Ecstasy, or X, as it is commonly called, is an illegal drug with both amphetamine–like and hallucinogenic chemical structures.

The use of ecstasy rose in 1999-2001 among high school students and then dropped sharply until 2005 when overall use rates remained stable.  However, recent surveys show a decline in perceived risk in using ecstasy among 8th, 10th and 12th graders, and a decline among 8th and 10th graders in the number who disapproved of ecstasy use.  These trends may signal that more teens will begin using ecstasy in the future.

Ecstasy can cause a variety of negative health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, confusion, anxiety, depression and addiction.  In high does, it can cause the body temperature to become dangerously elevated leading to seizures and even death.

Studies are also demonstrating a link between ecstasy use and brain damage, especially to the areas of the brain involved in learning and memory.

Teens need to know the facts about ecstasy.  Our ecstasy prevention products and substance abuse prevention posters and materials can help.