There is a good chance that some young people you work with have tried ecstasy or even use MDMA regularly.
WHAT
Ecstasy, or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is an illegal stimulant, often used at dance parties.
OTHER NAMES
Ecstasy, E, XTC, eccy, the love drug, pills, googs, Molly, biccies.
HOW COMMON IS USAGE?
10.9 per cent of Australians aged over 14 years had used ecstasy although that figure was only 2.5 per cent in relation to use in the last 12 months. For young people engaged in treatment, according to the recent Census of young people in Youth AOD treatment, 4 per cent had used ecstasy in the past 4 weeks (National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2013).
APPEARANCE
Tablets, capsules or pills of various shapes, sizes and colours, often imprinted with logos.
USE
Ingested, sometimes crushed and snorted.
EFFECTS
Increased energy, happiness and alertness, temporary feelings of love and affection, anxiety and paranoia. High is usually felt within 30 minutes and can last between three and six hours.
OVERDOSE
Seizures, vomiting, dizziness or cramps, heart palpitations, cardiac arrest.
An ambulance should be called if any of these symptoms occur.
COMMON MIXERS
Alcohol, which can mask overdose symptoms. Depressants are commonly used to ease comedown.
SOME COMMON HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES
Encourage a young person to: -
- Plan for the comedown – Let them know what to expect mentally and physically
- have a break from using, get some sleep and eat something
- do not use more if you are not feeling the effect.
- understand the risks involved in mixing other drugs and alcohol, including prescription medication.
- be informed about what they are using. Use websites like pillreports and erwoid to research what you are planning on taking.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Try the YouthAOD toolbox for further in-depth information or ask YoDAA a question:
