#5 – MDMA / Ecstasy
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) became widely known as ‘ecstasy’ in the late 80s and early 90s when it was used widely in the dance culture at the time. MDMA can induce euphoria, diminished anxiety a sense of intimacy with others which was why it was (and still is to a lesser extent) so popular with clubbers.
The drug was legal in the U.S. as recently as 1985 and as late as 1977 in the U.K. where it now a ‘Class A’ drug. Despite this, regulatory authorities in several locations around the world have approved scientific studies administering MDMA to humans to examine its therapeutic potential and its effects. Clinical trials are now testing the therapeutic potential of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety associated with terminal cancer.
Some Quick Facts About MDMA / Ecstasy
- MDMA was synthesized and patented in 1912 by a chemist working for a pharmaceutical company in the U.S. called Merck
- Ecstasy is usually sold as tablets, although it is becoming more common to see it sold as powder and called by its chemical name, MDMA, or ‘crystal’. The pills are usually swallowed, though some people crush them up and smoke or snort them
- Although taking MDMA has not shown to be as risky as many other Class A drugs, side effects such as anxiety, depression and memory problems may persist for longer-term users