Validating the Consumption of Mdma (3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) in an Examination of the Behavioural Effects of “Ecstasy” Amongst Recreational Users

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Abstract
Although several publications have reported the subjective effects of “ecstasy” in recreational users of the drug, none have attempted to validate these effects by confirming actual ingestion of the active ingredient 3,4-mefhylenedioxymefhamphelamine (MDMA) in the population under study. Given that “ecstasy” tablets have been shown to contain a range of ingredients other than pure MDMA this failure to assess ingestion is a significant omission. This study examines the behavioural effects experienced by a sample of users (N=32) consuming what they assumed to be ecstasy, where actual consumption was confirmed through analysis of urine samples. A wide range of positive and negative effects associated with ecstasy use were reported by participants in this study. Individuals who consumed tablets which did not contain MDMA reported awareness of its absence.