from middle- and upper-class households. MDMA is inexpensive. The average retail price of an MDMA tablet is

between $20 and $30 making it attractive and accessible to younger users.

MDMA is called a club drug because

it often is used at all-night dance parties (called raves) or at techno partiesand nightclubs. In addition, MDMAincreasingly is being used in privatehomes and on high school and collegecampuses.

The effects produced by consuming

MDMA can last for 4 to 6 hours,depending upon the potency of thetablet. Using the drug can cause confusion, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness,craving for the drug, and paranoia. Useof the drug also may result in muscletension, involuntary teeth clenching,nausea, blurred vision, tremors, rapideye movement, sweating, or chills.People who have circulatory problemsor heart disease face particular risksbecause MDMA can increase heart rateand blood pressure.

MDMA abusers also risk dehydration, hyperthermia (exceptionally high

fever), and heart or kidney failure ifthey use the drug while physicallyexerting themselves or in hot environments. (These factors pose particularrisks to individuals who use MDMA atraves or techno parties, where they maybe dancing among crowds of people.)Where is it used?What are the risks?

What is MDMA?What does it look like?Who uses the drug?

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy)

is a synthetic (man-made) drug thatcauses both hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. The drug was developed inGermany in the early twentieth century as an appetite suppressant, buttoday’s users consume the drug for itshallucinogenic effects, which theyclaim heighten their senses and makethem feel less inhibited. Users alsoconsume MDMA for its stimulantproperties, which enable them todance for hours at all-night partiesand nightclubs.

MDMA generally is sold as a tablet,

which is taken orally. MDMA tabletsare available in various colors andshapes and generally are imprintedwith a logo. Popular logos includesmiley faces, clover leaves, cartooncharacters, and symbols associatedwith commercial brands such asMitsubishi, Nike, and Mercedes.

Most MDMA users are teenagers or

young adults. More than 10 percent ofhigh school seniors have tried MDMAat least once, and more than 2 percenthave used the drug in the past month,according to the University ofMichigan’s Monitoring the FutureSurvey. MDMA users typically come

Users also 

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Yes, MDMA is illegal. Since 1985

MDMA has been a Schedule Isubstance under the ControlledSubstances Act. Schedule I substances, which include heroin andLSD, have a high potential forabuse and serve no legitimatemedical purpose.

Cover photo © Porrata Consulting

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