SOME ANSWERS ABOUT THE DRUG 'ECSTASY'

They look like Flintstone vitamins or baby aspirin and go by names
like "the hug drug." But "ecstasy" isn't as innocent as it looks or
sounds, experts say.

Q. What is ecstasy?

A. MDMA (methylenedioxy-methanphetamine), also called "ecstasy," is a
synthetic, mind-altering drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic
properties. Its chemical structure is similar to the stimulant
methamphetamine, which is known to cause brain damage. MDMA has been
available as a street drug since the 1980s. Its use escalated in the
1990s among youth and college students, especially at all-night dance
parties called raves.

Q. How does ecstasy work?

A. MDMA harms neurons, brain cells that release serotonin, a chemical
that controls thinking, sleeping, eating and memory. The drug can
deplete as much as 90 percent of the brain's serotonin with two weeks
of use. Chronic users of MDMA may be risking permanant brain damage.

Q. Why is ecstasy so popular?

A. The drug produces stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of
pleasure, emotional closeness and increased energy. To parents or
police, users don't appear drunk, and therefore, it's not easy to
notice. The drug costs around $20 per dose.

Q. What are the risk factors of ecstasy?

A. Psychological effects include confusion, depression, sleep problems
and anxiety. Physical symptoms are muscle tension, teeth clenching,
blurred vision, dry mouth or sweating. Ecstasy use also increases
heart rate and blood pressure, which is especially a risk for people
with circulatory or heart problems.

Q. What are indicators that one may be using ecstasy?

A. MDMA pills are not easily recognized by police officers or parents,
said investigator Gentry Mayfield of the Tustin Police Department
narcotics division. Common paraphernalia among MDMA users include
Tootsie Roll Pops and baby pacifiers because ecstasy cases teeth
grinding. Butterfly emblems are the universal symbol of MDMA. Dealers
often where hats or shirts with butterfly emblems or "E" or "X" displayed.