PREFACE In September 1986, the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) formally sponsored initiation of the Drug Abuse Information and Monitoring Project (DAIMP). One of the primary objectives of this project is to conduct ethnographic and epidemiological research in order to provide information on the new and changing conditions in drug abuse. Another key objective of the project is to provide an assessment of state needs and resources to deal with the treatment and prevention of drug abuse. As a third objective, DAIMP will produce a series of monographs focusing on specific issues in drug abuse that are useful to California's drug program network. The continuing problem of drug abuse has been recently compounded by several developments. These include the increasing amounts of illicit drugs (e.g., heroin and cocaine) being imported into the U.S., by an increasing number of routes, and the appearance of new and different drugs. The abuse potential of these newer drugs has not yet been ascertained. California is especially affected by these developments. The use of drugs such as MDMA has increased since their introduction on the street in the early 1970's. Only due to recent mass media interest has the public become aware of these drugs. While some therapists have portrayed the drug MDMA as a therapeutic tool, those in the drug treatment network are concerned about its abuse potential. Thus, there is a polarization of opinion regarding MDMA and similar drugs. Much of the current knowledge about MDMA is limited as it relies upon anecdotal sources. As part of the DAIMP series, this first monograph presents information about MDMA. It is intended to inform the public and those in the field who must learn about these newer drugs and their unique effects. As part of continuing research on drug abuse the current monograph represents an important contribution to the understanding of a much publicized drug and its potential for abuse. Chauncey L. Veatch III, Director California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs UCLA Drug Abuse Research Group (M. Douglas Anlgin, PhD, Director) i UCLA Drug Abuse Research Group (M. Douglas Anlgin, PhD, Director) i TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface.........................................................i Fact Sheet.....................................................iv Executive Summary.............................................iii I. Introduction...............................................1 II. Origins and Distribution...................................2 III. Epidemiology...............................................4 IV. Psychopharmacology.........................................5 V. Related Problems/Health Risks..............................7 VI. Conclusion................................................12 VII. Resources.................................................13 VIII...................................................References 14 UCLA Drug Abuse Research Group (M. Douglas Anlgin, PhD, Director) i X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X Another file downloaded from: The NIRVANAnet(tm) Seven & the Temple of the Screaming Electron Taipan Enigma 510/935-5845 Burn This Flag Zardoz 408/363-9766 realitycheck Poindexter Fortran 510/527-1662 Lies Unlimited Mick Freen 801/278-2699 The New Dork Sublime Biffnix 415/864-DORK The Shrine Rif Raf 206/794-6674 Planet Mirth Simon Jester 510/786-6560 "Raw Data for Raw Nerves" X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-X