Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy is considered both a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and hallucinogen.
The chemical often found in ecstasy is MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymephetamine). A high percentage of ecstasy pills contain other drugs, such as Ketamine, Methamphetamine and DXM. In addition, some pills are cut with ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, caffeine and over-the-counter medications. Some pills marked as ecstasy may not even contain any MDMA. These pills can be different colors, and sometimes have cartoon-like images on them.
Method of Use: Ecstasy is usually sold as a tablet or pill that is swallowed. Users have also been known to crush and snort the pills or “parachute” the pill, by placing it on a napkin, crushing it, and then swallowing the piece of napkin in an attempt to speed up the drug’s onset.
Effects of Use:
- Intense euphoria
- A heightened perception of color and sound
- Muscle tension
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased need for sleep
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Forceful clenching of the teeth (users have been known to chew on pacifiers to relieve some of the tension)
Ecstasy users also report symptoms of depression, anxiety and paranoia, lasting for several days to a week after use. These symptoms can last longer in regular ecstasy users.
Signs of use:
- Increased energy
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
- Dehydration or exhaustion
- Dilated pupils
Ecstasy first became popular within the rave culture and dance clubs. However, it is now widely available and enables users to endure all night and 2 to 3 day parties.