 What’s All the Rave About?

Overview What is ecstasy? What are ecstasy’s effects and signs of use? Who uses ecstasy? What are the treatment options? What can be done to prevent ecstasy use? Where can we get more information?

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Ecstasy Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) XTC Disco Biscuits Hug Drug Adam X X Clarity Go Ecstasy use is one of the most rapidly growing phenomena in today’s drug scene. Essence Cristal Truck Driver

What is ecstasy? Illegal “club drug” White crystalline powder with a slightly musty odor Produces effects similar to mescaline (hallucinogen) and speed (stimulant) Usually in gelatin capsules or tablets Stamped with names or symbols

Ecstasy pills often contain other dangerous substances

Ecstasy facts Patented in the early 1900’s Classified as an illegal drug in 1985 Produced in Holland and Belgium for less than $1 a tablet Domestic traffickers sell tablets for $20 to $40 each Customs seized 10 times more MDMA tablets in 1999 than in 1998.

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The effects of ecstasy

Short-term effects Feelings of well-being and empathy Reduced anxiety Enhanced self-confidence Greater acceptance of others Increased energy Increased desire for physical contact and visual stimulation Intensified awareness of senses

Ecstasy’s downside Increases in heart rate and blood pressure Nausea Loss of appetite Jaw tightness Compulsive chewing and teeth clenching Anxiety, panic, and depression Health risks increase if ecstasy is combined with another drug

Ecstasy can be deadly

What comes after the “high”? Hungover feeling and depression— “e-tarded” Moodiness, anxiety, and paranoia Irritability Loss of appetite Insomnia Chills or sweating General tiredness

Long-term effects Long-lasting changes –Possible brain damage Tolerance –Need greater amounts for the same effects Dependence –Unable to socialize without MDMA

Signs of “rave” culture Pacifiers Surgical masks and mentholated rub Neon glowsticks Brightly colored beads Clothing with the letters PLUR

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Who uses ecstasy? In 2000, 6.4 million Americans had used ecstasy at least once. (2000 SAMHSA Household Survey) Ecstasy use is most widespread among white, upper- middle-class youth. (2000 Monitoring the Future) African-American students are much less likely than white or Hispanic students to use ecstasy. (2000 Monitoring the Future) MDMA use has jumped, especially among younger students. (2000 Monitoring the Future)

Anyone can be an ecstasy user Professionals in many fields Youth at all-night parties Gay men People searching for spiritual enlightenment TeenagersCollege students

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Available Treatments No specific treatments exist for ecstasy use Diagnosing ecstasy use is difficult Dependency can be addressed with cognitive behavior therapy and self-help groups

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Caregivers can help prevent ecstasy use Establish and maintain good communication with youth Be involved in young peoples’ lives Be a positive role model Let young people know what is expected of them Show appreciation for young people Teach youth to choose friends wisely Monitor youth activities

Help children refuse drugs

A community working together includes: –Parents, youth, and families –Faith communities –Media –Schools –Professional and civic groups –Health and social services –Courts/Law enforcement –Businesses –Treatment agencies and health organizations Prevention requires community involvement

Establish a no-use community norm

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Resources SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at , Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon. Informational Web sites –whitehousedrugpolicy.gov – – – –

Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? Click on Campaigns and Programs and go to the Drug Facts icon To order the VHS video call: To view slide presentation, 30-minute video, and 90-minute teleconference go to:

Ecstasy: What’s All the Rave About? Teleconference produced by The Office of National Drug Control Policy The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America National Guard Bureau’s Counterdrug Office National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse as part of the teleconference series Myths, Facts, and Illicit Drugs: What You Should Know