Tablets and capsules: Ecstasy usually comes in a tablet or capsule or very rarely as a powder. Tablets change from week to week and counterfeit tablets are sold widely so descriptions and brand names are pointless.

According to police analysis, half of all Ecstasy tablets seized contained no MDMA. Some tablets contained LSD, amphetamine, MDA and Ketamine; others had no drug content whatsoever.

WHAT IS ECSTASY?

The chemical name for ecstasy is MDMA or 3,4 Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine.
It is a member of a family of drugs that include amphetamine and mescaline.
MDMA produces a relaxed, euphoric state without hallucinations.
It costs £10 for a tablet.

HOW IS ECSTASY USED?

It is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule.
It is very occasionally snorted, smoked or injected.

IS ECSTASY ADDICTIVE?

Ecstasy is not addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people's lives.
Many uses report they have had the best time they have ever had in their life. However, taken too often, it loses its special appeal and uses may move into other things.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF ECSTASY

MDMA takes effect, 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet with little rushes of exhilaration, which can be accompanied by nausea. 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects.
Sensation are enhanced, music sounds better.
The effects of real ecstasy subside after 3-4 hours.
Uses report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the drugs affect, people can easily bring themselves down to deal with an important matter.
The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is the sensation of understanding and accepting others. Uses feel as though barriers disappear and people feel less inhibited.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ECSTASY?

Very little is known about the long-term effects of MDMA. · Uses often experience depression after taking MDMA.
This is caused by MDMA action upon the chemicals in the brain. · There have been deaths associated with MDMA in Britain.
One theory is overheating caused by ecstasy induced heat stroke from dancing for too long in hot, sweaty clubs.
The active dose of MDMA is about 50-75mgs (most tablets sold in the UK are 70-100mgs).
A tiny percentage of the population may be extremely sensitive to MDMA. For these people, even a single dose can kill.
There is some concern that ecstasy can cause liver problems. · Anybody who suffers from hypertension or heart problems, epilepsy, asthma, or who is pregnant or using anti-depressants should not take MDMA.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR ECSTASY USE?

The maximum sentence for possession is seven years in jail and an unlimited fine.
The maximum sentence for supplying is life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
MDMA can be detected in the urine for about 2-4 days.