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1. What is Ecstasy?
2. How does it affect the body?
3. How long does Ecstasy stay in your system?
4. What happens if I test positive for Ecstasy?

1. What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug with psychedelic and stimulant effects better known to chemists as MDMA or 3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It is most commonly found in tablet form and is often mixed with other toxic chemicals such as ephedrine, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, caffeine and even rat poison increasing the potential health risk to unsuspecting users.

Ecstasy use is typically associated with night clubs and dance parties. However, regardless of the social environment in which it is consumed, there are serious consequences if it is detected in your system following a drug test.

Ecstasy is classified as a Non-Specified Stimulant and is prohibited In-Competition only by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The starting point for a sanction related to ecstasy use is a 2 year ban from all sport.

2. How does it affect the body?

Ecstasy directly affects the central nervous system by releasing chemicals such as serotonin and oxytocin. These create a sense of euphoria and restlessness, followed by a rapid comedown period.

Other short term affects on the body may include:

• Increased energy and endurance
• Increased drive and motivation
• Decreased appetite
• Short term memory loss
• Urinary retention / dehydration
• Increased heart rate, body temperature
• Involuntary teeth grinding
• Blurred vision and nausea
• Severe anxiety, paranoia and depression

Long term affects may include:

• Clinical depression
• Low self-esteem and self-confidence
• Liver damage
• Impaired memory, learning and attention span
• Excessive wear of teeth

3. How long does Ecstasy stay in your system?

Ecstasy can be detected within the body for several days after ingestion. The clearance times of this drug are affected by variable factors such as the amount consumed, frequency of use, gender, age, purity of the Ecstasy and an individual’s metabolism.

REMEMBER - a Player can test positive for Ecstasy even if its use was days before being tested.

4. What happens if I test positive for Ecstasy?

Following the return of a positive test result from the laboratory and completion of a preliminary review, you will be notified via your Union and provisionally suspended immediately from all Rugby activity (includes training and playing with a team) pending the outcome of a hearing. You have the right to have your B Sample analysed should you wish to do so. A hearing will be set up before a Judicial Committee where you will be entitled to present your case. The Judicial Committee will provide a written decision and the applicable sanction which may be published on the IRB website. You also have the right of appeal.