THE STRAIGHT DOPE

Ecstasy - meaning intense delight or rapture - comes from the Greek
word ekstasis, to displace or to drive out of your mind. Slang for
methylenedioxymethamphetamine - MDMA, is a drug available in pill and
capsule form receiving attention in association with the "dance
culture".

The word evokes ideas of pleasure, and the drug does the same. MDMA
affects the body various ways. As a stimulant it speeds up the body
metabolism, promoting over heating and dehydration. As an empathogen,
it creates a chemical reaction that feels like an extreme emotional
connection to those around you.

As an illicit substance, the ingredients of which are typically
unknown, it presents risks associated with illegal activity and
unknown chemical ingestion. In the simplest terms, MDMA works by
making your brain release large amounts of serotonin at once.

Serotonin is the chemical your brain releases naturally when you feel
happy, fall in love, or experience intense pleasure. Your brain is
neither used to releasing this chemical in large amounts, nor
equipped to replace the supply very quickly.

For those of you using MDMA, remember it is a unique substance and
taking more will not prolong the effects. If you take any, keep your
body cool, drink 500ml (2 cups) of water per hour, take care of
yourself and your friends. Give your brain a rest, allow the
serotonin supply to replenish, taking up to two weeks and find ways
to get natural serotonin delights in your daily life. More info?
Check out dallassociety.com.

Questions or comments... kristen@dallassociety.com