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.
WHAT?
Ecstasy, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is an illegal stimulant meaning it speeds up messages from the brain to the body.
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 already engaged in AOD treatment 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.
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 AT MY SCHOOL?
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 denoted the batch. They could be speckled or contain what looks like small crystals.
Ecstasy is typically sold in small zip log bags but can be concealed in a number of ways, including stacked up in emptied out lip balm tubes.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM
There is concern using ecstasy can impair short term memory. Getting to sleep may be a problem for a student who uses ecstasy on the weekend leaving them feeling tired, worn out and tearful or emotional at school.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL CAMP
Whilst all dealers will claim that their pill contains only pure MDMA, ecstasy is often cut with other cheaper (and more dangerous) fillers. Many people who use ecstasy regularly employ pill testing kits and use internet forums to check that their pill comes from a safe batch. A student who is experiencing ecstasy for the first time may not take such precautions and end up with a bad pill or even overdose. Seizures, vomiting, dizziness or cramps should all be taken seriously if ecstasy use is suspected and an ambulance called immediately.
For a more comprehensive guide we recommend the ADF’s fact sheet.
