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'''Methylenedioxymethamphetamine''' (commonly abbreviated MDMA), which is widely referred to as '''Ecstasy''', is a psychoactive drug that is illegal in the [[United States]]. It is considered to be an empathogenic-enactogen. It is usually taken in pill form, though it is increasingly common for it to be sold in its pure crystalline form.

'''Methylenedioxymethamphetamine''' (commonly abbreviated MDMA), which is widely referred to as '''Ecstasy''', is a psychoactive drug that is illegal in the [[United States]]. It is considered to be an empathogenic-enactogen. It is usually taken in pill form, though it is increasingly common for it to be sold in its pure crystalline form.

The drug first achieved wide-spread popularity when a former seminary student, Michael Clegg, residing in Texas, was inspired by his first experience with the drug. He claimed that he had always wanted to know "the thoughts of God". At a time when the substance was unscheduled and unregulated, he began giving the drug away for free, but started selling it when the cost of production became "prohibitively expensive". <ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1564288654365150131&hl=en-GB Link to Google Video] of '''Ecstasy Rising''' by Peter Jennings</ref>

The drug first achieved wide-spread popularity when a former seminary student, Michael Clegg, residing in Texas, was inspired by his first experience with the drug. He claimed that he had always wanted to know "the thoughts of God". At a time when the substance was unscheduled and unregulated, he began giving the drug away for free, but started selling it when the cost of production became "prohibitively expensive".<ref>[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1564288654365150131&hl=en-GB Link to Google Video] of '''Ecstasy Rising''' by Peter Jennings</ref>

Recently, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has received FDA-approval for research into the possible benefits of MDMA in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The results thus far have been uniquely promising. <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/20/AR2007112001777_pf.html The Peace Drug]</ref>

Recently, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has received FDA-approval for research into the possible benefits of MDMA in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. The results thus far have been uniquely promising.<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/20/AR2007112001777_pf.html The Peace Drug]</ref>

==Effects of MDMA==

==Effects of MDMA==

At high doses, MDMA may elevate heart rate and blood pressure significantly, cause dehydration, and hyperthermia. When used repeatedly on the order of several times a month, depression, persistent anxiety, and short-term memory loss may result. Whether or not these effects are reversible remains an area of ongoing research. There is enough evidence to suggest that long term use of ecstasy at high doses can cause nerve damage in a number of users. Taking ecstasy during pregnancy can increase the risk of [[congenital trait|congenital abnormalities]] by a factor of 8.

At high doses, MDMA may elevate heart rate and blood pressure significantly, cause dehydration, and hyperthermia. When used repeatedly on the order of several times a month, depression, persistent anxiety, and short-term memory loss may result. Whether or not these effects are reversible remains an area of ongoing research. There is enough evidence to suggest that long term use of ecstasy at high doses can cause nerve damage in a number of users. Taking ecstasy during pregnancy can increase the risk of [[congenital trait|congenital abnormalities]] by a factor of 8.

[[Christopher Yuan]] declared that much of the fierce and intense [[ABC Theory of Emotion|passions]] they experienced with his [[Same-sex attraction|same-sex]] partner and labeled as loving relationship were in reality fueled by Ecstasy.<ref name="Yuan's Book">{{cite web |title=christopheryuan |year=2011 |publisher=WaterBrook Press |pages=6,11, 186, 187 |isbn=978-0-307-72935-4  |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=g3KR3nFcl1oC |isbn=978-0-307-72935-4 |quote=Life with Derek was a roller-coaster ride from the start. For the first few weeks, every morning he'd tell me how much he loved me, how glad he was I'd moved in with him. I felt like we had become one - our souls enmeshed. But in reality, much of the passion between us was fueled by Ecstasy - thus our relationship was fierce and intense, both good and bad. ... When I asked where he'd been, he got angry and told me that I should get my own place. So I started packing my staff. ... Derek had told me somany times that I was the one. Now I couldn't break free of his strong grip, and he was about to kill me. ... he pushed me away and yelled, "Get out!"}}</ref>   

[[Christopher Yuan]] declared that much of the fierce and intense [[ABC Theory of Emotion|passions]] they experienced with his [[Same-sex attraction|same-sex]] partner and labeled as loving relationship were in reality fueled by Ecstasy.<ref name="Yuan's Book">{{cite book |title=christopheryuan |year=2011 |publisher=WaterBrook Press |pages=6, 11, 186, 187 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=g3KR3nFcl1oC |isbn=978-0-307-72935-4 |quote=Life with Derek was a roller-coaster ride from the start. For the first few weeks, every morning he'd tell me how much he loved me, how glad he was I'd moved in with him. I felt like we had become one - our souls enmeshed. But in reality, much of the passion between us was fueled by Ecstasy - thus our relationship was fierce and intense, both good and bad. ... When I asked where he'd been, he got angry and told me that I should get my own place. So I started packing my staff. ... Derek had told me somany times that I was the one. Now I couldn't break free of his strong grip, and he was about to kill me. ... he pushed me away and yelled, "Get out!"}}</ref>