MDMA Crystal is a synthetic substance commonly known as ecstasy, although the latter term has now been generalis to cover a wide range of other substances. Originally develope in 1912 by the Merck chemical company, it was never marketed as such. Although propose as an aid to psychiatric counselling, therapeutic use is extremely limited. Illicit MDMA is normally seen as tablets, many of which are manufacture in Europe. It acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and has a weak hallucinogenic property more accurately described as increased sensory awareness. MDMA is under international control.

Safer use

• Similar-looking pills may still contain completely different substances and/or strengths
• Use drug testing services if possible
• Start with 1/3 of the pill and wait at least 2 hours to experience the effects
• Watch each other and talk to your friends if you’re feeling unwell
• Brand logos on ecstasy pills are always counterfeits and not related whatsoever to any trademarks

Ecstasy pills

Ecstasy pills are usually swallow, although some people crush them up and snort them. The amount of MDMA in ecstasy pills varies massively. Some pills sold as ecstasy actually contain other, more dangerous, drugs that take longer to kick in.

For this reason, you should never take a whole pill in one go, even if you’ve taken ecstasy before.

Drinking too much (including water) can also be dangerous. Users should sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour.

MDMA powder

People usually take MDMA powder by dabbing it onto their gums or by swallowing it wrapp in a cigarette paper, which is sometimes called ‘bombing’.

MDMA users often start by dabbing just a small amount of powder and waiting for the effects to kick in.

Like with pills, drinking too much (including water) can also be dangerous. Users should sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour.

How MDMA Crystal (ecstasy) make you feel?

Most people feel:

• very happy – hence the name
• ‘loved up’ – users often feel love and affection for the people they’re with and the strangers around them
• energised and alert

Ecstasy can also make people feel more in tune with their surroundings and like the music is more intense, which is why people sometimes take it in nightclubs and at parties.

Some users have reported feelings of:

• anxiety
• panic attacks
• confused episodes
• paranoia and even psychosis after taking ecstasy

Other names of MDMA Crystal (ecstasy)

As some of the above names suggest, MDMA is a derivative of amphetamine and a member of the phenethylamine family. A number of homologous compounds with broadly similar effects, e.g. MDA (methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDEA (methylenedioxyethylamphetamine) and MBDB (N-methyl-1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-butanamine), have appeared, but have proved less popular. These and many other more distant relatives of MDMA have now been subsume by the generic term ecstasy. Street terms for MDMA include Adam and XTC, but often reflect the imprinted logo, e.g. Mitsubishis, Love Doves and many others.

Can you get addicted to MDMA Crystal (ecstasy)?

It’s possible to build up tolerance to ecstasy, which means people need to take more of the drug to get the same buzz.

You may also develop a psychological dependence, which is a strong desire to keep on using even if you think your use is having harmful consequences.

How long does MDMA last in your System?

How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size and what other drugs you may have also taken.

To kick in

When taken orally, ecstasy normally takes 30 minutes to kick in, but it could take as little as 20 minutes, or it may take over an hour or more. Some other (more dangerous) drugs sold as ecstasy take longer to kick in.

How long it lasts

Users tend to feel high for 2 to 4 hours. You might still experience some physical effects, like a fast heart beat or insomnia (not being able to sleep), for a few hours after you stop feeling high – especially if you take a lot.

After effects

Some people find that ecstasy makes them feel down and low in mood the next day, known as a ‘comedown’. This can last for several days.