Drugs A to Z

Ecstasy

aka: E, burgers, pills, mitsi’s (mitsubishi’s), rolex’s, dolphins, disco biscuits, there are lots of other design names for Ecstasy for example smiley faces, mercedes, dinos, rhubarb and custards, ying and yangs

What is it?

Ecstasy’s chemical name is 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Pure Ecstasy is a white crystalline powder, street Ecstasy is generally sold in tablets. Ecstasy tablets come in different colours (but often white or yellow); the tablets often have pictures or logos stamped on them. The pictures do not relate to what the tablet contains.

How is it used?

Ecstasy is usually swallowed in tablet form.

What are the effects?

• Ecstasy speeds up the body's central nervous system and has mild hallucinogenic effects.
• Ecstasy acts on two of the brain's neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine to produce feelings of happiness and well being.
• The effects begin within an hour of taking it and last between 3 – 6 hours. The come down is gradual.
• You get feelings of euphoria, of well-being and have high energy levels.
• Sound, colour and emotions can seem much more intense.
• You feel alert and in tune with your soundings.
• Ecstasy dilates the pupils and raises your body temperature. Your jaw muscles tighten and you can feel tingly.
• You feel chatty and at one or 'loved up' with those people around you, even though you may not know them.
• Males may have trouble getting an erection.
• The come down can make you feel depressed. You may get anxious have panic attacks and become paranoid.
• You may get anxious have panic attacks and become paranoid.
• You may lose weight and have problems with your periods.

What are the risks?

• Ecstasy may cause your body to overheat and people have died because of this.
• You don’t know what the E has got in it or how strong it is until you take it. It is notoriously impure and contains many other chemicals other than MDMA.
• If you use too much, you can risk developing mental illnesses.
• Other effects can be paranoia, depression, kidney and liver damage.
• You can develop a psychological dependence.

Keeping yourself safe

If you are dancing for long periods, you can get overheated, especially on a busy dance floor. Take regular breaks and sip water, don’t gulp down too much water at once as it can kill you, just as becoming dehydrated can.

If someone collapses

• Call an ambulance and get them to hospital.
• Cool them down by using a fan or fanning them with a magazine or whatever you can get your hands on.
• If they are conscious, get them to sip water, but only sip.

How much is it?

One tablet can cost between £1 and £8.

Ecstasy is a Class A drug

The Law

Staying Safe

• Avoid regular use. Have breaks from using.
  
• Take care what is being used. Many tablets contain other drugs or other adulterants.
  
• If unsure about the strength of the drug, don't use a full tablet. Se what happens fist with half a tablet.
  
• Avoid too much continuous strenuous physical exercise such as dancing non stop. Take breaks and drink water to replace lost bodily fluids. (How much water?)
  
• Be prepared to reassure and talk people down if they become disturbed.
  
• Avoid driving or operating machinery.
  
• Avoid using if you have heart or blood pressure problems.
  
• Do not use with other drugs, especially alcohol (This will dehydrate the body further)
  
• Remember safe sex.