BODY & MIND
Club Drugs: Effects, Risks, and Addiction
Club Drug Quick Links
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
| FEATURED CLUB DRUG: ECSTASY (MDMA) | |
| Street Name: Ecstasy, E, X, XTC, hug, love drug | |
| What It Is: In the same chemical family as crystal meth (the “MA” in MDMA stands for methylamphetamine), ecstasy is also a stimulant. As with almost all illegal drugs, users are typically unable to verify the purity of a substance sold as MDMA. Doses are often cut with chemicals that increase the drug’s stimulating effect, including caffeine, methamphetamine, and ephedrine. | |
| What It Does: MDMA causes the brain to release large amounts of serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with the feeling of well-being—a much mellower high than that of crystal meth. | |
| Dose: The powder is usually swallowed in pill form. | |
| Duration: An average dose last from four to six hours, with peak effects 90 minutes in. | |
| Effects: Feelings of energy, euphoria, and empathy; increased sensual feelings; heightened enjoyment of music and movement—making it the foundation upon which other drugs are added by participants of circuit parties and raves. Ecstasy also may have subtle psychedelic effects, producing distortions in time and perception, particularly an enhanced sense of touch. Jaw clenching and elevated pulse are common physical effects. Depending on what the MDMA is cut with, the “MA” stimulation may outlast its other, “softer” qualities. | |
| Risks: In the short term, the main side effect is the depression and anxiety that result from depleting the brain’s supply of serotonin. When taken at dancing parties, it is important to avoid overheating and dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Chronic use can cause high blood pressure as well as prolonged alterations in brain chemistry and mood. Ecstasy should not be combined with certain prescription meds, such as the antidepressants known as MAOIs and the anti-HIV med Ritonavir. Mixing ecstasy with other party drugs, psychedelics such as LSD (“candy flipping”) and hallucinogenic mushrooms (“hippie flipping” or “flower flipping”), is very common. Overdoses are rare because recreational amounts are far below what is considered lethal. | |
| Addiction: Although not addictive (little dopamine effect), ecstasy use can become compulsive, and as tolerance to its effects develops, dose escalation to achieve desired effects can become dangerous. | |
