Slang
E’s, Pills, Gary’s, Mitsi’s and Doves.
Appearance
Usually purchased in tablet form typically bearing a logo. Common logos include well known brand labels such as “Mitsubishi”, “Nike” and “Mercedes”. The most famous brandmark is probably that of the “Dove” which became a symbol of the “Dance Scene” in the late 1990’s. Occasionally encountered in capsules but increasingly found in a high purity powder form.
How Taken
Tablets usually swallowed but in powder form can be snorted.
Effects
Ecstasy is not a true stimulant type drug in the same sense as cocaine or amphetamine nor strictly speaking should it be considered a true hallucinogenic drug but it displays characteristics similar, but not identical to both. The onset of effects of ecstasy typically take 30 to 60 minutes and usually last in the region of four to six hours. At moderate doses then ecstasy will provide a “rush” of euphoria similar to cocaine or amphetamine with the blood pressure and heart rate both increasing. Similarly at moderate doses users will report a heightened sense of perception rather than the visual hallucinogenic distortions that typically occur with true hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD or psilocybin. The drug is perhaps more properly defined as belonging to a group of drugs known as known as ‘empathogens’ or ‘entactogens’. Use is often characterised by grinding of the jaw and users being extremely talkative, even with complete strangers.
Health Risks
The long-term effects of ecstasy are still not truly known. Use of the drug has been linked to a number of deaths over the years through heat stroke and also respiratory failure. Much of this may be linked to the setting in which the drug is taken with the drug being synonymous with dance events and clubs. Many users of ecstasy report “Mid Week Flu” as being one of the many down sides to using the drug with users frequently reporting flu-like symptoms the Tuesday or Wednesday after weekend use.