MDMA

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as Ecstasy, XTC, MDMA, MD, Molly, and Mandy, among others) is a widely-used synthetic entactogenic substance of the amphetamine and phenethylamine chemical classes. It produces prototypical entactogenic effects such as anxiety relief, disinhibition, enhanced feelings of empathy, affection, and sociability, muscle relaxation, stimulation, and euphoria when administered.

A Rough Guide to MDMA

Was originally synthesized in 1912 for its potential anti-bleeding properties but was largely forgotten about for the following 65 years. The first reports of its recreational usage did not appear until 1970. Psychedelic chemist and researcher Alexander Shulgin is credited with introducing and popularizing the use of MDMA in underground psychotherapeutic circles in the late 1970s. It became a controlled substance in 1985 when its use began to propagate out into the mainstream night-life and rave culture.

Despite MDMA being illegal in most, if not all countries, its use remains widespread. In 2014, MDMA was estimated to be one of the most popular recreational drugs used in the world, alongside cocaine and cannabis. It has become associated with a number of contemporary youth and alternative subcultures.

Today, researchers are investigating whether controlled doses of MDMA may be useful in psychotherapy as an aid in treating a number of psychiatric conditions such as severe, treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety in autistic adults, and anxiety in those with life-threatening illness. More research is needed, however, to determine if its potential benefits outweighs the risk of its possible harms.

If you have had any experiences with MDMA, be sure to tell us about it in the comments – we are always interested in hearing about our readers experiences in areas like this.