Youngsters are increasingly using 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, known as ecstasy, because it is wrongly believed that it does not induce harm. However, there are many reports of adverse effects, including acute intoxication, abuse potential, and possible neurotoxic effects. Therefore, health care providers need to promptly recognize the symptoms of systemic intoxication in order to initiat...

Sentencing Commission (the " Commission "). I appreciate the opportunity to testify today about proposed changes to the federal sentencing guidelines for ecstasy trafficking in response to recently enacted legislation which was cosponsored by several members of the Caucus. As you know, the Ecstasy Anti-Proliferation Act (" the Act ") was enacted on October 17, 2000, and directs the Commission t...

A 3-year longitudinal prospective study was conducted to compare the incidence of substance use disorders (SUD) and non-substance use disorders (NSUD) among ecstasy users and two control groups: one of cannabis users and the other of non-drug users. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism related to NSUD was also studied. A total of 94 subjects were included: 37 ecstasy users, 23 cannabis users and 34 non-dr...

Rationale: Ecstasy (MDMA) is a psychostimulant drug which is increasingly associated with psychobiological dysfunction. While some recent studies suggest acute changes in neuroendocrine function, less is known about long term changes in HPA functionality in recreational users. Objectives: The current study is the first to explore the effects of ecstasy-polydrug use on psychological distress and...

Animal data indicate that the recreational drug ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) can damage brain serotonin neurons. However, human neuroimaging measurements of serotonin transporter binding, a serotonin neuron marker, remain contradictory, especially regarding brain areas affected; and the possibility that structural brain differences might account for serotonin transporter binding ...

The first individual case studies were published around 1990-1994, soon after MDMA was used for recreational purposes. In a comprehensive review of this case study literature, around one third of individuals had premorbid problems, while most cases did not have prior vulnerability factors [3]. Larger population surveys have found that recreational Ecstasy use is associated with significantly ra...

Despite controversy about the potential for the development of dependence in relation to ecstasy [1], some people do experience problems with ecstasy use, and full case reports of dependence have been identified [2]. The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) is a brief, five-item screening instrument that has demonstrated validity in identifying cases of DSM cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine and benz...

Ecstasy is a recreational drug that is increasing in popularity, particularly in young adolescents. Its appeal involves its euphoric effects and a feeling of empathy for others (hence the nickname "hug drug"). This appeal may be furthered by a misleading and anecdotal perception of safety. Cases of adverse effects, toxic reactions, and fatalities are increasingly being reported in the medical l...

OBJECTIVE Poly-substance use in gay social ('club') settings is common. Recent studies suggest a link between 'club' drug use and sexual risk behaviours. In this qualitative study, we compare and contrast two 'club' drugs: crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy (MDMA). METHODS Life history interviews were conducted with 12 HIV seroconverters and 12 age-matched controls recruited from a prospecti...