Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the name for a number of drugs, ideally for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which is also known as MDMA, E, X, or XTC. Sometimes other substituted phenethylamines are referred to as ectasy. In most contrives, ecstasy is an illegal drug. Ecstasy comes in tablet or pill form. Most commonly the tablets are swallowed. Clinical trials are currently being done to see if MDMA is useful for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety associated with terminal cancer.

The drug Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid,GHB, which is sometimes called liquid ecstasy is not Ecstasy.

History

On December 24, 1912, a German medicine company called Merck patented Ecstasy. The patent was granted in 1914.

In the 1950s, the United States army conducted several experiments with ecstasy, such as using it on animals.

Supply

Ecstasy, like most other illegal drugs in the United States, is widely available. Ecstasy is bought by the pill. Pills often cost from $10 to $20 each. In the United Kingdom, it is common to pay £2 or £3 per pill. In Australia, it is common for these pills to cost about $25, but they can range from $7 to over $40 each.

Legal Use

Ecstasy is illegal in the United States and was called a "Schedule I" drug. Schedule I drugs have no medical value and are highly addictive. Today, some people consider Ecstasy a "Schedule III" drug, because of it can be used in a therapy. Ectstasy has been shown to reduce fear, and would therefore be useful in psychotherapy, for pain relief (in patients with cancer) or for other mild forms of mental illnesses.