MDMA (Ecstasy) - Drugs of Abuse

MDMA (Ecstasy)

Brief Description

MDMA is a synthetic drug that has stimulant and psychoactive properties. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.

Street Names

XTC, X, Adam, hug, beans, love drug

Effects

Short-term effects include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. MDMA can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature; on rare occasions, this can be lethal.

Statistics and Trends

In 2009, 2.8 million Americans age 12 and older had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2010 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 2.4% of 8th graders, 4.7% of 10th graders, and 4.5% of 12th graders had abused MDMA at least once in the year prior to being surveyed. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site).