Ecstacy:It is harmful

Chemical name: (3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
The Substance : MDMA, ecstasy, X, XTC, E, M, adam, bean, roll
The Experience : X-ing, rolling, tripping, wigging

MDMA, or 'ecstasy' is a 'psychedelic amphetamine' that has gained popularity over the past 20 years because of its ability to produce strong feelings of comfort, empathy, and connection to others. It most frequently comes in tablet form, although it is also found in capsules or as powder. It is most frequently used orally and rarely snorted. MDMA use is closely tied to the underground rave (and dance club) scene throughout the world, but has also been widely used by therapists as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Because MDMA is so popular and because it goes well with dance parties, the demand for it usually exceeds supply--especially at any given location on any given night.

MDMA was first synthesized in the 1890s and later patented by Merck pharmaceuticals on December 24, 1912, but it wasn't until the mid 1970s that articles related to its psychoactivity began showing up in scholarly journals. In the late '70s and early '80s MDMA was used as a psychotherapeutic tool and also started to become available on the street. Its growing popularity led to it being made illegal in the United States in 1985 and its popularity has continued to increase since then.

MDMA is frequently used in combination with other drugs. However, it is not often consumed with alcohol, as alcohol is believed to diminish its effects.

MDMA is also said to suppress the need to eat, drink, or sleep, enabling users to endure two to three day parties. Consequently, MDMA use sometimes results in severe dehydration or exhaustion. While it is not as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

Ecstasy is not physically addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people’s lives, and some people become rather compulsive in their use. Taken too frequently, MDMA loses its effect on most users, but many users will still continue to use it.

MDMA can cause other adverse effects including:
-anxiety and paranoia
-hallucinations -- some say this is not true.
- chills and or sweating
-increases in body temperature
-tremors
-involuntary teeth clenching
-muscle cramping and nausea
-blurred vision
-MDMA users also report aftereffects of anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks and depression.
-Death -- MDMA overdoses can be fatal, as they may result in heart failure or extreme heat stroke.