The meaning of entactogenic:
An entactogenic infers to that which gives birth to one’s true inner feelings. While a psychedelic means to show the workings of one’s psyche, or mind, drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy or XTC) put one in touch with the emotions, or feelings. Though this is not a perfect description of these drugs, I feel it is closer to the truth than other terms that have been used.

MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine) was the first of this series to appear “on the street” back in the late 1960’s. It gained notoriety among people as a “Love Drug” and was called just that. Or “speed for lovers.” It gives the user a sense of empathy for those around them. A closeness, if you will, that can easily transform to sexual thoughts and an enjoyment of heightened body awareness. As such, many people loved the “love drug” and would find themselves in the role of hosting orgies!

A decade later, MDA’s methylated cousin MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxy-n –methylamphetamine) appeared on the street. This, many would agree, is similar to MDA. But an even more profound euphoria is felt – as well as having a distinctive “peak” to the experience. Both of these drugs found usefulness in the more progressive circles of the psychotherapeutic movement. The closeness and inner peace one feels while on these drugs allowed the user to view and work on problems within their minds. Problems usually buried and hidden by defense mechanisms could be explored and resolved without being blocked by fear. Both of these drugs, along with MMDA and MDE, were soon after classified as Schedule I controlled substances, bringing research, at least above-ground, to be curtailed. Schedule I means the drug has no known use, and extreme potential for abuse. But they have hardly vanished.

Most commonly available to those who wish to explore this family of drugs is MDMA. Commonly referred to as ecstasy, or simply XTC, it is available in the form of tablets and as a white crystalline powder. The tablets come in a wide variety of colors, and may be imprinted with many different designs (logos). There is no way to be certain that two seemingly identical tablets are, in fact, the same. They are manufactured in many different places and, due to this, may contain other ingredients aside from MDMA. If they contain MDMA at all. There have been problems with the “cuts” that have resulted in illness – and even death. Deaths are generally attributed to another chemical called PMA. Though rare, some unscrupulous manufacturers have substituted PMA for MDMA. And even a slight increase in dosage can kill the unfortunate victim. Fortunately there are testing kits available for people to test their pills with. These kits will weed out bad pills that might contain PMA. Unfortunately most recreational user don’t bother to use them. Problems associated with MDMA offered as the pure crystalline powder are much less common. But to be safe, a testing kit should be on anyone’s shopping list who has decided to try these drugs. Less problematic among the “cuts” used are methamphetamine and, rarely, ketamine. Once in awhile DXM (dextromethorphan) has been found – which is toxic combined with MDMA et al. Ideally pure MDMA would be sought out by a user.

A common venue for the use of MDMA, and it’s cousins, are at informal musical gatherings. Sometimes called “Raves” by some attendees – and the mainstream media, these concerts are enjoyed by those who like to be in a crowd of people to share their feelings with. Others prefer to enjoy using MDMA, and others, in a more personal setting. And this leads us to what these feelings are from this class of drug.

As MDMA is the most common one of these to be found, I’ll use it as an example of what likely will occur. But do understand that this is a rough draft. No one can say with utter certainty what you would experience.

If one has an empty stomach, meaning no food for at least four hours, a dose (we will get to that shortly) of MDMA powder will make it’s presence know within about 20 minutes of ingestion. This may make the person feel a bit apprehensive or nervous. This is to be expected as these drugs are amphetamine-class central nervous system stimulants. This feeling will pass. In about 30 minutes a wave of general euphoria builds up. This euphoria increases very quickly and reaches a peak effect at around 45 minutes to an hour. The user has great openness and empathy for those they are with. This openness and euphoric sense of all being well in the Universe has been called “rolling.” Issues that may usually cause the user to feel negative, or fearful, lose their power and can be viewed with a feeling of acceptance and objectivity. Their fear is gone. This does not mean that the user would stick their fingers in a fan – there is no loss of mental acuity – general knowledge remains intact. This level of effect lasts for, usually, 2 to 3 hours. Many then may take a supplement, which I’ll get to in a moment. After the full effects have abated, their follows “the Crash.” This tends to be one of feeling malaise and some minor depression. Many users find this a good time to have some food, and quiet talk and music. Perhaps a good time to reflect on what they have seen and learned. Following a good sleep, most feel a little dragged-out the next day. But nothing to write home about.