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What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy (know chemically as MDMA) is often referred to as a designer drug primarily due to its popularity within club culture. Clubbers would take the drug to stay alert and dance for long periods. In recent years, ecstasy has moved into mainstream use. It is sold in tablet form and comes in a variety of colours. Some even have pictures or symbols printed onto them.

Once swallowed, it takes roughly half an hour for the drug to take effect. Users experience a rush of energy and euphoria, and intense feelings of love and empathy for those around them. They will often have a sense of mental clarity and a heightened awareness of colours and sounds. Possible side effects include a tingling feeling, clenching of the jaw, and raised heart rate. The effects of the drug normally last between three to six hours, followed by a period of low mood known as a comedown.

Like many drugs, tolerance can develop through regular use. The result being that the user takes more to achieve the same effect. This in turn can lead to psychological dependence. Those taking ecstasy frequently can suffer long term problems such as depression, paranoia, and memory loss. There have also been suggestions of a link between the drug and heart, kidney and liver problems.

Ecstasy increases heart rate and blood pressure, and is therefore particularly dangerous to those with a heart condition, high blood pressure or asthma. The drug also affects the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature. This can lead to overheating and dehydration as a result of dancing for long periods. Due to ecstasy’s stimulatory effects, most people do not feel tired or thirsty. The reality is that overheating is responsible for the majority of ecstasy related deaths.