Ecstasy Use and Misuse Though known today mainly as a recreational drug, ecstasy has also been used off-label in medical contexts. Ecstasy can act as a stimulant and hallucinogenic. Its chemical structure is similar to two other synthetic drugs, DA, and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage. When taken by mouth, effects begin in 30 to 45 minutes and last 3 to 6 hours. It is both a stimulant and an hallucinogen, since it speeds up the workings of the central nervous system and alters the user's perception of reality. As a result, most of the ecstasy that comes into this country is made in other countries. Many young adults use ecstasy to boost their energy levels. For example, if a person got hurt and did not realize it, you might suspect ecstasy use. Ecstasy and alcohol are two of the most commonly used drugs around the world. Each year, there are hundreds of thousands of new “initiates” to the drug, meaning those who try the drug for the first time, according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Today, MDMA may not even be present or is mixed with other stimulants and hallucinogens. Where is Ecstasy used? In high doses, ecstasy can cause seizures and vomiting or may contribute to … Ecstasy use is commonly connected with multiple sexual partners. Ecstasy was briefly explored as a therapeutic drug, as some psychotherapists believed it opened people up and enhanced their potential for empathy and understanding of one another. Ecstasy Abuse Treatment. For example, if a person got hurt and did not realize it, you might suspect ecstasy use. In its original form, it was known as “MDMA.” It was used in 1953 by the US Army in psychological warfare tests, and then resurfaced in the 1960s as a psychotherapy medication to “lower inhibitions.” 1 It wasn’t until the 1970s that MDMA started being used as a party drug. The desired effects include altered sensations, increased energy, empathy, and pleasure. Ecstasy is the common name for the illegal synthetic drug called methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is a stimulant used to enhance an individual’s sense of well-being or intimacy and to reduce anxiety. Other users seek the sense of euphoria that ecstasy provides. What is Ecstasy? Home » Publications » Research Reports » MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse » Who is using MDMA? MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse. Ecstasy is a drug commonly used as a party drug. Molly is another name for MDMA. Both ecstasy and molly are made from MDMA, but ecstasy is used to describe a designer version in pill or tablet form, while molly is used for the white powder or crystal-like substance. MDMA is most often available in tablet or capsule form and is usually ingested orally. Ecstasy is commonly used as a mood enhancer at parties and nightclubs. Ecstasy is often taken at music festivals (often multi-day events with multiple artists), nightclubs, raves (large dance parties), or house parties. MDMA’s popularity has grown over the years due to its positive effects within the first hour after taking one dose. Ecstasy, a popular name for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is considered to be the most popular illegal club drug, while alcohol is the most popular legal drug in use today. Ecstasy is the common name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a synthetic, mood-altering drug. Ecstasy became available in Australia in the mid-1980s, and became an illegal drug in 1987. MDMA is the chemical in Ecstasy that causes psychoactive effects. MDMA is frequently used in combination with other drugs. MDMA first gained popularity among adolescents and young adults in the nightclub scene and at dance parties known as raves. Today, the drug is still used by a broader group of people who more commonly call it Ecstasy or Molly. If used properly, the party drug known as MDMA may help people with PTSD, anxiety, and other serious ailments. About 2.66 million people used ecstasy in the US in 2015. Occasionally ecstasy is used in liquid form. Other signs of ecstasy use could include an irregular sleeping schedule and a lack of awareness of pain. 14 15 Importers of ecstasy can buy a powdered form of the drug that they can press into pills, or they can buy pills in bulk and sell those pills. Other signs of ecstasy use could include an irregular sleeping schedule and a lack of awareness of pain. As a result, most of the ecstasy that comes into this country is made in other countries. About 15 million Americans have used this stimulant at some point in their lives. Who is using MDMA? So, what is ecstasy used for and what dangers does it pose? It is an illegal, synthetic drug classified as a stimulant with potentially hallucinogenic properties. How many people use Ecstasy? Ecstasy use and abuse have been increasing significantly for the past couple decades. The chemicals used to make ecstasy cannot be considered safe. According to the 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 12.4 million Americans aged 12 or older tried Ecstasy at least once in their lives, …