Drugs
ECSTASY
Appearance:
Pure Ecstasy is a white crystalline powder known to chemists as MDMA. Ecstasy sold on the streets is usually in tablet form although it is getting more common to see it sold as powder. E’s come in all colours and may have pictures or logos stamped on them.
They are usually swallowed but may also be smoked or snorted.
Effects:
- E gives an energy buzz that makes people feel alert and alive.
- Ecstasy can take anything between 20 and 60 minutes to kick in.
- E makes takers feel in tune with their surroundings. Sounds and colours can seem more intense.
- E makes emotions feel more intense. Taken on it’s own it is not a drug that makes people violent.
- E dilates the pupils, produces a tingling feeling, tightens the jaw muscles, raises the body temperature and makes the heart beat faster.
- Short-term effects can include anxiety, panic attacks, confused episodes, first time epileptic fits and paranoia. Long-term use can cause depression, personality change and memory loss.
- It is not addictive but it is possible to build up a tolerance and more is taken to obtain effects.
The Risks:
- Ecstasy affects the body’s temperature causing it to rise. This results overheating and dehydration causing the body to heat to dangerously high levels. This risk can be reduced by sipping not more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic fluid every hour.
- Drinking too much can be dangerous or even fatal. The drug causes the body to release a hormone that prevents the production of urine. Too much liquid taken too quickly interferes with the body’s salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water.
- Long-term users report sufferings more colds and sore throats.
- E’s can contain other toxic chemicals.
- Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.
The Law:
Ecstasy is a Class A drug – illegal to possess, give away or sell.