Harm reduction: MDMA

Disclaimer:

Whilst Oxford SU does not condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, we recognise that some students may use drugs during their time at University. We hope that the information provided in this booklet will help readers to be better informed about their/ their friends drug use, the risks posed, how these can be mitigated, and where to seek help for drug use.

Drug use always carries risks:

People cannot use drugs without a risk of being harmed. Oxford SU cannot be held responsible for any harm, however it occurs, in connection with information provided here. We also bear no responsibility for the content of external sites accessed through links provided. Scientific understanding is always developing, so information here, as anywhere else, is not guaranteed to be valid and new evidence may overturn it. Information provided in this booklet does not explain every possible risk, nor does it provide practical, personalised guidance for drug taking.

 

If you are worried about your or your friends drug use, you can seek confidential support through the following services:

What is MDMA?

MDMA (other names include ECSTASY, E, MANDY) is a stimulant that can give feelings of energy and exhilaration. Unlike typical stimulants, it also produces distinct social and emotional effects, and alters perception. MDMA is particularly powerful in releasing a brain chemical called serotonin. This seems to affect many systems in the brain, usually boosting mood, and sometimes producing slightly psychedelic (‘trippy’) changes in perception. MDMA also has the effect of increasing levels of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which may be involved in making users feel emotionally connected.

 

Effects of using MDMA

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

AFTER-EFFECTS

Following MDMA use, there can be a comedown period which may last sever- al days. In this period users may experience the following:

LONG-TERM EFFECTS

Heart conditions: if you have a pre-existing health problem you are at an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergency triggered by MDMA.

Mental impairment: evidence suggests that MDMA users have found impairments in memory and impulsivity, however there are other factors which may contribute to this, such as use of other drugs and lack of sleep.

Depression/anxiety: Some studies have suggested that MDMA can contribute to depression, though some have found that those with depression may be more likely to take MDMA.

Addiction: MDMA is generally considered to have a low potential for addiction, especially when compared to drugs such as alcohol, tobacco or heroin. Although users may report a strong desire to take the drug, they are generally able to stop use if they feel that it is negatively a ecting their lives. However, in some cases people have found it di icult to control their use.

 

 

Harm reduction:

things to consider

WHAT ARE YOU TAKING AND HOW?

Oral: Swallowing an ‘ecstasy’ pill or MDMA ‘bomb’ (MDMA powder wrapped in a cigarette paper) may result in a time lag of 20 minutes to an hour before the effects really kick in. Effects peak around 2 hours after a pill is swallowed. If a pill is in fact mostly or all another drug like PMMA (which can cause fatalities in moderate to large doses), effects may take longer to come on, so taking more to boost the effects without waiting is risky.

Insuffation: Snorting MDMA crystal/powder allows for much quicker absorption into the bloodstream and so the e ects are felt much sooner but do not last as long. Snorting MDMA can result in the destruction of membranes, cartilage and even bone inside of the nose and head

PMA WARNING ON MDMA:

It is common for substances that are meant to be MDMA to be another drug or mixed with di erent substances. This is a problem because other drugs sold as MDMA may differ in terms of the strength of e ects or the amount of time they take to kick in.

There are increasing numbers of cases of PMA being sold as MDMA. PMA is a more potent and much less ‘forgiving’ drug than MDMA. PMA takes longer to kick in than MDMA, meaning the risk of overdose is increased. Symptoms of PMA toxicity include a rocketing body temperature, becoming agitated and delirious, and suffering seizures. If you or someone else is reacting badly after taking what they thought was ecstasy, call an ambulance immediately as the chance of lasting damage and death increases fast. You can be honest; paramedics are committed to help you, not to get you in trouble.

ARE YOU DRINKING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE WATER OR OVERHEATING?

If you are dancing on MDMA, especially in a crowded place, you are likely to get hot and dehydrated. To avoid overheating and dehydration many people taking MDMA drink plenty of water. However, MDMA also can stop you from urinating as much and could affect your perception of how hydrated you are. This means you could end up drinking too much water, which when taken to an extreme is dangerous.

It is therefore a good idea to drink moderate amounts of water and maybe have some salty snacks if you think you have drunk too much. Isotonic sports drinks are helpful for reducing the risks from drinking too much or too little water. It is also a good idea to avoid other things that can make you dehydrated, such as alcohol.

 

Harm reduction:

combinations to avoid

Mixing drugs makes the effects on your body and mind even harder to predict and manage. Many MDMA-related deaths happen when it is mixed with other drugs. Problematically, some pills or powders themselves may be made of a mixture of drugs.

Alcohol: can contribute to dehydrating when mixed with MDMA, and can dull the effects of stimulants, which combined with the poor judgement that alcohol causes, could lead to someone taking a more dangerous amount of MDMA. This is the same for all sedatives.

STIMULANTS

Anti-depressants: MDMA affects serotonin levels in the brain, there is an increased risk that taking MDMA alongside medications such as anti-depressants, or even herbal supplements which affect serotonin levels, could cause too much serotonin to collect in the brain (serotonin syndrome) which is potentially fatal.

Fitness: Take your fitness and general health into consideration. Being unfit will mean that your body will be under greater pressure from MDMA. MDMA increases heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure which puts strain on the heart. If you have a pre-existing heart, kidney or liver condition, the risks of using MDMA are higher.