History of the Drug
MDMA was synthesized in the early 20th century by the German pharmaceutical company Merck (García-Montes et al., 2020). However, the majority of initial studies on the drug were conducted in the 1980s by the famous pharmacologist Shulgin (García-Montes et al., 2020). The drug was actively used in mental therapy sessions, which was the reason for its spread. When ecstasy was made illegal for therapeutic use, its abuse became popular among youth who were already familiar with psychedelic drugs.
Mechanism of Action
MDMA targets the brain, increasing its activity and causing an excess release of the serotonin neurotransmitter, which regulates “mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep, and pain sensitivity” (DEA, 2022, p. 1). Thus, this release causes people to experience a positive mood shift without causing visual psychedelic effects. However, the one-time release of significant amounts of serotonin causes a further lack of the neurotransmitter, resulting in adverse effects on an individual’s mood after the end of the drug’s effect.
DEA Schedule
The drug was placed in Schedule I in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act (DEA, 2022). Therefore, the drug has a high potential for abuse and cannot be used in treatment even with appropriate medical supervision.
Effect on the Central Nervous System
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord and performs vital functions such as processing information from receptors and coordinating the body’s movements. The drug’s effect on the brain stimulates the central nervous system. As a result, individuals can experience a heightened sense of sight and sound, which contributes to the impression of a psychedelic effect. In some cases, the feelings of the visual and hearing senses can also appear distorted. Some reports of drug use state that people can also experience a sense of “lightness and warmth” (García-Montes et al., 2020, p. 91).
Interesting Facts About the Drug
- It is suggested that the drug was synthesized to act as an appetite suppressant.
- The drug has multiple socio-cultural connections due to its popularity among groups that experience significant social or economic pressure.
- The use of MDMA is most popular during events such as music festivals and raves.
- Many pop culture artists, such as Lady Gaga, connect the use of MDMA to their inspiration while warning fans about the risks of drug abuse (García-Montes et al., 2020).
- MDMA presents an example of a drug that requires a complex cultural approach for cases of drug abuse.
References
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). (2022). Ecstasy/MDMA.
García-Montes, J. M., Pérez-Álvarez, M., Sánchez-Moya, M. Á., Torres, J. A. C., Carreno, D. F., Garcelán, S. P., & Sánchez-Sánchez, L. D. C. (2021). Ecstasy (MDMA): A rebellion coherent with the system. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs (NAD), 38(1), 89–102.