Addiction of MDMA, an ecstasy drug, is on the rise, say psychiatrists.
In less than a month’s time, the LTMG Sion hospital’s psychiatry department has attended to two addicts, both from the lower socio-economic group, of the party drug.
Doctors say MDMA addicts from the lower socio-economic group are a worrying factor as the drug is expensive.
Dr Nilesh Shah, head of the psychiatrist department at Sion hospital, said, “It’s very rare to get an MDMA addict coming to us for de-addiction. We were surprised to get two in less than a month’s time.”
According to the department, both addicts are drug dealers. “In the last three years, I have never seen any MDMA addict in the Sion hospital. It is an expensive drug and, therefore, its addicts are not seen much in a public hospital,” said Dr Sagar Karia, psychiatrist .
Agreeing to the Sion hospital’s psychiatry department’s observation, Dr Y A Matcheswalla, in-charge of GT hospital’s de-addiction unit and head of the psychiatry department at Masina hospital, said, “MDMA addicts from the lower socio-economic group was a rare thing but now it is getting more common. We have realised that these people are into small-time drug-peddling business and manage to get these expensive drugs.”
Whether it’s snorted as a powder or swallowed as a capsule, the drug is said to lead to a sudden rush of energy and “feel good” serotonin levels from 3 to 6 hours.
Dr Harish Shetty, senior psychiatrist at Dr LH Hiranandani hospital, Powai, said, “Easy availability of drugs is the reason behind the rise in MDMA and other drug addiction cases. We are seeing a rise, especially among students/college-goers, who want to get high in a short period. ”
D D Kale, ACP of Anti-Narcotics Cell, said, “We have not received any cases where party drugs were used in the city. We don’t expect any usage in the coming months also. It could be sold in areas outside the city, but never within the city limits, as per our knowledge.”
Getting a high
MDMA, 4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine, is a pure form of an ingredient typically found in Ecstasy. Ecstasy is a central nervous system stimulant primarily used as a party drug. Its euphoric, mood-altering effects make it a popular stimulant for dancing and partying.
