It is often called the original designer drug because of its link with the rave culture of the early 90s.
Street terms for Ecstasy include E, pills, brownies, Mitsubishi's, Rolex's, Dolphins and XTC.
Effects of Ecstasy on a User
- An E gives people an energy buzz that makes them feel alert and alive.
- Ecstasy makes people feel in tune with their surroundings, and sounds and colours are more intense. Music is more appealing and users want to dance.
- Users often feel great affection for the people they're with and the strangers around them. On its own, it’s not a drug that makes people violent.
- Lots of people feel more talkative on Ecstasy.
Some Facts About Ecstasy
It's possible to build up tolerance to E, which means people take more to get the same effects. There is some uncertainty about the long term side effects of Es. Evidence suggests it can cause damage to the brain causing long term problems such as depression, personality changes and memory loss.
Ecstasy is a Class A drug, meaning it is illegal to have, give away or sell. Possession can result in up to seven years in jail. Supplying someone else can lead to a life prison term, and an unlimited fine.
Pure Ecstasy is a white crystalline powder known to chemists as MDMA. Ecstasy sold on the street is usually in tablet form although it's getting more common to see it sold as powder. Es come in all sorts of colours and some of them have pictures or logos stamped into them. They are usually swallowed although some people do smoke or snort them.
Ecstasy pills can cost between £3 and £8 depending on the type of pill and geographical area where purchased.
The Dangers Associated With Taking Ecstasy
- Physical side effects can develop that include: dilated pupils, a tingling feeling, tightening of the jaw muscles, raised body temperature and increased heart rate.
- Short-term effects of use can include anxiety, panic attacks, confused episodes and paranoid or psychotic states.
- E’s can make users feel depressed when the effects wear off.
- There have been over 200 ecstasy-related deaths in the UK since 1996. Ecstasy use is the cause of death in many of the cases but there have been some involving other substances sold as Ecstasy, such as PMA.
- Ecstasy affects the body's temperature control. Dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere increases the chances of overheating and dehydration.
- Drinking too much fluid on Ecstasy can also be dangerous or even fatal. Ecstasy can cause the body to release a hormone which prevents the production of urine. Drink too quickly and it interferes with your body's salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water. Reduce the risks by sipping no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic fluid every hour.
- Using Ecstasy has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems. Anyone using too much can become paranoid and depressed.
- Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.
It is very important to get medical help if someone is suspected of drug abuse. A local GP can offer confidential support and advice, referring users on to experienced support.
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