This is to attest that Darren Marton has been commissioned by the N.R.L to deliver "The No-Way Campaign" a drug & alcohol awareness program with our junior representative sides.

Darren is to be commended for his work and is assured of the continuing support of the N.R.L Education and Welfare Program.

Mathew Francis -
NRL Education & Welfare Manager
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Ecstasy (MDMA)

Ecstasy is a street term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Ecstasy is similar in structure and affect to amphetamines and (in high doses) hallucinogens.

Amphetamines, such as "speed", are stimulants that speed up activity in the nervous system. Hallucinogens, such as LSD, typically affect perception and can cause things to appear distorted or things that don't exist to be seen or heard.

Ecstasy is illegal in Australia, and its ingredients are often hard to obtain. Therefore, manufacturers may substitute a wide range of substances when making the drug. It is possible that when you buy ecstasy it will contain little MDMA.

Like other illegally manufactured drugs, such as speed, there are no controls on factors such as the strength and hygiene of the drug. This increases the chances of a person overdosing, being poisoned or experiencing other adverse reactions after taking the drug.


Street names

Ecstasy is also known as "E", "XTC", "eccy", "the love drug".


How is it used?

Ecstasy usually comes in tablet form, in various colors, sizes, shapes and designs.

Swallowing is the most common way that ecstasy is used. Ecstasy tablets are also crushed and snorted. They are sometimes inserted into the anus (known as "shafting" or "shelving"). Injecting ecstasy has increased in Australia over recent years.


Effects of ecstasy

The effects of any drug (including ecstasy) can vary from person to person. Because ecstasy is commonly taken prior to, or during, dance or "rave" parties, the stimulant effects are likely to increase. Hence, the person taking the drug may be more prone to prolonged and vigorous dancing, further exacerbating some of the dangers listed below.

People having any of the following conditions put themselves at greater risk of physical and psychological harm by taking ecstasy: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, liver problems, epilepsy, and a history of mental illness or panic attacks.

The effects of ecstasy usually begin within 20 minutes of taking the drug, and may last up to 6 hours. Some people have reported symptoms persisting for 32 hours after using ecstasy.

There are usually three phases:

  • Coming up: where the effects can be smooth and bumpy, and users may feel a rush
  • Plateau: where the user may feel good, happy, relaxed
  • Coming down: where the user may feel physically exhausted, depressed, and irritable.

Immediate effects

Many people have experienced the following effects soon after taking ecstasy:

  • feelings of closeness to others, hence the term "love drug"
  • anxiety
  • dilated pupils
  • jaw clenching, teeth grinding
  • increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
  • nausea
  • loss of appetite
  • sweating

Higher doses

Higher quantities don't appear to enhance the desirable effects and may cause:

  • convulsions (fits)
  • vomiting
  • floating sensations 
  • irrational or bizarre behavior
  • hallucinations

Overdose

Overdose from ecstasy can occur. It is usually characterized by very high body temperature and blood pressure, hallucinations and an elevated heartbeat. This is especially dangerous for those who have an existing heart condition or breathing problems, and for people with depression or other psychological disorder.


Death

Although it is difficult to determine the exact number of ecstasy related deaths that have occurred, the toxic effects of ecstasy that can lead to death include:

  • heart attack
  • brain haemorrhage
  • blood clotting
  • kidney failure
  • Overheating: the combination of taking ecstasy with prolonged and vigorous dancing raises the body temperature to dangerous levels. Because it is often taken in hot, humid venues the risk of death by overheating (hyperthermia) is further increased
  • Drinking too much: several deaths have occurred from dilutional hyponatremia - a condition whereby a person’s brain swells from excess fluid intake, inducing a coma

Long-term effects

Research indicates that few people tend to use ecstasy for a long time. This is possibly due to the severity of undesirable effects, which tend to increase the longer ecstasy use continues, while the pleasurable effects diminish. A person taking ecstasy regularly may find that they are not eating or sleeping enough and are neglecting their health. They may become "run down", have reduced energy levels and be more susceptible to colds, flu and infections.

Currently, much research is being undertaken to investigate the effects of ecstasy on the brain. There is limited evidence suggesting that ecstasy causes damage to some parts of the brain.

Tolerance and dependence

Tolerance to a drug occurs when a person needs larger amounts of a drug over time to achieve the same effects. Research suggests that, while some people may develop tolerance to the effects of ecstasy, using larger amounts will increase the severity of undesirable effects, rather than increase the pleasurable effects.

There is evidence that people can become psychologically dependent on ecstasy and it can be very difficult for them to stop or decrease their use. Physical dependence occurs when a person’s body gets used to functioning with the drug present. At present, there is no conclusive evidence that people can become physically dependent on ecstasy.

• For more information on the risks of ecstasy-related harm, contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. 

 

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