Ecstasy
What it is
Ecstasy is the street name for the stimulant methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). It is usually sold in pill form and is often cut with other substances such as methamphetamine, caffeine and BZP. The effects of ecstasy are caused by stimulating the secretion of serotonin in the brain, as well as inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin and dopamine.
Ecstasy is illegal in New Zealand and is scheduled as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
What it does
Ecstasy is often referred as the ‘love drug’ because of the ‘loved up’ feeling a user can experience while on the drug. Other effects a user may experience are:
- empathy
- euphoria
- closeness and openness to others – even complete strangers.
Ecstasy increases a person’s energy which may make the user feel like they want to dance or keep moving – ecstasy is often associated with nightclubbing or the dance party scene.
A high from ecstasy can last several hours and can have a ‘come down’ lasting for days after a person uses ecstasy. A ‘come down’ means a person may feel depressed, have difficulty sleeping, feel anxious or fatigued.
Myths and legends
Ecstasy isn’t addictive
Ecstasy users can become psychologically dependent, meaning they find it difficult not to use ecstasy in situations where they are used to having the drug and will experience cravings and symptoms of withdrawal. However there is little evidence to suggest that ecstasy is physically addictive.
Risks
Some of the risks of ecstasy use include over-heating, dehydration and water intoxication. This is because ecstasy affects the body’s temperature control, so dancing for long periods of time, in a hot atmosphere, increases the chances of overheating or dehydrating. Ecstasy users often attempt to reduce the risk of overheating and dehydrating by consuming plenty of water. However drinking too much water can cause water intoxication – the water causes the brain to swell.
Another risk with taking ecstasy is not knowing what is in the pill. Ecstasy is often cut with other drugs so there could be negative effects from other ingredients in the pill.
Mixing drugs can also lead to harm because you have no idea how they will react together.
Ecstasy withdrawal
When an ecstasy user becomes psychologically dependent they will find they begin to crave the drug in certain situations or at particular times, and their ecstasy use might start to cause problems for them in their everyday lives. Attempts to stop or reduce their ecstasy use can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal can be:
- sleeplessness
- panic attacks
- anxiety.
Symptoms will vary from person to person. Factors such as physical, mental and emotional health, the use of other drugs and the amount of ecstasy a person has been taking can all influence withdrawal.
