A synthetic, psychoactive drug that

has similarities to both the stimulant

amphetamine and the hallucinogen
mescaline.
 (C11H15NO2)

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Taking ecstasy orally is
most common, however
pills may be crushed up
to snort or smoke.
Laboratories that
manufacture MDMA are
mostly run in Canada,
the Netherlands and
China.

The DEA has identified

a few labs in the U.S.
History - Anton Kllisch

German chemist
Discovered MDMA in
1912
Discovered the drug as
a by-product when
synthezining methyl
hydrastinine for
potential treatment of
uterine bleeding.
The results of a survey of 268 users from Australia, the US, and the United Kingdom
indicate that ecstasy abuse is not specific to one gender, education level, or employment
status

In 2013, over 17 million Americans reported having ever used ecstasy according to
the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

The 2013 NSDUH also showed that the rate of MDMA use is highest among 18-25 year
olds, with 12.8% reporting having ever tried it.
MDMA in therapy Psychotherapists saw
the potential for MDMA
to be used in therapy for
PTSD patients to
overcome fears and get
in touch with emotions.

However, MDMA
was never approved
by the Food and
Drug Administration
(FDA) or subjected
to clinical trials.
 Signals a release of
serotonin in the brain.
How it works in da brain
Frequent use damages
serotonergic neurons
causing nerve terminals
and axons to degenerate
Depletes serotonin
reserves, insufficient
Serotonin controls mood,
sleep, pain, appetite, etc.
Why do people take ecstasy?
Feel connected with surroundings

Music and colours are more intense

Promotes feelings of closeness

 Anxiety Confusion

Panic attacks Lowered inhibition

Paranoia Enhanced sensory
Hallucinations perception
 Dilated pupils Nausea

Tingling sensation Shaking and tremors

Tightening in jaw, mouth and Blurred vision

face Feeling faint

Increased body temperature Trouble sleeping

Increased heart rate Muscle cramps

 Anxiety Tolerance
Depression Psychological
Memory Problems Dependence
Liver, Kidney and Loss of Appetite
Heart Damage Decreased Sex Drive
 Increased Drug Craving
Panic Attacks
Out-of-body
Perceptions
Psychosis
Paranoid Delusions
Social Isolation
Depression
Taking more than the
average dose of 10150
mg or continuous use of
mdma to maintain effects
called piggybacking can
lead to overdose.
 High blood pressure Extreme Increase in
Lightheadedness Body Temperature
Panic Attacks Organ Damage from
Seizures High Body
Loss of Consciousness Temperature

If a user shows signs of overdose, they need immediate

medical attention.
MDMA sold on the streets is rarely pure. It is
often cut with other stimulants like:
Amphetamines (speed)
Caffeine
Methamphetamines
Ketamine
paraMethoxyamphetamine (PMA)
The MDMA format named Molly is labeled as the
pure form or molecule. The DEA has debunked this
assumption as they have reported that only 13% of
the Molly they tested contained any MDMA.

Users can experience various effects of whatever

other drugs are laced in their ecstasy. Sometimes
the mixture of drugs causes later onset of effects.
Users may take more doses to accelerate effects
and promote overdosing.
Schedule 1 drug
A high potential for abuse.
A lack of accepted safety
even under supervision.
No currently accepted
medical use.
 Illegal to use, manufacture or distribute ecstasy.
Possession of the drug can include fines, probation or a
prison sentence
Traffickers MDMA can be imprisoned for several years
to life, especially when their deals resulted in death.
State laws may be added upon federal punishments
 Works Cited
"Ecstasy." FRANK. Crown Copyright, n.d. Web. 12 July 2017.

MacLaren, Erik. "Ecstasy History and Statistics." DrugAbuse.com. Ed. Amanda Lautieri. N.p.,
05 Nov. 2015. Web. 12 July 2017.

NIDA. "What does MDMA do to the brain?" National Institute on Drug Abuse. N.p., 1 Mar.
2006. Web. 12 July 2017

Patterson, Eric. "The Effects of Ecstasy Use." DrugAbuse.com. N.p., 24 May 2017. Web. 12 July
2017.

Taurah, Lynn, Chris Chandler, and Geoff Sanders. "Depression, impulsiveness, sleep, and
memory in past and present polydrug users of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA, ecstasy)." Psychopharmacology231.4 (2014): 737-51. EBSCOhost. Web.
12 July 2017.