At about the same time, the drug was dropped as an appetite suppressant because strange side effects were noted. Some therapists in the United States used it as a means of reducing hostility in marriage counselling sessions but recreational use became so wide spread that it was banned in 1985. In the UK,however, it, along with all other amphetamine like substances, was controlled in 1977. It was designated a Class A drug which incurs the stiffest penalties. I drug which means that doctors cannot prescribe it and a licence is required in order to conduct research on it.
Ecstasy takes the form of pills, though there are scores of different types.
According to some sources, six new designs are produced every month. Ecstasy is chemically known as MDMA or Methyline Dioximethamphetamine and, like amphetamines, it is a stimulant to the central nervous system. Ecstasy is taken because of its reputation of producing a feeling of expansive well-being in the user. It also creates a 'high' that stops the user feeling tired and gives the ability to 'rave all night'. Any drug that enters the body gets to the brain, which is the control centre for all our thoughts, actions and sensations.