MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with both stimulant (amphetamine-like) and
hallucinogenic (LSD-like) properties. Street names for MDMA include Ecstasy, Adam, XTC,
hug, beans, and love drug. Its chemical structure (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine,
"MDMA") is similar to methamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and mescaline -
other synthetic drugs known to cause brain damage.
MDMA also is neurotoxic. In addition, in high doses it can cause a sharp increase in
body temperature (malignant hyperthermia) leading to muscle breakdown and kidney and
cardiovascular system failure.
Source: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. National Institute on Drug Abuse . (2002,
September 24). NIDA InfoFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy)Washington, DC: U.S. Government
Printing Office. Retrieved October 03, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/ecstasy.html
Statistics
In 2001, an estimated 15.9 million Americans aged 12 or older were current illicit
drug users, meaning they had used an illicit drug during the month prior to the survey
interview. This estimate represents 7.1 percent of the population aged 12 years old or
older.
Source: U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration. (2002, September 4). Results from the 2001 National Household Survey
on Drug Abuse: Volume I. Summary of National Findings (Office of Applied Studies,
NHSDA Series H-17 ed.) (BKD461, SMA 02-3758)Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing
Office. Retrieved September 26, 2002 from the World Wide Web:http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/ecstasy.htm
