Entactogens

This class of drugs was originally developed to help people who have experienced trauma. Ecstasy, for example, (MDMA, also called Adam, Eve, STP, X) is a mood elevating drug that can also produce hallucinations. MSMA takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after ingestion, causing exhilaration (and often nausea). You may feel empathy for others and an enhanced feeling of warmth and self-acceptance. For this reason, MDMA is sometimes referred to as a love drug.

Using MDMA carries two main risks. The first is contamination with other drugs during manufacturing (everything from amphetamine to PCP fillers). These fillers may create toxic effects. The second risk is the tendency of users to overheat from heavy exertion (for instance, dancing) and not enough water. In extreme cases, these effects, individually or in combination, can result in coma and death.

Yet another entactogen, called 2 C-B (bromo, nexus, spectrum), is also a psychedelic drug. It was developed in the 1970’s and has the effect of making you feel more “in touch” emotionally. You may readily experience certain erotic sensations and feel acutely responsive to music and color.

The drug 2 C-B is taken orally in pill form. Although it’s generally well-tolerated (nausea and chills are the main side-effects), there is a greater tendency for a bad trip than there is with MDMA. What is particularly dangerous about 2 C-B is any combination with alcohol, or with other depressant drugs. Although difficult to predict, the effects include elevated body temperature and high blood pressure.

The entactogens, generally, are associated with mental confusion and anxiety-provoking experiences that can add up to a bad trip- feeling scared and out of control. The combination of a psychological state of relaxation, sensitivity to music and color, and your body overheating to the point of collapse, is a significant risk.