Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the common street name for the stimulant methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The term ecstasy refers to a range of similar drugs to amphetamines that produce feelings of energy and empathy. Ecstasy can induce hallucinations.

 

  1. What it is

    Ecstasy is the street name for the stimulant drug MDMA, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The term ‘ecstasy’ usually refers to MDMA sold in tablet form, however these tablets are often adulterated or ‘cut’ with other substances like BZP or caffeine. Some ecstasy tablets contain no MDMA at all. As with all illegal drugs, there is no control over the purity, amount, or type of ingredients in ecstasy.

  2. Health effects

    Short-term effects

    The effects of MDMA usually start about 20-60 minutes after taking it and are often felt as a sudden ‘come-up’ or ‘rush’ which can last up to half an hour and include:

  3. Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

    Dependence and addiction

    There is no conclusive evidence that ecstasy is physically addictive.  However, regular users can develop tolerance to the drug, meaning they must take more each time to feel the same effects. This increases the risk of overdose and negative side effects.

  4. Law and penalities

    Ecstasy is illegal in New Zealand, scheduled as a Class B1 drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. The penalty for importing, manufacturing or supplying ecstasy is a maximum of 14 years imprisonment.

  5. Drug trends

    Ecstasy use has become one of the most commonly used recreational drugs in New Zealand. Although it has been associated with nightclubs and electronic music, ecstasy is also used in homes and private parties.

  6. Reducing the harm

    The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

  7. How to get help

    If you feel you or anyone you know needs help, there are a number of treatment organisations you can contact in strict confidence.

  8. History of ecstasy

    A patent for MDMA was first filed in 1912 by German pharmaceutical company Merck. It was not ingested by humans for about another half century.

  9. Links

    A list of relevant links to further information and resources about ecstasy:

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