Brief Description:
MDMA is a synthetic drug that has stimulant and psychoactive properties. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.
Street Names:
XTC, X, Adam, hug, beans, love drug
Effects:
Short-term effects include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature; on rare occasions, this can be lethal.
Statistics and Trends:
In 2009, 2.8 million Americans age 12 and older had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 2.4% of 8th graders, 4.7% of 10th graders, and 4.5% of 12th graders had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).
Signs of Abuse:
Signs of MDMA (ecstasy) use and dependence can include:
- An exaggerated feeling of great happiness or well-being (euphoria)
- Reduced inhibitions
- A heightened or altered sense of sight, sound and taste
- Amphetamine-like effects (with ketamine and Ecstasy)
- Decreased coordination
- Poor judgment
- Memory problems or loss of memory
- Increased or decreased heart rate and blood pressure
- Drowsiness and loss of consciousness (with GHB and Rohypnol)