Extreme ecstasy

Social context
Extreme ecstasy is a relatively recent form of MDMA the drug known as ecstasy in which methamphetamine is added to MDMA and produces a stimulant effect

The drug advisor to the US government John Walters coined the phrase “Extreme Ecstasy” when he stated: This ‘extreme ecstasy’ is a disturbing development in what has been one of the most significant international achievements against the illicit drug trade.

He goes on to say: The dangerous poly-drug combination of methamphetamine and ecstasy can have severe health consequences, especially as both drugs have toxic effects on the brain. They both can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to sharp increases in body temperature (hyperthermia), which can result in liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure and death. The potential for a life-threatening or fatal overdose is also increased when meth-laced ecstasy is combined with alcohol. Recent laboratory research suggests that ecstasy and meth combinations may produce greater adverse neurochemical and behavioral effects than either drug alone.(cn)