Ecstasy Info, Signs, Effects & Help for Teens & Youths

Ecstasy

Ecstasy facts

Street names

MDMA, 'e', doves, mitsubishis, apples, rhubarb & custards, callies.

How it affects you

First you’ll get the buzz, a feeling of intense pleasure, but also maybe dizzy, disoriented, breathless and sick.
For the next 6-8 hours you’ll have an increased pulse-rate, feel flushed, restless, anxious and maybe paranoid.
Your jaw muscles tighten, pupils get bigger, energy increases and you may lose your appetite and desire to sleep.
In a club or at a festival, the music and light may seem even more intense.
You might feel ‘loved up’, more in touch with, friendly and affectionate to other people, with the energy to dance all night.

Is it legal?

No. It’s a Class A drug
If you’re caught with it you could get up to seven years in prison and a fine.
If you’re caught supplying or producing it you could get life imprisonment and a big fine.

The risks, signs and symptoms

A few people are sensitive or allergic to ecstasy, which can cause illness or death.
If you have a heart condition, you could have a seizure.
It can cause heat stroke, especially if you’re in a hot club and dancing a lot, which can cause death as your internal organs stop working.
Drinking too much water can also be dangerous as fluid can build up on your brain leading to unconsciousness, coma and even death.
If you have a condition such as epilepsy, ecstasy could trigger it.
You may develop long-term mental health problems and depression.
You could do permanent damage to your internal such as your liver, kidneys, heart and brain.

How you can reduce the risks

The only way to fully reduce the risks from ecstasy is simply not to take it.
The comedown from ecstasy can make you feel tired, depressed and unsociable. Your brain and body need to recover, so you’ll need food and sleep.
Trying to soften the comedown with depressants like valium, heroin or over-the-counter drugs will only make things worse greatly increases your risk of developing a serious habit.
Ecstasy can make it harder for your body to absorb water, so drink water little and often and avoid alcohol.
Don’t take ecstasy if you have epilepsy.