ECSTASY 101

Ecstasy affects the chemistry of the brain by releasing a high level of serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood, energy level and appetite.

It can produce feelings of euphoria, friendliness, energy, confidence and closeness to others.

It can also produce panic attacks, anxiety, decreased appetite, increased heart rate, high body temperature, teeth grinding and vomiting.

An increase in body temperature as well as the increase in blood pressure and heart rate can lead to kidney or heart failure, strokes and seizures.

It is made in illegal labs and often contains fillers, such as caffeine, cough syrup, soap, LSD and other “hard” drugs. It can also be tainted with highly toxic chemicals like paramethoxyamphetamine, or PMMA, which can be lethal in low doses.

It is usually sold as a tablet or capsule. The tablets come in different shapes and colours, and are often stamped with cute logos, such as a butterfly, to make them look like candy.

Ecstasy can be addictive, but physical dependence is rare. It is not uncommon for the drug to take on an exaggerated importance in a person’s life.

One or two tabs may be a problem for some people, because their response to the drug often depends on factors such as age, weight, mood, pre-existing medical conditions, the size of the dose, and how often they take ecstasy.

The effects of a single dose may last for three to six hours.

It should not be mixed with prescription or other street drugs.

If someone is in distress, don’t delay getting medical help.

Its recreational use began in the 1980s in the United States, mainly by young people at all-night dance parties called raves.

It was patented in 1913 and used experimentally in the 1970s as a supplement to psychotherapy. It became illegal to possess, traffic or produce in Canada in 1976 and in the U.S. in 1985.

Sources: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Health Canada, BC Drug and Poison Information Centre