Ecstasy
92% of those who begin using Ecstasy later use harder drugs.
What is Ecstasy?
In 1912 Ecstasy was developed by Merck pharmaceutical company. In its original form ecstasy was known as MDMA. The U.S. army used it in 1953 in psychological tests. It started being used as a party drug in 1970. In the early 1980s MDMA was the “in drug” for many weekend parties. Ecstasy has become a “marketing” term for drug dealers selling “Ecstasy-type” drugs.
How is it used?
The drug most commonly comes in pill form but can also be injected and taken in other ways.
Short Term Effects
Long Term Effects
Important Facts
Dehydration and Exhaustion
Young people have died from dehydration, exhaustion and heart attack as a result of taking too much Ecstasy.
Rat Poison
Some substances such as rat poison are sometimes mixed in Ecstasy.
Liver Failure
Taking Ecstasy can cause liver failure, as in the case of a 14-year-old girl who died of this, despite an attempt by doctors to save her with a liver transplant.