LIST OF DRUGS

The Boulder County Drug Task Force reported a recent decline in
Ecstasy use, but an increase in methamphetamine busts and the use of
Adderall. Here is a look at the drugs:

ECSTASY

(also known as E, X, XTC, pills, MDMA, MDEA, MDA)

Definition: Ecstasy was the name given to methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) by a Los Angeles manufacturer of the drug. MDMA's chemical structure
is related to stimulants and some hallucinogens. It was originally developed
as an appetite suppressant in 1914 by a German chemical company, although it
was never widely used for that purpose. It was used occasionally in the
United States in the mid-1970s in therapy classes to enhance communication.
Street Ecstasy is often mixed with a variety of different drugs, including
MDEA, PMA, MDA, ephedrine and LSD.

Effects: Positive effects described by users include an overwhelming feeling
of well-being, increased confidence and the desire to be next to and in
physical contact with other people. It's also known to produce insomnia,
depression and paranoia after the high has worn off. According to 1998
research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, users are more impulsive,
less likely to avoid harm, and more sensation-seeking. The long-term
deleterious effect of MDMA, according to the government agency, is that it
harms serotonin levels in the brain.

METHAMPHETAMINE

(speed, crystal, meth, uppers, bennies, whizz, billy, tweak,
bitch)

Definition: Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that
are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder and chunks.
Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may
last anywhere from eight to 24 hours, depending on the dosage and
concentration of the drug.

Effects: Users say the drug causes increased alertness and a sense of
well-being. The short-term negative effects include paranoia,
hallucinations, violent behavior, insomnia, acne and sores. Longer-term
effects include dependence, accompanied by fatal kidney and lung disorders,
possible brain damage and possible stroke.

ADDERALL

(Addy)

Definition: Adderall is a prescription drug for people with attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps people with the disorder calm down,
but acts as a powerful stimulant to people who don't need it. Adderall is an
amphetamine, sold for $3 to $5 a pill, that people crush up and snort or
take orally. Effects are stronger when it's snorted. Adderall is a
combination of dextroamphetamine saccharate; amphetamine aspartate;
dextroamphetamine sulfate; and amphetamine sulfate.

Effects: Adderall can increase alertness, excitation, euphoria and pulse,
which is why some students say they use it as a study aid. But it also can
cause psychotic episodes, tremors, insomnia, high blood pressure and various
cardiovascular, nervous and gastrointestinal problems. Adderall can be
addictive. People who stop taking it can experience extreme fatigue,
depression, skin problems, irritability and personality changes.

Sources: Drug Enforcement Agency and Boulder County Drug Task Force