What’s All theRave About?

Overview

• What is ecstasy?• What are ecstasy’s effects and signs of

use?• Who uses ecstasy?• What are the treatment options?• What can be done to prevent ecstasy use?• Where can we get more information?

EcstasyMethylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)

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Ecstasy use is one of the most rapidly growing phenomena in today’s drug scene.

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What is ecstasy?

• Illegal “club drug”• White crystalline powder with a slightly

musty odor• Produces effects similar to mescaline

(hallucinogen) and speed (stimulant)• Usually in gelatin capsules or tablets• Stamped with names or symbols

Ecstasy pills often contain other dangerous

substances

Ecstasy facts

• Patented in the early 1900’s• Classified as an illegal drug in 1985• Produced in Holland and Belgium for less

than $1 a tablet• Domestic traffickers sell tablets for $20 to

$40 each• Customs seized 10 times more MDMA

tablets in 1999 than in 1998.

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The effects of ecstasy

Short-term effects

• Feelings of well-being and empathy• Reduced anxiety• Enhanced self-confidence• Greater acceptance of others• Increased energy• Increased desire for physical contact and

visual stimulation• Intensified awareness of senses

Ecstasy’s downside

• Increases in heart rate and blood pressure• Nausea• Loss of appetite• Jaw tightness• Compulsive chewing and teeth clenching• Anxiety, panic, and depression• Health risks increase if ecstasy is

combined with another drug

Ecstasy can be deadly

What comes after the “high”?

• Hungover feeling and depression—“e-tarded”

• Moodiness, anxiety, and paranoia• Irritability• Loss of appetite• Insomnia• Chills or sweating• General tiredness

Long-term effects

• Long-lasting changes– Possible brain damage

• Tolerance– Need greater amounts for the same effects

• Dependence– Unable to socialize without MDMA

Signs of “rave” culture

• Pacifiers• Surgical masks and mentholated rub • Neon glowsticks• Brightly colored beads• Clothing with the letters PLUR

Who uses ecstasy?• In 2000, 6.4 million Americans had used

ecstasy at least once. (2000 SAMHSA Household Survey)

• Ecstasy use is most widespread among white, upper-middle-class youth. (2000 Monitoring the Future)

• African-American students are much less likely than white or Hispanic students to use ecstasy. (2000 Monitoring the Future)

• MDMA use has jumped, especially among younger students. (2000 Monitoring the Future)

Anyone can be an ecstasy user

Professionals in many fields

Youth at all-night parties

Gay men

People searching for spiritual enlightenment

Teenagers College students

Available Treatments

• No specific treatments exist for ecstasy use

• Diagnosing ecstasy use is difficult

• Dependency can be addressed with cognitive behavior therapy and self-help groups

Caregivers can help prevent

ecstasy use• Establish and maintain good

communication with youth• Be involved in young peoples’ lives• Be a positive role model• Let young people know what is expected

of them• Show appreciation for young people• Teach youth to choose friends wisely• Monitor youth activities

Help children refuse drugs

• A community working together includes:– Parents, youth, and families– Faith communities– Media – Schools– Professional and civic groups– Health and social services– Courts/Law enforcement– Businesses– Treatment agencies and health organizations

Prevention requires community involvement

Establish a no-use community norm

Resources• SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol

and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686, www.SAMHSA.gov. Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon.

• Informational Web sites– whitehousedrugpolicy.gov– www.nida.nih.gov– www.preventiondss.org– www.clubdrugs.org– www.cadca.org

Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About?

www.SAMHSA.gov Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the

Drug Facts icon

To order the VHS video call:

1-800-729-6686

To view slide presentation, 30-minute video, and 90-minute teleconference go to:

Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About?

Teleconference produced by

The Office of National Drug Control PolicyThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse PreventionCommunity Anti-Drug Coalitions of AmericaNational Guard Bureau’s Counterdrug Office

National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse

as part of the teleconference series

Myths, Facts, and Illicit Drugs: What You Should Know