Ecstasy in the United States.

Ecstasy.

Ecstasy has become popular in the United States as a "party drug". Also known as MDMA or other street names such as E, ex, rolls, or skittles. Many teens in the United States take ecstasy when partying or going to raves. 

What is it?

Ecstasy is MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It belongs to a family of drugs called "entactogens". Other drugs in this category include MDA, MDE and MBDB.
MDMA is a "mood elevator" that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It does not produce hallucinations.

What are the effects?

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.
Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences heightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth, and self-acceptance.
Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the effect, people can usually deal with important matters.
The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is empathy, the sensation of understanding and accepting others.

Who uses it?

Ecstasy is used most often by young adults and adolescents at clubs, raves (large, all-night dance parties), and rock concerts.  Its abuse is increasingly reported in metropolitan areas.

Ecstasy is not physically addictive, though many people try to use it as a short term anti depressant.