Ecstasy AUSTRALIAN DRUG FOUNDATION
06 HOW DRUGS AFFECT YOU
This pamphlet is part of the “How Drugs Affect You� series. It aims to provide the facts about ecstasy for anyone interested in understanding more about this drug. It has been written for the general public, including employees, employers, health professionals and their clients.
Other titles in this series include alcohol, amphetamines, analgesics, benzodiazepines, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, drugs and their effects, hallucinogens, GHB, heroin, ice, inhalants, ketamine and tobacco.
06 HOW DRUGS AFFECT YOU
What is ecstasy? Ecstasy is a street name for the drug methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). It is a type of stimulant that also produces hallucinogenic effects. Stimulant drugs speed up the messages between the brain and the body, and can make a person feel more awake, alert, confident or energetic. MDMA is a form of methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), which is one member of a family of drugs known as amphetamines. However, some drugs sold as ecstasy do not contain any MDMA; they can be a mix of amphetamine, paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), ketamine or other drugs. Due to ecstasy’s mood enhancing effects including feelings of togetherness and euphoria, some people refer to ecstasy as “the love drug”. Although ecstasy is sometimes described as being a mild hallucinogen, it is very rare for a person using ecstasy to hallucinate.
Other names Ecstasy, E, XTC, eccy, the love drug, pills, molly.
What it looks like Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a tablet, in various shapes, sizes and colours. Often, the tablets are imprinted with logos and designs from popular culture.
How is it used? The most common way to take ecstasy is by swallowing.
Ecstasy in Australia According to the National Drug Strategy Household Survey1, in 2013:
»» 10.9 per cent of Australians aged over 14 years had used ecstasy at some stage in their life
»» 2.5 per cent had used it in the previous 12 months »» the average age at which young Australians first tried ecstasy was 18.2 years.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2014 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey: Key Findings, Canberra: AIHW.
1
Effects of ecstasy The effects of any drug (including ecstasy) vary from person to person. How ecstasy affects a person depends on many things including their size, weight and health, also whether the person is used to taking it and whether other drugs are taken at the same time. The effects of any drug also depend on the amount taken. This can be very hard to judge as the quality and strength of drugs can vary greatly from one batch to another.
Immediate effects The effects of ecstasy may start to be felt within 20 minutes to 1 hour after an ecstasy pill has been swallowed and may last for approximately 6 hours. Low to moderate doses Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking ecstasy include:
See diagram
Higher doses A high dose of ecstasy can cause a person to overdose. This means that a person has taken more ecstasy than their body can cope with. The effects of a high dose of ecstasy can intensify some of the effects listed in the diagram. People may also experience:
»» floating sensations »» vomiting »» high body temperature »» hallucinations »» anxiety
»» out-of-character
irrational behaviour
»» irritability, paranoia and violence
»» fitting.
Ecstasy has also been linked to several deaths through heart attack and brain haemorrhage.
Body » increased body temperature » excessive sweating » skin tingles
Stomach » nausea » loss of appetite
Heart » increased blood pressure & heart rate
Mouth and teeth » jaw clenching » teeth grinding
Psychological effects » feeling happy, energetic and confident » lowered inhibitions » feelings of wellbeing » feelings of closeness to others » empathy » anxiety » nausea and reduced appetite
Muscles » poor muscle control and unsteadiness » muscle aches and pains
Eyes and senses » dilated pupils » heightened senses (sight, hearing, touch)
Low to moderate doses
Coming down After using ecstasy, people may experience a “coming down” phase as the effects of ecstasy begin to wear off. People may experience some of the following:
»» restless sleep
and exhaustion
»» anxiety, depression and irritability
»» difficulty concentrating.
These effects of coming down usually begin the day after taking ecstasy and can last for several days.
Long-term effects There is some evidence that ecstasy can cause damage to some parts of the brain and that regular, heavy use can lead to depression. A person taking ecstasy regularly may find that they are not eating or sleeping enough and are neglecting their health. They may become “run down”, have reduced energy levels and be more at risk to colds, flu and infections. Tolerance and dependence There is evidence that it is possible to become psychologically dependent on ecstasy. People who are psychologically dependent on ecstasy may find they feel an urge to use it when they are in specific surroundings or socialising with friends. At present, there is no conclusive evidence that people can become physically dependent on ecstasy. People who use ecstasy regularly can develop a tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of ecstasy to get the same effect. However, research suggests that using larger amounts of ecstasy will increase the severity of undesirable effects, rather than increase the pleasurable effects. Withdrawal If a dependent person stops taking ecstasy, they may experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to get used to functioning without ecstasy.
If a person has a dependence on ecstasy, withdrawal symptoms may start about 12 hours after the last dose. While severe physical symptoms are uncommon, ecstasy withdrawal can cause psychological problems such as:
»» craving for ecstasy »» sleepiness »» general aches and pains »» anxiety »» depression
»» loss of concentration »» insomnia »» restlessness »» agitation.
Ecstasy and driving It is dangerous to drive after using ecstasy. The effects of ecstasy, such as over-confidence and poor muscle control, can affect driving ability. People with over-confidence may take more risks when driving which increases the chance of an accident. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Ecstasy and the workplace Under occupational health and safety legislation, all employees have a responsibility to make sure they look after their own and their co-workers’ safety. The effects of ecstasy such as over-confidence and poor muscle control can affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively. The symptoms of coming down and withdrawal can also affect a person’s ability to work safely and effectively.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding Many drugs can cross the placenta and affect an unborn child. In general, using drugs when pregnant can increase the chances of going into labour early. This can mean that babies are born below the normal birth weight. If a mother uses ecstasy while breastfeeding, the drug may be present in her breast milk. This may have an effect on the health of the baby. Check with your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take any drugs during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Ecstasy and other drugs The chances of an overdose are increased if ecstasy is taken with other stimulant drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine. Using ecstasy with other stimulants can increase effects such as heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety. Taking ecstasy with benzodiazepines to help with the symptoms of the “comedown” after using stimulants such as ecstasy can lead to a cycle of dependence on both drugs. Using ecstasy and drinking alcohol at the same time can lead to dehydration and overheating, and can also increase the negative effects of the comedown. Taking ecstasy while on some antidepressant medications can lead to unpleasant effects such as increased heart rate, loss of coordination, nausea and vomiting.
Ecstasy and social problems All areas of a person’s life can be affected by drug use.
»» Disagreements and frustration over drug use can cause family arguments and affect personal relationships.
»» Legal and health problems can also add to the strain on personal, financial and work relationships.
Ecstasy and the law Ecstasy is illegal in Australia. Federal and state laws provide penalties for possessing, using, making, selling or driving under the influence of ecstasy. There are also laws regarding the possession of pill presses. Penalties can include fines, imprisonment and being disqualified from driving. Some states and territories have programs that refer people with a drug problem to treatment programs where they can receive help rather than going through the criminal justice system. For more information contact a legal aid service in your state or territory.
Treatment options In Australia, there are many different treatment options for drug problems. Some aim to help a person to stop using a drug, while others aim to reduce the risks and harm related to their drug use. Treatment is more effective if adapted to suit each person’s situation. Some of the different options include individual counselling, group therapy, medication (pharmacotherapy) and supervised/home withdrawal.
Preventing and reducing harms All drugs have the potential to cause harm. As use increases, so does the potential for harm. Australia’s national drug policy is based on harm minimisation. Strategies to minimise harm include encouraging people to avoid using a drug through to helping people to reduce the risk of harm if they do use a drug. It aims to reduce all types of drug-related harm to both the individual and the community. Ecstasy, dehydration and overheating Ecstasy is commonly taken at dance or “rave” parties and nightclubs. In these environments, people taking ecstasy may be more likely to engage in energetic dancing which can raise body temperature to dangerous levels. It is therefore advisable to take regular breaks to cool down and drink about 500ml of water per hour. Drinking too much water while taking ecstasy is also dangerous, as deaths have occurred from dilutional hyponatremia—a condition whereby a person’s brain swells from drinking too much water, inducing a coma.
There is no safe level of drug use Use of any drug always carries some risk—even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
What to do if you are concerned about someone’s drug use If you are concerned about someone’s drug use, there is confidential help available. Contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. The telephone numbers are listed on the back of this pamphlet.
What to do in a crisis If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using ecstasy, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.
»» Dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance.
Ambulance officers are not obliged to involve the police.
»» Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
Find out if anyone at the scene knows cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). »» Ensure that the person has adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing. »» If the person is unconscious, don’t leave them on their back—they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway. »» If breathing has stopped, apply CPR. »» Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can—such as how much ecstasy was taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions. For further tips on how to reduce the risks of using ecstasy, call the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory. The telephone numbers are listed on the back of this pamphlet.
For information, counselling or other assistance, contact the alcohol and other drug service in your state or territory.
ACT (02) 6207 9977
Tas. 1800 811 994
NSW (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney) 1800 422 599 (NSW)
Vic. 1300 85 85 84 (information)
NT 1800 131 350
QLD 1800 177 833 SA
1300 131 340
1800 888 236 (counselling)
WA (08) 9442 5000 (Perth) 1800 198 024 (WA)
Produced by the Australian Drug Foundation Š 2014. Celebrating more than 50 years of service to the community, the Australian Drug Foundation is Australia’s leading body committed to preventing alcohol and other drug problems in communities around the nation. www.adf.org.au For further copies of this pamphlet: Post: PO Box 818, North Melbourne, Vic 3051 Street: Level 12, 607 Bourke Street, Melbourne Vic Email: druginfo@adf.org.au Web: www.shop.adf.org.au