Ecstasy, sometimes called E, X, EX, XTC, XO, XL, Adam or love drug, is most often presented in tablets decorated with a pattern, in various colors and shapes. More rarely, it is sold in powder form. The risks associated with its consumption are significant and depend on the dose, the composition of the product and the vulnerability of the consumer.

WHAT IS ECSTASY?

Ecstasy refers to a product that generally contains MDMA, a synthetic molecule from the amphetamine family. Traffickers who manufacture tablets, capsules or powder in clandestine laboratories often add other more or less dangerous substances: sugar, cornstarch, soap, caffeine, ephedrine, strychnine, ketamine, LSD, etc. There is no guarantee as to the composition of the product, or even the presence of MDMA.

IS OCCASIONAL USE RISKY?

Any use, even occasional, exposes you to risks. It generally causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as a sharp rise in temperature (hyperthermia) which can lead to dehydration. The risk is all the greater since ecstasy is generally consumed in places where the atmosphere is overheated. These combined effects can induce, from the first use, very serious kidney or heart problems or convulsive seizures.

You will be more exposed to risks if the dose is high, if you suffer from diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, kidney, heart, liver or psychological diseases, if you take certain medications (anti-HIV treatments, antidepressants, aspirin) or if you mix ecstasy with other substances or drugs (alcohol, GHB, ketamine).

CAN I HAVE A BAD EXPERIENCE?

Consuming MDMA can cause nausea, sweating, headaches and sometimes loss of consciousness. Erectile and orgasm disorders are also observed. You may experience an anxiety attack, paranoia or anxiety under the effect of the product - this is called a "bad trip" - or during the "come down", when this effect diminishes. You may also feel depressed or anxious in the days following your use.

CAN I BECOME DEPENDENT?

Repeated use can lead to psychological dependence and induce a phenomenon called tolerance or habituation which results in a need to increase the doses to obtain the same effects.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF I USE REGULARLY?

Regular consumption often leads to weight loss, exhaustion, muscle pain and sometimes mood disorders (irritability, aggressive behavior), anxiety or depression. It disrupts your learning and memory abilities. You may also experience "flashbacks" that repeatedly put you in a state similar to that of ecstasy without having consumed them, or lasting psychological disorders.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISKS?

It is best to abstain because any consumption exposes you to risks. If you consume, nevertheless try to reduce these risks.

Never consume alone.
Do not consume if you are tired, anxious, anxious or depressed.
Split the tablets (especially the first few times) and space out your doses to avoid overdoses.
Avoid mixing, especially with alcohol, medication or other illicit drugs.
Drink water regularly, but in reasonable quantities. Wear loose clothing. Rest and ventilate regularly.
If you sniff your product, do not share your straw and rinse your nasal passages after sniffing with physiological serum, sold in pharmacies, or warm water. If you inject it, never share your injection equipment. Prefer the oral route ("swallowing").

Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
After consuming, do not engage in any responsible or risky activity, in particular do not drive.
Plan to rest in the days following your consumption.
Do not repeat the experience for several weeks.
Do not consume if you are pregnant.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, physical or psychological, if you are undergoing treatment, if you are or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about your consumption.

I WANT HELP

There are many forms of assistance available to you:

• Websites that provide information and list reception facilities by department
• Reception facilities where you can meet professionals specializing in risk reduction and addiction management.
• Free telephone numbers that offer a listening ear 7 days a week.

You can also talk to your GP who will be able to direct you to a suitable facility. The poor quality of the products and the possible mixing with other drugs are one of the major problems of ecstasy consumption. At party venues such as techno evenings and rave parties, associations sometimes set up systems for monitoring products, providing information and preventing risks.