Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the street term for a number of substances that are similar to the chemical methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties. Like any illegal drug, there's no 'quality control' during the manufacturing of ecstasy, and so you can never be sure what you are actually taking. While the active ingredient of ecstasy is MDMA most pills do not contain any MDMA and are more likely to be made up of methamphetamine (speed) combined with a synthetic hallucinogen

Short-term effects

• feeling of well-being (euphoria)
• feelings of closeness with other people
• increased feeling of confidence and lack of inhibitions
• increased blood pressure and heart rate
• nausea
• jaw clenching, grinding teeth
• increase in body temperature

Ecstasy also produces a hangover effect (known as a 'come-down') which may include:

• loss of appetite
• insomnia
• depression
• muscle aches
• difficulty concentrating

Long-term effects

The long-term effects of using ecstasy may include depression, anxiety disorders, memory and cognitive impairment. Research has demonstrated that ecstasy use can cause damage to serotonin nerve cells. The clinical implications of ecstasy use remain unclear.

The unknown nature of the contents, contaminants and dosage of drugs sold as ecstasy is probably the greatest source of risk. Many tablets or capsules contain no MDMA at all. When substances like PMA are substituted for MDMA, the consequences can be fatal.

Although it is difficult to determine the exact number of ecstasy-related deaths that have occurred, the toxic effects of ecstasy that can lead to death include the following.

• Heart attack.

• Brain haemorrhage.

• Blood clotting.

• Kidney failure.

legal status

The possession, use, manufacture and distribution of amphetamines is illegal throughout Australia, as is its importation.

Many states have restricted access to the precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of the drug and their importation is strictly controlled.

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