Ecstasy is widely known as a drug used at clubs and parties party drug in Victoria. Get a heads up on what it does and how to stay safe if using it.
Ecstasy, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is an illegal stimulant. It’s often used at dance parties and is also known as E, XTC, eccy, the love drug, pills, bikkies, or googs. It’s fairly widely available in Victoria although not a lot of young people who come to drug and alcohol services say ecstasy is their problem drug.
Ecstasy comes as tablets or pills in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours. Pills are often imprinted with logos. It can also come as powder or even liquid. Ecstasy is usually swallowed but is sometimes crushed and snorted. Using ecstasy gives increased energy, happiness and alertness, temporary feelings of love and affection and sometimes anxiety and paranoia. The high is usually felt within 30 minutes and can last between three and six hours.
If you use too much ecstasy, you can have seizures, cramps, experience dizziness or vomit. An ambulance should be called if any of these symptoms occur.
If you use ecstasy then if nothing else, make sure you know these ways to be as safe as possible.
- Know your pill
- Take a small dose to start – ecstasy often contains other drugs in addition to MDMA, such as PMA or ketamine (often there is no MDMA at all!)
- Sip water
- Plan for the comedown
- Take breaks from using
- Have ‘safe’ people to call in case of feelings of paranoia or panic
- Call an ambulance if an overdose is suspected
Here are two videos we recommend you check out. The first one from Tune in Not out has some good advice for staying safe. The second is from the GlobalDrugSurvey and explains what can be in ecstacy pills.
Want more? This info is the bare minimum to give you the heads up. The ADF’s fact sheet has heaps more info.
