Estasy is a drug which comes in the form of a tablet. These tablets are usually colourful with various symbols and brand icons on them. Unfortunately, this colourful appearance hides the real truth of this drug.

Between 1995 and 1996 - 18 people died from using ecstasy and in 1997 - 11 people were killed.

In Australia this "wonder drug" has a street value of about $40.00-$70.00 per tablet.

Tablets bought on the street have been known to contain ingredients such flour, soap powder, talcum powder and naphthalene powder (mothballs).

Effects vary between each user. But the majority of addicts claim to have felt feelings of acceptance, peace and empathy soon after taking the drug. Also they experience feelings of closeness with other people and the longing to touch others. Other effects may include:

• Uncontrolled teeth clenching

• Staring

• Nausea

• Blurred vision

• Chills

• Sweating

(These effects usually last about for about 4-6 hours.)

The energy side of the drug enables the user to dance for longer than usual, which when combined with the hot and sweaty conditions of a party or rave can leave the addict with severe dehydration, or even hypothermia and high body temperature.

It's possible that this could lead to muscle breakdown and kidney and liver failure.

The after effects include:

• Sleeping problems

• Anxiety

• Depression

Repeated use of the drug ecstasy will eventually result in the damage of the cells that produce serotonin. These cells plays an important role in keeping your emotions and appetite under control. Also it controls how much pain you feel and how much you learn and remember. There's also current research suggesting that ecstasy could disrupt or interfere in a person's memory.

http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/drug_guide/Ecstasy#

http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/programs/forensicsci/microgram/mg0103/mg0103.html

http://www.sevenoaks.wa.edu.au/students/drugs/drugs/ecs.html

http://www.abs.com.au

http://www.google.com.au