Ecstasy has many other names, from the chemical name of the main ingredient MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), to street names; XTC, E, X, eccy, Adam, M&M, hug drug, the love drug, and beans.
The drug is similar in nature to other amphetamines and hallucinogens; acting as a stimulant, a psychedelic as well as a mood enhancer. It produces an energizing effect, distorts time and perception, while giving the user enjoyment from tactile experiences. Contrary to rumors, Ecstasy is not an aphrodisiac and can actually inhibit sexual performance. It is most popular among middle-class adolescents and young adults. Ecstasy is primarily sold in legitimate nightclubs, bars, or at all-night parties known as "raves."
A standard oral dose of MDMA is between 80 - 160 mg. however it is not uncommon for users to take a second dose of the drug as the effects of the first dose begin to diminish. It costs approximately 25 to 50 cents to manufacture an Ecstasy tablet. The street price of MDMA varies wildly depending on quantity, quality, and where it's purchased, costing between $10 and $50 per dose. Most Ecstasy tablets are produced in Europe; however, there are a limited number of domestic Ecstasy laboratories.
Common routes of administration are swallowing or snorting, although Ecstasy can be smoked or injected. Ecstasy is usually sold as small tablets, yellow or white are the most common colors, but other colors such as pink, purple, blue, speckled and striped have been available. Additionally some tablets also have embossed designs on them, such as hearts, doves, robins, rabbits and champagne bottles.
The desired effects of Ecstasy manifest in about 20-45 minutes, and these effects typically last between three and six hours. Negative side effects including confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia have been reported to occur even weeks after the drug is taken. Ecstasy is measurable in urine for up to 72 hours, in saliva for up to 48 hours, and blood for up to 24 hours after use.
"Pure" Ecstasy is uncommon, and pills are notoriously unreliable in content. Batches frequently contain heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, caffeine, dextromethorphan (over-the-counter cough suppressant), ephedrine (diet drug), cocaine, as well as toxic fillers. Ecstasy is rarely used alone; most commonly it is used in combination with alcohol, marijuana, and/or other illicit street drugs.
Trends/Statistics
According to the 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 11 million people have tried MDMA at least once. Studies have indicated that usage has been declining in every age group over the past five years. According to the 2005 "Monitoring the Future" survey, 3.0% of 12th graders, 2.6% of 10th graders, and 1.7% of 8th graders had used Ecstasy in the past year.
The Ecstasy Experience
Taking Ecstasy causes a flood of serotonin into the brain, which results in a number of immediate and positive effects. The desired effects of Ecstasy include; mental stimulation, increased energy, emotional warmth and closeness, empathy toward others, insight, improved sexual sensations, increased confidence, perceptual distortions, visual and tactile hallucinations, a general sense of well being, and decreased anxiety. Higher quantities don't appear to enhance the desirable effects of the drug.
The Darker Side of the Ecstasy Experience
Ecstasy users frequently report negative short term effects which can occur during usage and sometimes days or weeks after taking the drug. The physical adverse effects include; nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dehydration, excessive thirst, excessive sweating, hot and cold flashes, chills, high body temperature (temperatures as high as 109ºF have been recorded), increased pulse, faintness, tremors, convulsions, seizures, urinary retention, involuntary jaw clenching, teeth grinding, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. Psychological effects include; irrational or bizarre behavior, impulsiveness, severe anxiety, paranoia, confusion, depression, poor concentration, psychosis, insomnia, depersonalization, and drug craving.
The more serious complications of Ecstasy use include liver failure, acute kidney failure, cardiovascular failure, seizure disorders, brain hemorrhages (bleeding/stroke), loss of consciousness, heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), rhabdomyolysis (muscle melt down), and even death. Additionally, research has demonstrated that Ecstasy permanently damages sections of the brain critical to mood, thought and memory.
Evidence is also mounting that regular use of the drug may cause long-term brain changes which may be linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, including chronic and untreatable depression. Studies have shown that MDMA is toxic to brain cells. It may actually kill the neurons (cells) that regulate the serotonin system; which plays a critical role in regulating mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, appetite, and sensitivity to pain. MDMA has also been shown to damage dopamine containing neurons; the underlying cause of the motor disturbances seen in disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that heavy MDMA users have significant visual and verbal memory impairments.
Emergency medical treatment is needed if an individual shows signs and symptoms of toxicity, or overdoses on Ecstasy. Until the ambulance arrives it is imperative to make sure that the person is breathing and has access to adequate circulating air. Keep crowds back, open windows and loosen tight clothing. Watch for evidence of choking, and reposition the person as needed. Cool, damp compresses can help decrease excessive body temperature. Offer fluids if the person is conscience and not vomiting. Initiate mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR as indicated. Provide the paramedics with as much information as possible; drugs used, dosages, time frame, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Emergency treatment consists of rapid external cooling, rehydration, and calming with benzodiazepines (Valium).
Is Ecstasy Addictive?
MDMA has the potential for psychological dependence, and for some people it can be addictive. Individuals who use Ecstasy regularly report an increased desire to continue usage despite knowledge of the drug's potential for physical and psychological harm. Users experience an increase in tolerance, meaning they need more MDMA than on previous occasions to achieve the same desired effects. Approximately 60% of people who use MDMA report withdrawal symptoms which include; fatigue, loss of appetite, depressed feelings, and trouble concentrating.
Legal Aspects of Ecstasy
MDMA was a popular drug of choice in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and it was legal. On July 1, 1985, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) put an emergency ban on MDMA and placed it in the Schedule 1 category as a drug that had maximum abuse potential and no medical utility. MDMA is Class A drug; it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell MDMA in the United States. Most other countries have similar laws. The primary U.S.A. markets for Ecstasy are Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City.
In 2001 the U.S. Sentencing Commission stiffened guideline penalties for selling the drug ecstasy; in essence tripling potential jail terms for people convicted of possession for sale charges of 800 or more Ecstasy pills. The new guidelines called for sentences of between 63 months to 78 months for first time offenders. This change made ecstasy five times more serious to possess or sell than heroin on a per-dose basis. Currently, there are vast differences state by state related to statutorily imposed maximum imprisonment for sales and possession of Ecstasy, which range up to a maximum of lifetime imprisonment. Maximum fines for Ecstasy possession are even more varied, up to $1 million.
Discussion
Ecstasy is still considered a young drug in terms of scientific research. However, initial studies have demonstrated that the long term consequences of MDMA are significant. As we approach a time in the future when people will be living longer, concerns related to untreatable depression and additional long-term cognitive and memory impairment related to Ecstasy usage are paramount. The good news is that current trends have shown a decrease in Ecstasy usage. This is largely due to the combined efforts of educators, the press, and parents to educate the youth about the consequences of Ecstasy usage. As a law enforcement officer, you can also carry the message, and perhaps save a life or two.
