Ecstasy and Herbal Ecstasy This Lesson Plan Produced By Your Drug Demand Reduction Program 1

2 What is Ecstasy? Also called MDMA (3-4- methylenedioxymethampheta-mine) Also called MDMA (3-4- methylenedioxymethampheta-mine) Synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties Synthetic drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties Classified as a stimulant Classified as a stimulant

What Does It Look Like? Ecstasy comes in a tablet form that is often branded, e.g., Playboy bunnies, Nike swoosh, SKY, etc. 3

4 How It Appears

What are some of the signs that a person is using ecstasy? Faintness Faintness Fatigue Fatigue Loss of appetite Loss of appetite Depressed feelings Depressed feelings Loss of inhibitions Loss of inhibitions Transfixion on sights and sounds Transfixion on sights and sounds Nausea Nausea Blurred vision Blurred vision Chills and/or sweating Chills and/or sweating 5

Some Short-term Effects Increase in heart rate and blood pressure Increase in heart rate and blood pressure Muscle tension Muscle tension Can result in liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure Can result in liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure Death Death 6

7 Some Long-term Effects Can disrupt or interfere with memory Can disrupt or interfere with memory Repeated use ultimately can damage cells that produce serotonin: Repeated use ultimately can damage cells that produce serotonin: Important role in regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory Important role in regulation of mood, appetite, pain, learning and memory Not a safe drug for human consumption Not a safe drug for human consumption

What is the DEA Federal Classification Schedule for ecstasy? Ecstasy is a DEA Federal Classification Schedule I drug, meaning it is in the group of most highly addictive drugs. Ecstasy is a DEA Federal Classification Schedule I drug, meaning it is in the group of most highly addictive drugs. 8

9 What is Herbal Ecstasy? Combination of herbs that are legal, inexpensive, and marketed as a “natural high” Combination of herbs that are legal, inexpensive, and marketed as a “natural high” Can be purchased over the counter in drug stores, music stores, and shops Can be purchased over the counter in drug stores, music stores, and shops

What Does It Look Like? 10 Pills sold in colorful packaging Pills sold in colorful packaging Promises “increased energy, inner visions, sexual sensations, and cosmic consciousness” Promises “increased energy, inner visions, sexual sensations, and cosmic consciousness” Some brand names used: Some brand names used: Herbal Ecstasy Herbal Ecstasy Cloud 9 Cloud 9 Rave Energy Rave Energy Ultimate Xphoria Ultimate Xphoria

11 How It Appears

12 What are some of the signs that a person is using herbal ecstasy? Faintness Faintness Fatigue Fatigue Loss of appetite Loss of appetite Loss of inhibitions Loss of inhibitions Nausea Nausea

13 Some Short-term Effects Ephedrine (key ingredient) stimulates the cardiovascular and central nervous system Ephedrine (key ingredient) stimulates the cardiovascular and central nervous system May cause harmful reactions in people with: May cause harmful reactions in people with: High blood pressure High blood pressure Heart disease Heart disease Diabetes Diabetes People with vulnerabilities to ephedrine can: People with vulnerabilities to ephedrine can: Suffer from heart attacks Suffer from heart attacks Strokes Strokes Seizures Seizures

14 Some Long-term Effects Adverse reactions, including liver failure, elevated blood pressure, strokes and deaths Adverse reactions, including liver failure, elevated blood pressure, strokes and deaths FDA is deciding whether a safe level of ephedrine in food supplements exists, or whether sales of some ephedrine-based substances should be stopped altogether FDA is deciding whether a safe level of ephedrine in food supplements exists, or whether sales of some ephedrine-based substances should be stopped altogether Many states have banned the sale following reports of deaths Many states have banned the sale following reports of deaths

What is the DEA Federal Classification Schedule for herbal ecstasy? Herbal ecstasy is a DEA Federal Classification Schedule I drug, meaning it is in the group of most highly addictive drugs. Herbal ecstasy is a DEA Federal Classification Schedule I drug, meaning it is in the group of most highly addictive drugs. 15

16 Penalties For Possession Penalties for possession of ecstasy and herbal ecstasy range from the following: Penalties for possession of ecstasy and herbal ecstasy range from the following: Penalties for First Offense: 15 months to 5 years Penalties for First Offense: 15 months to 5 years Penalties for Second Offense: 41 months to 10 years Penalties for Second Offense: 41 months to 10 years

As a member of CAP, what should you do if you know someone who is using ecstasy or herbal ecstasy? Notify one of the following: Deputy Commander for Cadets / Cadet Programs Officer Chaplain / Moral Leadership Officer Unit Commander 17

Why do people use ecstasy or herbal ecstasy? To feel good about themselves. To have a great time at “Raves.” To get high. To experience the feelings of euphoria. To reduce inhibitions. 18

What are some of the ways you can say “No” to drugs without isolating yourself? Don’t respond. I’m not that crazy! Go AWAY! Leave me alone. Don’t put yourself in situations where you know drugs will be used or sold. 19

20 Summary Ecstasy and herbal ecstasy are very serious business Ecstasy and herbal ecstasy are very serious business Things can happen that you do not remember Things can happen that you do not remember May experience anything from energy to death May experience anything from energy to death Many states have banned the sale following reports of deaths Many states have banned the sale following reports of deaths DO NOT USE THESE DRUGS! DO NOT USE THESE DRUGS!

21 Lesson Plan Resources Ecstasy and Herbal Ecstasy by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Available on U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Available on

Don’t march with these guys, say NO to drugs! DEAD MEN WALKING 22