MDMA, called "Adam," "ecstasy,", "e," or "X-TC" on the street, is a synthetic, psychoactive (mind-altering) drug with hallucinogenic and amphetamine-like properties. Its chemical structure (3-4 methylenedioxy- methamphetamine) is similar to two other synthetic drugs, MDA and methamphetamine, which are known to cause brain damage. MDMA is a so-called "designer drug," which, according to the Government and Drug Agencies, has become a nationwide problem as well as a serious health threat. It is known to be the cause of at least four deaths.
Beliefs about ecstasy are reminiscent of similar claims made about LSD in the 1950s and 1960s, which proved to be untrue. According to its proponents, MDMA can make people trust each other and breaks down barriers between them.
[Ecstasy] [Health Problems] [Chemical Data]
Other "Molecules of the Month" Copyright Karl Harrison 1997.