The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Ecstacy?

Ecstasy is the street name for methylene-dioxymethamphetamine, a chemical substance that combines methamphetamines with hallucinogenic properties.  It is also known as Adam, Clarity and Lover's Speed.

Like all club drugs, Ecstasy is a combination of other illicit drugs.  Because many different recipes are used to make Ecstasy, the risk of death and permanent brain damage are heightened when some substances are combined.  It is available in tablet, capsule, or powder form.  The average cost is between $7.00 and $30.00 per pill.

Among the variations of the drug is a new substance, Herbal Ecstasy, which is composed of ephedrine and caffeine.  Sold in tablet form, this drug may cause permanent brain damage, or death.

Side effects of Ecstasy can last up to 24 hours and can include; confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia, all of which can occur weeks after the drug has been taken.  Physical effects can include muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills/sweating, dehydration, hypertension, loss of control over voluntary movements, tremors, reduced appetite, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and seizure.

If you would like more information about ecstasy, contact the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at 800-662-4357, or visit them online at csat.samhsa.gov.

Phone code: 1778