A young person who has recently used ecstasy may display increased energy, happiness, alertness and be super chatty, optimistic and affectionate.
WHAT?
Ecstasy is perhaps best known for being used at dance parties. It contains the illegal chemical methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and speeds up the messages travelling between the body and the brain.
OTHER NAMES
Ecstasy, E, XTC, eccy, the love drug, pills, googs. Ecstasy is produced illegally and comes onto the market in batches. A particular batch will often be given a nick name or known by the logo or design it is imprinted with. White Lightning Bolt, Crowns, Mitsubishi, Versace, Ninja Turtle and Hearts are examples.
HOW COMMON IS USAGE?
The Youth AOD census reported that 4% of young people who are already linked in with a drug and alcohol service had used ecstasy in the past 4 weeks. In 2010, 10 per cent of Australians aged over 14 years had ever used ecstasy.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A YOUNG PERSON IS USING?
Ecstasy is sometimes referred to as ‘the love drug’ due to the temporary feelings of love and affection that users may experience. A young person who has recently used ecstasy may display increased energy, happiness and alertness and be super chatty, optimistic and affectionate. They may have enlarged pupils and grind or clench their teeth, have a high body temperature (sweating) and fast pulse.
The high is usually felt within 30 minutes and can last between three and six hours.
In some instances, young people using ecstasy may feel anxious and paranoid, come downs can leave young people feeling, drained, tired and weepy or unable to sleep.
HOW CAN I TELL IF SOMEONE IS USING OR DEALING IN MY HOUSE?
Ecstasy is manufactured illegally and sold on the street in tablet form. Tablets come in a wide variety of colours and shapes usually imprinted with a design or logo that denotes the batch. They could be speckled or contain what looks like small crystals.
Ecstasy is typically sold in small zip lock bags but can be concealed in a number of ways, including stacked up in emptied out lip balm tubes.
Didn’t find what you are looking for? We know families and carers can be pretty worried when they are looking for info so we’ve just given you the most relevant fast facts for families and carers. For a more comprehensive guide we recommend the ADF’s fact sheet. Remember, we understand how stressful it can be when you are worried about a young person. Talk to YoDAA for free, confidential info, advice and referral.
