Ecstasy

XTC, X, Drug Love, Adam & Essence, E

What have you heard?

That it's the best drug that has hit the Raves and circuit party scenes? That it's the love pill that makes you want to hug and kiss everybody? That everything becomes bright and clear? That inside you experience joy and happiness? That it's a great high with the fewest problems? It doesn't mess up your brain if you only do it once a week? That it's a much prettier world when you're on Ecstasy? House music makes more sense when you're on E? Gives you the energy to dance all night. It helps you be part of the club culture? One E head knows another? You're open to experiencing more gender blending when you're on X? It's so relaxing? It helps you with your depression? It helps you connect better with others when using XTC? That a room filled with strangers all become your new friends? You feel so much better about yourself when high on the love drug?

Have you tried it?

Are you thinking about trying it?

Who do you ask about it?

Who do you trust?

Are you thinking about taking that risk?

Well, here are some facts you need to know about being high and dry on X...

With some drugs like E, the jury is still out. Research is ongoing. But there are a few things we do know about Ecstasy. Generally, you won't get pure MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It's cut with something, maybe caffeine, amphetamine, ephedrine, MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDE (Amphetamine Derivative), LSD and /or some other unknown ingredient. The half-life of E is about 6 hours. 50% remains in your body after 6 hours. 25% of E remains in your body after 12 hours. After 48 hours only 1% of E remains in your body, because E does not attach itself to fat cells.

How does Ecstasy react in the brain?

The drug interacts with the brain cells called neurons that produce serotonin. Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, in the brain that is thought to influence mood, appetite, sleep, aggressiveness, sensitivity to pain, heightened sexual experience, tranquility, conviviality and other important functions

What does the research show?

Experiments with squirrel monkeys have shown brain damage by MDMA, serotonin-producing nerve fibers regrew abnormally in some brain regions and failed to regrow at all in others. Heavy users of Ecstasy may be risking brain damage that remains long after the high has worn off.

Other Research findings indicate that using ecstasy causes long-lasting damage to brain areas that are critical for thought and memory.

What are the health hazards?

Ecstasy users may encounter problems similar to those experienced by amphetamine and cocaine users, including addiction. Physical effects include muscle tension, eye wiggles, auditory effects, next-day fatigue, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, and chills or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure are a special risk for people with circulatory or heart disease.

Ecstasy-related fatalities at raves (extended all night parties) have been reported. The stimulant effects of the drug which enable the user to dance for extended periods, combined with the hot, crowded conditions usually found at raves can lead to dehydration, hyperthermia, and heart and kidney failure. An overheated, dehydrated body slowly "bakes" the internal organs and shuts down body functions. Death can result from overheating which causes kidney or cardiovascular failure.

Effects of use.

Ecstasy stimulates the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from the brain neurons, producing a high that could last for several hours. The drug blocks the natural re-uptake of serotonin and forces the brain to flood itself with serotonin. The drug's effects vary with the individual taking it, the dose and purity, and the environment in which it is taken. Ecstasy can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure and self-confidence and increased energy. Its psychedelic effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy. Users claim they experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch them. Taking a booster dose to maintain the high could increase the negative side effects of using the drug.

Who uses Ecstasy?

According to the 2001 Monitoring the Future Survey 11.7% of 12th graders and 14.7% of college had tried at least once in their lives.

How is it used?

Ecstasy can be swallowed, snorted, injected smoked, or shefed (insertion of pill into the anus) where it is absorbed.

Dosage

Can be taken orally in tablet form or capsule. On average, a tablet contains about 30 mg. of active ingredients.

Duration

When taken on an empty stomach onset of effects can occur in 30 - 40 seconds. A rush can last from 15 - 30 minutes, 1/2 - 3 hours until effects plateau, and 6 hours until effects are gone.

Cost

$20 - $45 per tablet

Ecstasys downside

Developing a tolerance to amphetamines.
Dehydration and hyperthermia (high body temperature).
Anxiety, sleep problems, delusions and paranoia are possible for some users.
Alcohol is a diuretic (increased urination).
Mixing alcohol with E may cause increased dehydration.
Tuesday Blues (depression) can occur when coming down from E.
For some users, taking E can have an opposite effect called Bubble Bursting.
Users tend to experience stomach tightness, panic, psychic tension and/or mild nausea instead of the euphoric effects of taking E.
E may block or cause difficulty with orgasm and may prevent erection in some men.
Some contraindications include: heart disease, hypertension, pregnancy, diabetes, epilepsy, and others.

What are some of the legal issues associated with Ecstasy?

New Jersey's laws are getting tougher regarding the distribution and sale of the illegal drug Ecstasy. It's now in the same category as heroin and cocaine. A person caught with 500+ pills risks 20 years in jail.

What are you willing to risk?

Now that you know a little more about Ecstasy, make a more informed decision regarding using drugs. If you decide to experiment with Ecstasy, here are some tips to reduce your chances of a bad experience by:

Choose to be in a company of friends who will look out and care for you.
Ask questions. Know what you're taking. If possible, get the drug tested by a reliable resource such as Dance Safe
If you attend a gay circuit party or rave party, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
Take lots of mini-breaks from dancing. This will give your body a chance to cool down. Try to chill out in a quiet place away from the music for a while before resuming dancing.
Dont mix E with other drugs.
Phony pills are flooding the rave market. Beware.
Dress in layers so that when you get over heated you can remove some articles of clothing.
Check out what is being said about E online by both traditional and non-traditional sources.

So, now you know a little more about Ecstasy. It's your choice. It's your brain. Who do you trust with it?

Informational Resources

Last Modified 12/22/2005