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• Drug Info:

Ecstasy

What is it?
Ecstasy mostly comes in tablet form, and usually contains the chemical MDMA. However, it can sometimes contain other chemical mixtures, and sometimes no MDMA will be in the tablet. The tablets can be many different shapes, sizes and colours, but are usually white. They sometimes have small pictures carved in to the top.

Also known as…
Ecstasy is referred to by many different names, here are a few… E’s, disco biscuits, trips (a term also used for LCD), echoes, hug drug, burgers, fantasy, adam, XTC. Ecstasy tablets are often branded, but it doesn’t mean the tablets with the same brand are the same or that they were made by the same people or even in the same country. Brands include New Yorkers, Mitsubishis, Mitzys, Doves.

What does the law say?
It is illegal to possess, sell or give away ecstasy. Ecstasy is a class A drug, which means that possession could get you 7 years in jail and/or a fine, and supply could get you life in jail.

What are the effects?

• Ecstasy makes you feel awake and alert, and more aware of your surroundings.
• It makes colours, sounds and emotions feel more intense.
• It is often used by people who are clubbing or partying, because ecstasy can make you feel like you have more energy, so you can keep dancing for a long time. Ecstasy lasts about 3 – 6 hours.

What are the risks?

• As ecstasy begins to work (‘coming up’) you might vomit and sweat, your heart may beat very fast and your jaw muscles might start to tighten.
• After effects (‘comedown’) can include tiredness, depression, anxiety and sometimes flashbacks.
• Your body might overheat, especially if you are dancing a lot, which can cause dehydration.
• Some users have suffered brain, kidney and liver damage.
• You can become psychologically dependent on ecstasy.
• You don’t always know what other chemicals are mixed in the tablet.
• It is estimated that over 60 people have died in the UK because of using ecstasy.

Can you reduce the risks?
Drugs can severely damage your physical and mental health. They can get you in to trouble with the law and even kill you. But if you do decide to use drugs, find out as much as you can about the drug, the effects and the dangers and how you can reduce the risks as much as you can – and then think again whether it’s really worth it.

If you do decide to use drugs keep these points in mind:

• Mixing drugs and alcohol can be fatal.
• The smaller you are the less drugs you need to get the same effect, but where you are and the mood you are in will also affect the way you’ll react.
• Don’t score off strangers.
• Never drive if you have had drugs.
• Always carry a condom; never risk unprotected sex.
• Never take drugs on your own or with strangers.
• Make sure the people you are with know what you have taken and how much.
• If you’re dancing, wear light clothing.
• If you take ecstasy, drink a few mouthfuls of water or juice regularly, but not with alcohol. Try to rest at regular intervals to let your body cool down.

First Aid

• If a person taking drugs collapses or appears to be in trouble, get help – call 999.
• Get help to put them into the recovery position.
• Tell the medics what they have taken – IT COULD SAVE THEIR LIFE.

This information leaflet has been put together by:
FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, and an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

The information on this leaflet is correct at the time of going to press.

Contact details and links

Name: Dan 24/7 – Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Web: www.dan247.org.uk/
Email: On website.
Tel: 0800 6 33 55 88 (Freephone)
Text: ‘DAN’ to 81066
Info: A free and bilingual telephone drugs helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.

Name: FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service
Web: www.fusion-online.org.uk/
Email: admin@fusion-online.org.uk
Tel: 0800 731 4649
Info: Fusion is a free and confidential service for anyone aged between 11 and 24 who lives in the Gwent area and is concerned about their own drinking or drug use, or that of a friend or family member. FUSION Young People’s Drug & Alcohol Service, an initiative of the Gwent Council on Alcohol and Drug Misuse.

Name: Talk to Frank
Web: www.talktofrank.com
Email: Online form (you don’t have to give a name)
Tel: 0800 77 66 00
Text: 82111
Info: The website offers a huge amount of info on all aspects of alcohol and drigs. The infoline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer FREE info on drugs. Set up by the UK government.

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day.

Name: The Samaritans
Web: www.samaritans.org
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Info: Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

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