ECSTASY, Pills, XTC, E, MDMA, Adam, Doves, Tulips, Essence, New Yorkers

What is ecstasy?

'Ecstasy' is the common name for the drug MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine).

Precursor constituents of MDMA occur naturally in nutmeg and sassafra oil. MDMA itself was first synthesised in 1917 but did not become popular in the UK club and dance scene until the mid-1980s. In the 1970s, it was briefly used in small doses as a psychotherapeutic tool, mainly in the US.

MDMA is part of a large family of drugs, the 'empathogens' or 'entactogens'. Related compounds in this family include MDEA, MDA and MBDB. These chemically similar drugs are sometimes sold as ecstasy, but may have markedly different effects.

What are the desired effects of ecstasy?

The effects of MDMA depend upon a variety of factors including the amount and the surroundings in which it is taken. The effects also vary from person to person.

Ecstasy use can result in feelings of serenity and calm, emotional closeness and understanding with other people. There may be greater appreciation of visual effects, sounds and touch. Ecstasy doesn't usually cause hallucinations at normal dosages. However, higher dosages may lead to hallucinations.

The effects of the drug usually start within 1 hour of taking a tablet. They usually peak after 1-2 hours and subside after 4-5 hours.

How is ecstasy used?

Ecstasy is usually sold in tablet or capsule form and occasionally as a powder. Tablets are predominantly used orally, but can also be crushed up and snorted or smoked. MDMA powder can be swallowed (bombed), snorted or smoked.

Tablets come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Some tablets are 'branded' with symbols giving names such as 'Doves', 'Apples' and 'Mitsubishis'. The content of tablets is constantly changing and can never be guaranteed. Branding is not a reliable guide to content. Popular brands are often copied in appearance but the content may be completely different.

Most ecstasy 'pills' contain 70-110 mg of MDMA. However, a significant proportion of tablets sold as ecstasy contain little or no MDMA. Some contain amphetamine or related substances such as MDEA or MDA. Tablets have also been found to contain Ketamine (an anaesthetic), caffeine or ephedrine (stimulants). Many tablets passed off as ecstasy contain unrelated substances such as sedative drugs, antibiotics and headache medicines.

It is impossible to tell the contents of a tablet from its appearance. Kits are on sale in the UK to test the contents, but these are not entirely reliable. They may produce a positive result if the tablet contains MDMA or related chemicals, but other substances could give the same result. They cannot show the total content or strength of the tablet. This is only possible under laboratory tests.

Self-reported averages for ecstasy use per person per night out rose to almost 4 tablets in 2004, according to one recent piece of research.

What are the adverse effects of ecstasy?

Initial effects may include sweating, dryness of the mouth and increased heart rate. Other more serious side effects may include nausea, dizziness and jaw tension. People have also reported anxiety and panic attacks while taking the drug.

Little is known about the possible long-term effects of ecstasy use and this is an area that medical research is only now exploring.

Certain areas of concern are beginning to emerge. It is known that the use of ecstasy increases the strain on the liver, kidneys and heart and may cause long-term damage. Most drugs used during pregnancy carry some risk to the unborn child but little is known about effects specific to ecstasy.

Ecstasy use can cause depression and anxiety. In extreme cases it can lead to psychosis. Some research suggests that ecstasy use can permanently damage parts of the brain. However, this has not been conclusively established. People with a personal or family history of mental health problems should avoid ecstasy. Those with sickle-cell anaemia are also considered at additional risk.

In addition to the above, short-term memory loss and tooth damage (due to the grinding of the teeth or 'gurning') have been reported in a significant proportion of users.

What are the risks of taking ecstasy & how you can use it more safely?

About 10 ecstasy-related deaths have been reported in the UK each year for the past several years. Although the number of deaths is relatively low compared to drugs such as heroin or alcohol, there is still cause for concern.

The following may help to reduce the risks associated with ecstasy use:

You should avoid using ecstasy if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy (or family history of epilepsy), diabetes or liver problems. You should also avoid using it if you have had psychiatric problems like depression or anxiety. The combination of ecstasy and flashing lights in clubs can make some people more susceptible to seizures. Take advice if you are unsure.

Taking ecstasy and dancing in hot clubs can cause dehydration and overheating. Non-alcoholic drinks such as water or isotonic drinks help to prevent this. However, it can be dangerous to drink too much fluid. It is therefore advisable to sip one pint of non-alcoholic liquid (not more) per hour. Regular rests from dancing will also reduce the risks of dehydration and overheating.

People using ecstasy in clubs or at dance events should ensure that they will be looked after in the event of an emergency. It is advisable to go to events that adhere to a safer dancing code of conduct, including adequate ventilation, rest areas, freely available water and staff who are trained to deal with emergencies.

Regular users sometimes report that they develop a tolerance to MDMA and need to take higher doses to experience the same effects. This will increase the risks.

Is ecstasy addictive?

Ecstasy isn't physically addictive, but a psychological dependence (when you feel that you cannot do without something) can occur. With frequent use, tolerance can build up so that more has to be used to get the same effect. On stopping use, some people feel depressed and tired. However, these feelings lessen with time.

Mixing

As a stimulant and popular dance / club drug, ecstasy is often associated with polydrug use (the use of several drugs simultaneously or consecutively). It is most commonly combined with other popular 'club' drugs, like amphetamines, cannabis and alcohol.

Using ecstasy with other stimulants like amphetamines can increase the strain put on the heart and lead to high body temperatures, which can lead to serious medical complications.

What are the detection times?

Detection times need to be considered in conjunction with the weight, age, gender and general health of the user. The following figures are intended as a rough guide to the elimination times of ecstasy from the body. Ecstasy is detectable in hair samples for 6 months after use and longer, although the accuracy of the tests declines with time. It is measurable in urine for up to 72 hours and in saliva for up to 48 hours. The presence and quantity of ecstasy can be detected in blood for up to 24 hours after use.

Legal position

Ecstasy is a Class A drug. It is illegal to possess, supply or produce ecstasy.

It is illegal for occupiers of premises, or anyone concerned in the management of premises, to allow those premises to be used for production or supply of ecstasy.

Being unfit to drive under the influence of any intoxicant, including ecstasy, is an offence, which is likely to lead to the loss of your driving license. Getting your license back and obtaining insurance after losing it are likely to be difficult.

Sentences, especially for supply (including giving or selling to friends), can be heavy. Possession of even a small number of tablets can lead to a charge for intent to supply. Sentences for drug offences depend upon the quantities involved, previous convictions and other relevant circumstances.

For further clarification of the current legal position please call our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.