Ecstacy

Ecstasy is a very popular designer drug. It is said to give complete euphoria for up to 6 hours. It came around in the 80’s and is becoming more popular now. It’s real name is MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-Methylamphetamine). It is a dangerous high and is more popular with young people. In the following paragraphs are some information about the drug.

Ecstasy is sold on the streets and is illegal as a schedule 1 drug, along with heroin and cocaine. It has many street names like beans, X, E, rolls, etc... Ecstasy can range anywhere from $5 to $25 and is usually a 100-150 mg pill. It’s known as the “love drug” because you are supposed to be very generous and friendly when on the drug.

Effects generally happen within 20-40 minutes, when the user often experiences a brief "rush" of energy, usually described as mild but euphoric. After this rush, the high levels off to a peak which lasts 2-3 hours and is followed by a "coming down" sensation. MDMA exerts amphetamine-like effects which include dilated pupils, dry mouth and throat, tension in the lower jaw, grinding of the teeth, nystagmus (eye wiggles), sweating, or nausea and overall stimulation. These side effects are dose dependent and will vary depending on the health of the individual user.

The following are some feelings or emotions the ecstasy user experiences:

Entactogenesis ("touching within") This is a generalized feeling that all is right and good with the world. People on MDMA often describe feeling "at peace" or experiencing a generalized "happy" feeling. Also, common everyday things may seem to be abnormally beautiful or interesting.

Empathogenesis Empathogenesis is a feeling of emotional closeness to others (and to one's self) coupled with a breakdown of personal communication barriers. People on MDMA report feeling much more at ease talking to others and that any hang-ups that one may have with regard to "opening up" to others may be reduced or even eliminated.

An enhancement of the senses MDMA can significantly enhance (sometimes distort) the senses - touch, proprioception, vision, taste, smell. “Beaners” can sometimes be seen running their hands over differently textured objects repeatedly, tasting and smelling various foods/drinks.

“Ecstasy. The perfect word. No other could have described what I was experiencing right then and there. Beyond words. The entire message was contained in a scream and the most intense smile my face had displayed in ages.”

Raves are dance events featuring "techno" music. Some songs include strange lyrics like “Music is pulsing through, music is pulsing through, music is pulsing through, music is, music is, music is energy..... pulsing through your body, over you and me, flowing through the mind, you will take me to places higher, spiritual ecstasy...” Raves are common settings for taking MDMA. The atmosphere of a Rave is designed to be favorable to “blow-up” in the company of other people who may also be taking MDMA, or who can be as friendly and open without chemical assistance. MDMA's enhancement of proprioception (deep body sense) makes movement notably pleasant, so Ravers on MDMA often dance for long periods of time. They usually dance with glow sticks and the light show is said to be amazing. The feeling of unity and shared ecstatic joy at a successful Rave can be overwhelmingly wonderful. Some ravers regard this as spiritual or religious practice.

One of the primary problems with MDMA is the low quality of the material sold on the street