Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic analogue of 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), a psychoactive drug-possessing stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. First synthesized in 1912, by a German company possibly to be used as an appetite suppressant and became popular in the 1960's as the 'love drug' ("The Life Education Network", 2001). In 1941, the drug was tested as a relief for Parkinson's disease but dropped when one trial subject experienced rigidity of the muscles. At about the same time, the drug was dropped as an appetite suppressant because strange side effects were noted. By the 1970's ecstasy was used to facilitate psychotherapy by a small group of therapists in the United States. A number of psychiatrists came forth who had been quietly using MDMA not approved by FDA, was not illegal (Oakley, 1999)
             Until July 1, 1985, MDMA was not a controlled substance and was legally available for use. At that time, the Drug Enforcement Administration placed MDMA in Schedule 1 on an emergency basis, as a drug with high potential for abuse and without accepted medical use. It was claimed that the abuse potential of MDMA was proved by its widespread use. MDMA is reported to be safe by psychotherapists and users (Newsweek, 1985)
             Origination of the drug MDMA is believed to mainly come from the Netherlands and Belgium. In order to target organizations and individuals that distribute and manufacture "club drugs," DEA established Operation "Flashback" in July 1997. On July 2, 1998, MDMA was approved for inclusion under this Special Enforcement Program. Since February 1998, active investigations have increased from 6 to 140, indicative of the increasing demand and availability of club drugs (usdoj, 2000).
             MDMA has a high potential for abuse but only has moderate/low dependence potential. There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the ...