Say Why To Drugs: unravelling the myster-E of MDMA

In this series, I’ll be investigating different drugs, busting some myths and explaining potential harms and benefits. This week I’m looking at the highs and lows of MDMAMDMA - that’s 3-4 methylenedioxy-methamphetamine to you - is a synthetic stimulant in the amphetamine family. It was first synthesised and patented in 1912, originally as an intermediate product when developing another medication. Its psychoactive properties weren’t initially realised, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that it began to be used – initially in counselling settings. Its use as a recreational drug really rose when dance music became popular in the UK in the 1980s. MDMA can be taken in powder form, or as a pill – ecstasy or E. Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Drugs Science Health Society Source Type: news