The drug commonly known as ecstasy is known as well is 3. This is a very fancy name for a synthetic drug that is very similar in chemical composition to methamphetamine. Ecstasy is also known by similar names like MDMA, XTC and Beans. .

             Ecstasy exerts its effects by stimulating cells in the brain that produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. The effect on the user is one of excess energy along with a hallucinogenic enhancement of time and perception and an increased sensation of tactile experiences. The effects of this drug make it very popular in the club scene where it makes the music seem louder, the lights seem brighter and changes the entire club experience. The user notes that the drug cases a change in the need for sleep, and increased aggression, enhanced libido as well as a decreased sensitivity to pain. .

             Ecstasy was once considered to be a relatively "harmless" drug, with little to no side effects and no withdrawal syndrome. Longer-term studies, however, have shown this to be untrue. While animal studies on Ecstasy have shown it to be neurotoxic, human studies have not been so clear-cut. It is, however, known that Ecstasy can be dangerous and in some cases even fatal to the user. .

             Ecstasy is more addictive than once thought. In fact, in a survey by the National Drug Clearing house it was found that of 1200 young people surveyed who admitted to regular ecstasy use, 43% met standards for the diagnosis of drug dependence. Almost 60 percent of those who use ecstasy report withdrawal effects to include fatigue, poor appetite, and difficulty sleeping and concentration problems. And these are only the short-term effects. Long-term users tend to have lasting cognitive effects that continue even after the drug has been discontinued. Chronic ecstasy users are reported to have slower response times on cognitive and memory testing. They are frequently reported to have higher incidence of depression, anxiety and other mental health issues, although whether these issues were premorbid to the drug use is not clear.