MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or Ecstasy, as it is commonly referred to, is a dangerous substance that has most recently become the subject of great attention due to the controversy over the safety of taking Ecstasy. Let there be no mistake; Ecstasy is a dangerous drug that should never be taken under any circumstance. Ecstasy is in fact a synthetic methamphetamine derivative related to both Amphetamine and Mescaline. MDMA has many street names which include: XTC, Go, Ecstasy, Disco Biscuit, Cristal, "X", Adam, Bean, "E", "M", and Roll. Ecstasy is widely used at such teen events as dance club or "rave" parties, but is not exclusive to those events. It has been used at house parties, and in school environments, also. A "rave" is a large (up to multi-thousands of people) event that features what has been commonly referred to as "Techno" music with lights and special effects played by D.J.s who specialize in this form of music. Raves are held in everything from night clubs to abandoned buildings to fields.

Ecstasy was first synthesized in 1912 by a German company possibly to be used as an appetite suppressant or a weight-loss drug. However, it was never marketed due to the unusual side effects of the drug. Ecstasy produces both stimulant and psychedelic effects, enabling those who take the drug to remain active for longer periods of time with less fatigue. This, in fact, is why Ecstasy is seen as a drug of choice at such events as dance raves, and other all-night activities.

Many of those who use Ecstasy will also possess other related paraphernalia, including: pacifiers, glow sticks, vapor rubs, surgical masks. The pacifier is used to prevent the grinding of teeth that is often a physical side effect when using Ecstasy. Glow sticks are used to increase the visual psychedelic effects associated with the use of Ecstasy. Vapor rub in a surgical mask that is placed over the nose and mouth is used to enhance the euphoric effects of Ecstasy. None of these items alone indicates use of Ecstasy. However, in the right context, such items are tools which enhance the Ecstasy "high," and cut down on the undesirable effects of the drug.

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, among high school students surveyed in the year 2000, 8.2% of 12th graders, 5.4% of 10th graders, and 3.1% of 8th graders stated that they had used Ecstasy in the past year. According to the 1999 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, approximately 3.4 million people had reported having used Ecstasy at least once in their life. With the increased distribution and popularity of this dangerous drug, those numbers will likely grow. With the growth in distribution and use of Ecstasy, the numbers of adverse reactions and injuries from use of the drug will also likely increase.