Brief Description
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), popularly known as ecstasy or, more recently, as Molly, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that has similarities to both the stimulant amphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. It produces feelings of increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth and empathy toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception. Learn more
Statistics and Trends
| Drug |
Time Period |
8th- Graders |
10th- Graders |
12th- Graders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDMA | Lifetime | 2 | [5.0] | 7.2 |
| Past Year | [1.1] | [3.0] | [3.8] | |
| Past Month | 0.5 | [1.0] | [0.9] |
* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year.
| Drug |
Time Period |
Ages 12 or Older |
Ages 12-17 |
Ages 18-25 |
Ages 26 or Older |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDMA | Lifetime | [5.7] | 2.4 | 12.3 | [4.9] |
| Past Year | 0.9 | 1.7 | 4.1 | 0.3 | |
| Past Month | [0.2] | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 |
* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year.
Featured Publications
Related Resources
- NIDA for Teens: MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Message from NIDA's Director on Ecstasy Research.
- Research on MDMA - 2002 statement before the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources, Committee on Government Reform (Archives)
- Ecstasy Abuse and Control - 2001 statement before the Senate Subcommittee on Governmental Affairs (Archives)
-
Scientific meeting report: Results of a July 2001 NIDA/NIH conference on Ecstasy
- Ecstasy: What We Know and Don't Know About MDMA, A Scientific Review - Executive summary and full report (Archives)
- MDMA/Ecstasy Research: Advances, Challenges, Future Directions - A Scientific Conference - Videocast, posters, participant list, etc. (Archives)
Emerging Trends
Get more information on Emerging Trends, we will update this page with the latest research findings as they develop.
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Other Articles of Interest
Research Report
MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse
Describes the science behind MDMA (ecstasy) abuse, including what it does to the brain, whether it is addictive, and the latest research regarding prevention and treatment of MDMA.
Featured Publication
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior - The Science of Addiction
As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.
