Ecstasy & party drugs
Introduction
ECSTASY is the street name given to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is generally classed as a stimulant with mild hallucinogenic properties. However, other drugs are sold as ecstasy, and ecstasy tablets often contain a range of drugs (including amphetamine, various amphetamine derivatives, caffeine, aspirin, paracetamol, or ketamine).
Ecstasy is usually sold as a tablet or capsule. The tablets are typically identified by a symbol impressed on the surface. This leads users to refer to them, as 'white doves', ' love hearts', etc. Other common street names are 'E', 'Eccy', 'Adam' and 'XTC'.
Ecstasy is included among the wide range of Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATSs).
Other party drugs include ketamine, PCP (phencyclidine), GHB, Fantasy, PMA (paramethoxy-amphetamine), LSD and Psilocybin.
For more information about Ecstasy and Party Drugs, refer to the chapter from the Handbook for Health Professionals, Chapter 7 'Ecstasy' (PDF 87 KB). Also see the Resource Kit 'Ecstasy & Party Drugs'.
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