Ecstasy (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA) is a synthetic, psychoactive drug chemically similar to the stimulant methamphetamine and the hallucinogen mescaline. It is neurotoxic for animals and a health risk for humans.1 Most users are young, and use has increased in most European countries where annual survey data are available, now exceeding amphetamine use in some. In Europe recent lifetime experience rates range from 0.4% to 13% among 15-24-year olds; in the United States the rate is 14.8% among 18-25 year olds.2 However, surveys probably underestimate the number of users.3 Ecstasy users often use other illicit drugs,4 raising the question why young people take addictive drugs.

To become addicted to something, you must first be able to obtain it; then you have to try it, you must instantly like …