the effects of it?
In recent years, Herbal Ecstasy has been promoted as
a safe alternative to the illegal drug Ecstasy, but has
been blamed by the FDA for causing at least 17 deaths and 800 illnesses,
including nerve damage, strokes and heart attacks.
Herbal Ecstasy is found
on the shelves of health food stores and convenience markets.
Caffeine and Ephedrine (both stimulants) are the active ingredients
in Herbal Ecstasy. Ephedrine
is one of the main ingredients used to manufacture Methamphetamines. It
comes in pill form and is usually taken orally.
Herbal
Ecstasy Slang:
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Cloud
9
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Rave
Energy
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Ultimate
X-phoria
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X
Just because this drug is promoted as natural
doesn’t mean it is safe.
Source:
U.S. DHHS, DEA, Ecstasy.org, and TSC Library, 10/00
For more information
on MDMA/Ecstasy, or other substances contact
TAADAS
Statewide Clearinghouse
1800 Church Street Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37203
615.780.5901
or the TN. REDLINE 1.800.889.9789.
E-mail us at mail@taadas.org
or visit us on the web at www.taadas.org
The Clearinghouse is
funded under an agreement with the state of Tennessee.
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