The name “ecstasy” is a sort of brand name for a man-made drug. Its chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, which researchers shorten to MDMA. Typically, this drug is made in clandestine laboratories. Dealers pull the molecules of the drug into colorful pills that they stamp with letters, numbers, or graphic elements that appeal to young people.
The uncertain purity and strength of MDMA products is, in part, what makes them dangerous. Teens who take these drugs simply don’t know what they’re getting. But even if the products are pure, they could still hold some dangers, particularly for teens who abuse the drugs regularly.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about teen ecstasy abuse here.