Ecstasy (also known as 'adam', 'e', 'm&m' or 'xtc') is a stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the central nervous system. In Australia ecstasy is often mixed with a variety of different drugs, often making it difficult for users to know what they are taking.
It is dangerous to take other drugs in combination with ecstasy as little is known about these combinations. Using more than one drug also increases the risks of complications and serious side effects. It can lead to a number of serious physical and psychological problems.
It is against the law to possess, manufacture, or supply ecstacy. Penalties include hefty fines, and or prison terms.
Health effects
Ecstasy can produce a 'hangover' effect with symptoms including loss of appetite, insomnia, depression, or muscular aches. Although the effects of ecstasy vary from person to person depending on size, mood, gender, health, weight, personality, expectations of the drug, and previous experience with ecstasy, some of the immediate effects include:
- altered mood
- anxiety
- nausea
- sweating
- hot and cold flushes
- jaw clenching
- teeth grinding
- increased pulse rate
- increased blood pressure
- high body temperature
- dry mouth
- insomnia
- poor concentration
Higher doses of ecstasy can produce:
- hallucinations (scary or exciting visions)
- irrational behaviour
- vomiting
- convulsions (fits)
- dehydration
- agitation
- muscle meltdown
When the effects of ecstasy are combined with a physical activity such as dancing, the user is likely to overheat and dehydrate. Drinking water is necessary to rehydrate the body, however ecstasy is thought to disturb the brain’s ability to determine if a person has had too much to drink. Too much water can result in a breakdown of cell structure, which causes cells to swell up burst and die. This can affect the liver, heart lungs, and brain, resulting in damage and death.
Social effects
Ecstasy is an expensive drug. Use may lead to the user experiencing financial difficulties, and emotional difficulties including problems with families and friends. While using the drug the user’s altered state may change relationships. For example if ecstasy forces a person to act in a way that they do not normally act, such as irrationally, people may start viewing that person in a different way and may not want to hang around them.
Helping friends
Ecstasy users combining the effects of ecstasy with physical activity such as dancing should drink water to replace lost fluids, however they should not drink more than 600mls per hour. It is smart to monitor the user’s water intake because as previously mentioned ecstasy disturbs the brain’s ability to determine if a person has had enough to drink.
As ecstasy has harmful effects and may place the user in dangerous situations the user should not be left alone. Signs that show something is wrong include signs of confusion, a pulse rate greater than 120 beats per minute, nausea, severe headaches, and convulsions. If someone does react badly call for an ambulance, or seek medical help immediately.
If you suspect that you or a friend has a problem with ecstasy than you can contact a local service such as a Community Health Centre, which may provide alcohol and other drug services.
Hooked
It is believed that a user can become tolerant to the pleasurable effects of ecstasy. When this happens, users often use greater amounts and may also seek out other drugs. With assistance dependence can be reduced and stopped. For help visit the alcohol & drug unit within your local health service. Old habits can be changed.