It can provoke an intense, energetic, spiritual high or lead to
warm, loving relaxation. It can connect people freely and
openly with each other or promote deep inner thinking and analysis.
Sensual yet not necessarily sexual, beautiful and sometimes dangerous,
Ecstasy covers a wide range of human emotions, experiences, and
passions. What you put into it is what you get out, so be sure to
explore the many facets of the experience.
MDMA was designed in 1914 by the Merck Company of
Germany. However, it was not used until the early 1970s when some
therapists believed that it helped people to bring out their true
feelings in a peaceful and open manner. For many years, Ecstasy (known
then as "ADAM") remained legal, known only among a fairly small group of
people.
In the mid-1980s, Ecstasy exploded into the nightclub
scene in Texas and Britain. Fearing possible health risks, all
scientific, therapeutic, and recreational use by humans was banned by
the United States and British governments by 1986. Despite the
objections of scientists, doctors, and even judges, it was classified
along with marijuana, LSD, and heroin as a drug with no recognized
medical use and high abuse potential.
In 1992, the Food and Drug
Administration permitted a group of researchers in California to study
the short-term effects of Ecstasy on human health. The study is not yet
completed. (The SF Examiner published an article
about
this study.)
The publishers and distributors of this flyer do not condone or
encourage drug use. Its none of our business if you use drugs or not,
but if you do, be careful. And remember:
Those little annoying side effects
Although some people say it has no side effects, Ecstasy is not the
perfect drug. Users have reported a variety of mild physical symptoms
such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, eye wiggles, tightened muscles,
sweating, chills, increased heart rate, blood pressure and body
temperature, auditory effects, nausea, shaking, and next-day
sleepiness. Occasionally it can cause toxic reactions in people with
asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy, psychosis, or depression.
Remember, Ecstasy is a powerful drug. Treat it -- and your body -- with
respect.
As time passes...
Myths abound concerning Ecstasy's effects after repeated usage. Most
claims (such as that it causes Parkinsons disease or drains spinal
fluid) actually refer to other drugs or common misconceptions. Although
scientists suspect some nerve terminal damage and neurotransmitter
depletion in the brain based on animal research, the true long-term
effects and implications remain a mystery until further human research
becomes legal. By avoiding the temptation to use Ecstasy too
frequently, you can lessen the risk and have more fun.
Less is more
An active dose of Ecstasy depends on ones body weight, sensitivity, and
prior use. A typical "hit" contains 75-125 milligrams. Over 175
milligrams increases side effects for many users. Taking a larger dose
does not necessarily mean a better experience -- it may be more "speedy,"
but less ecstatic.
Methylenedi-what??
The chemical name for Ecstasy is "methylenedioxymethamphetamine,"
or "MDMA" for short. Although it is derived from organic material, MDMA itself
does not occur in nature, and must be created in a complex laboratory
process.
Some tips for Ecstasy users
Stay informed
Useful facts about drugs can be hard to find among the anti-drug hype.
Here are some excellent references:
We hope this flyer helps provide useful information and removes some of
the mysteries. Please be careful and responsible; learn from your
experiences. Together, we can make this a better world for everyone.
drink lots of water.
The making of info-e