| Ecstasy/MDMA: Harm Reduction Advice |
|
Drug Information - Ecstasy/MDMA Ecstasy (the common nickname of the drug MDMA) is an amphetamine-type stimulant – but aside from the strong buzz of energy stimulants give, it has the effect of increasing feelings of wellbeing, empathy and intimacy with others. Every year MDMA is mentioned on around 40 death certificates in the UK. Although ecstasy can kill, these deaths almost always involve very high doses and usually the simultaneous use of other drugs. Ecstasy comes mainly in pill form in a variety of colours with different logos, although it is also commonly sold as a grainy off-white powder (which is normally referred to as MDMA rather than ecstasy). Ecstasy is mainly swallowed although MDMA powder is commonly crushed very finely and snorted or dissolved in a drink. It is not physically addictive but some people get into the habit of regular use. Patterns of Use Ecstasy or ‘E’ was first made in 1912, started being used to aid psychotherapy in the 1970s, and then leaked out into wider recreational use. Although it became controlled in UK in 1977, it did not really take off here until about 1987 when there was a sudden increase in its use associated with raves and ‘acid house’ music. The media’s excitement about the drug and the raves included exaggerated claims about its use and dangers which influence coverage and public understanding of ecstasy to this day. Much of the MDMA on the market is manufactured in small labs in Holland and exported around the world. About two and half million people in Britain have tried it and approximately 200,000 have taken it in the last month. The purity and reliability of ecstasy pills varies year by year depending largely on the law enforcers’ impact on the manufacturers’ access to ingredients (precursors). In early 2009, seizures of precursors meant that the average ecstasy pill contained little over half the MDMA that it does now (about 60mg vs. about 120mg). When purity is low, the variety and amount of other psychoactive chemicals put in to compensate rises, which may increase the user's chance of a bad reaction, especially as they have no idea what chemicals they are ingesting. Prices for a pill also come down, (to as little as £1 instead of around £5-10) which may tempt new users, whilst experienced users dissatisfied by inconsistent, poor quality pills may switch to more dangerous stimulants, like cocaine or untested legal highs. When purity recovers, users who have got in the habit of taking 3 or 4 weak ecstasy pills may inadvertently put themselves in danger by taking 3 or 4 purer pills. Given these factors, there is little evidence that law enforcement efforts to control the supplies of precursors reduce the harms of illegal drug use. Ecstasy use peaked around 2002 and has declined somewhat partly because of an increased in prevalence of legal highs. It is still one of the most popular drugs after cannabis and cocaine, although mephedrone is now providing competition. Effects It takes a few minutes before the first effects are felt. Users feel a rush of blissful euphoria which grows before peaking after a couple of hours. The effects last several hours (4-7) but users may take repeated doses to keep dancing through the night. All senses are enhanced and you feel ‘loved up’. It increases your heart rate and body temperature. The perception of colours may be altered but overall it is not a hallucinatory drug. There is no painful hangover from ecstasy like there is with alcohol but coming down from any amphetamine can make you feel very low. However the comedown is not as acute as the ‘crash’ you can get from cocaine. Many users of ecstasy avoid alcohol as it takes the edge off the high. Harms As a non-addictive substance the harms associated with ecstasy are less than other Class A drugs as it is not taken compulsively. There can be a sense of psychological withdrawal for those who have taken it habitually (most weekends) and have developed increased tolerance. Most people who take it do not experience any serious side effects but it is quite a powerful intoxicant - to some people, especially unprepared new users, the rush can be an alarming and panicky event. Anyone with existing heart conditions or mental health problems should steer well clear of all powerful stimulants. MDMA, like other stimulants, raise body temperature and heart rate, as does dancing in parties and clubs. In some cases, body temperature can go beyond safe levels leading to a kind of heat stroke and collapse. To counteract the heat and replace sweat, users tend to take on a lot of liquid especially water. There is a risk that the power of the drug can affect the person’s perception of how much water to drink. In some cases they drink too much, diluting the blood to a dangerous degree which can lead to vomiting, headaches and coma. Most deaths from ecstasy alone are caused by drinking too much water. However, there does not appear to be many serious long term effects from occasional, moderate use. Unlike some other stimulants, ecstasy does not make people aggressive and there are very few anti-social or criminal associations other than its own illegality. Stay Safe The main health issue on taking ecstasy appears to be body temperature and remaining properly hydrated. Water does not counteract the effects of ecstasy. How much water you need depends on how much of the drug you have taken; how much energy you burn up and the temperature of the room you’re in. It is tempting for inexperienced users to overdo it and drink too much water. You should restrict yourself to a glass of water an hour or a little more if you are dancing throughout, and try to take rest breaks to cool off. If you feel unwell, (dizzy, sick, blurred vision) seek help from someone in charge to get medical assistance. Take care of your friends and make sure they are OK. The Law Ecstasy is a Class A drug. However unlike other class A drugs such as cocaine or heroin, it does not cause serious dependence. Drug experts have encouraged governments to lower its Class to ‘B’ but this has been resisted. As a Class A drug, you can expect to be arrested if you are caught in possession. If you are only carrying a small number of pills then you may be offered a caution which is still a criminal record. Larger amounts of pills may make the police consider charging you with possession with intent to supply which would mean a court appearance and on conviction, community service, a fine or even prison. Large scale supply will mean imprisonment; ecstasy dealers’ sentences don’t differ much from those of cocaine or heroin. Large amounts of ecstasy are taken in the clubs abroad in places like Ibiza. You should never be tempted to take ecstasy or any illegal drug over borders by plane. If you are caught importing or exporting a Class A drug, it is a much more serious offence than mere possession. |