North Wales Substance Misuse Forum website. MDMA |
 |
Drug |
MDMA (Ecstasy) |
Common Name |
Adam, E, Eckies, Brownies, Burgers, Disco Biscuits, Doves, Elephants, Essence, Fantasy, Rhubarb and Custard, Shamrock |
Description |
Tablet form, occasionally a capsule and very rarely as powder. |
Routes of use |
Injestion, occasionally snorted, smoked or injected |
Effects Required |
Many users experience an initial rushing feeling followed by a combination of feeling energetic and yet calm. Loss of anger, empathy with other people and an enhanced sense of communication are commonly reported. Some users also report a heightened sense of their surroundings, greater appreciation of music and increased sexual and sensual experience. |
Other Effects |
Some users have bad experiences. This may include feeling anxious and panicky, confusion and unpleasant distortion of the senses, that may, in some manner or other, last for days, even weeks. This is more likely if users take high doses or are already feeling anxious or unstable. It is not clear how MDMA affects the human brain; some research suggests there could be a permanent change in the brain chemistry as a result of taking the drug, other research contradicts this. There have been over 80 deaths associated with ecstasy use in the UK These have mainly been connected with non-stop dancing in hot, crowded clubs leading to overheating and dehydration. |
Dependence and Tolerance |
Ecstasy is not addictive. No physical dependence, but psychological dependence on the feelings of euphoria and calmness and the whole scene around ecstasy use can develop. |
| Legality | Ecstasy is controlled as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is illegal to be in possession of or supply. It cannot be prescribed by doctors. |
