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ECSTASY
Various legal high products which are regularly advertised in counterculture magazines. From top left in clockwise order: Herbel Ecstasy, which contains ephedra; Ritual Spirit, which contains aphrodisiac herbs; X Tablets, which contain edphedra; Magic Mushrooms, which contain damiana and ephedra; and Nexus, which contains kava. |
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MDMA (XTC, Ecstasy and Adam)
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-n-methylamphetamine) despite it's Schedule I classification, remains popular and is easily obtained in virtually every part of the country. The only legal use of MDMA is by authorized psychiatrists on research subjects to determine if the drug can be used as a possible aid in the treatment of anxiety and depression in cancer patients, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. The production of MDMA most often occurs in clandestine laboratories resulting in a wide range of quality at the street level. MDMA is sold on the street under the names of XTC, Ecstasy and Adam.
Where can it be found?
MDMA can be purchased in almost any environment, but is most popular and the drug of choice for those who attend "rave parties". Rave parties are often held in clubs, rented structures, open fields or any location where relatively large groups of people, often teenagers, can come together in a setting that provides psychedelic lighting and music.
What is the basic form of MDMA?
MDMA in its purest form is a white crystalline powder with a musty odor, but often times there is a reddish or brownish color as a result of impurities.
What are the methods of ingestion?
The most common method of ingesting MDMA is the oral use of tablets or capsules, but it can be smoked, snorted and injected although rare.
What are the mental effects associated with the use of MDMA?
At lower doses, which generally wear off in four to six hours, the user will experience a heightened interpersonal feeling toward others, high self esteem and confidence, a general state of euphoria, an intensified sense of touch and taste, intensified colors and a feeling of personal insight into one's self.
At higher levels the user can experience feelings of panic, depression, mental confusion, and anxiety. Reports of chronic psychosis have been associated with long term heavy users.
What are the physical effects associated with the use of MDMA?
Use of MDMA tends to encourage an increased level of physical activity, which can result in exhaustion, overheating and dehydration. A user must maintain an adequate level of fluid intake, along with periodic rest and cooling to help prevent these symptoms.
The most common physical effects are:
Increased heart rate
Dry mouth
Sweating
Teeth grinding
Muscular tension and cramping
Blurred vision
Rapid eye movement
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