It is a designer drug, which means it is a synthetic chemical designed to produce effects similar to those of other drugs. Because they are often much stronger than the drugs that they copy, the risk of overdose from designer drugs is greater. Ecstasy may also contain contaminants due to the illicit manner in which they are developed. In 1985, the Drug Enforcement Agency banned Ecstasy, but it is still available from the illicit drug trade.
Ecstasy comes in capsules or in a powder form which can be inhaled or injected.
It acts as a depressant, as a mild hallucinogen, produces anxiety, and can result in respiratory failure. Animal studies have shown that the drug causes brain damage in rats. Users risk liver damage, psychosis, exhaustion and an irregular heartbeat. In 1986, Ecstasy was classified as a drug of potential abuse. Programs and services for chemical dependency are available at Chelsea Arbor Treatment Center .