Ecstasy (MDMA) is a synthetic amphetamine derivative and is considered a party drug that can be found at “rave parties.” Under the name MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, the drug made a brief appearance during the ‘60s, then moved quietly underground only to emerge again in the ‘80s as ecstasy (also known as: xtc, X, E, and Adam). The long-term impact on the brain is still being studied but it is known to affect memory function and causes permanent brain damage.

Methamphetamine is sometimes known as meth, ice, speed, crank, crystal, batu, shabu, or glass. It is an extremely addictive stimulant and the effects are similar to those of cocaine but longer lasting. The drug can cause erratic, violent behavior among its users. Users can develop a tolerance quickly, needing more and more to get high and going on longer binges.

Psychological symptoms of prolonged meth use can resemble those of schizophrenia and are characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behavior patterns, and delusions of parasites or insects on the skin. Users often obsessively scratch their skin to get rid of these imagined insects.