“What Are Amphetamines and Ecstasy?” Natural History Research Group - University of Queensland, 21 Sept. 2020, natural-history-study.uq.edu.au/about-study/what-are-amphetamines-and-ecstasy. 

What Are Amphetamines and Ecstasy?

In 2021 the FDA approved the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for the treatment of PTSD. The compound was studied as a treatment as studies suggest it acts by binding to the presynaptic serotonin transporters inducing a release of serotonin. The trials conducted administered three doses of MDMA paired with manualized therapy during an eighteen-week treatment plan. The results of the study showed significantly reduced symptoms of depression as well as regulated amygdalar serotonergic function in comparison to the control (placebo) group. Each study conducted showed similar results which led to the approval for the regulated use of MDMA to treat PTSD symptoms.

Treatment of PTSD using MDMA (Ecstasy)

“MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts.” National Institutes of Health, 3 Feb. 2023, nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly. 

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts

A pharmacologist is studying a substance that, when ingested, causes increased energy, feelings of emotional warmth, and mild perceptual alterations. The substance's chemical structure is similar to that of amphetamines. Which statement best analyzes the primary challenge in classifying this substance based on its effects?

MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a mild stimulant with perception-altering effects, commonly known as 'ecstasy' or 'Molly'. It is typically ingested in pill form and produces effects such as increased energy, feelings of pleasure, and emotional warmth. While it has stimulant properties, its classification is debated due to its hallucinogenic effects and chemical similarity to amphetamines.

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- Ayahuasca
- LSD
- Psilocybin
- MDMA
- DMT
- Mescaline

Types of Psychedelics

* Cocaine
* Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)
* Cathinones (i.e., bath salts)
* MDMA (ecstasy)
* Nicotine
* Caffeine

Examples of Stimulants

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A brewed Amazonian drink with psychoactive properties made by boiling Banisteriopsis caapi vine and Psychotria viridis bush leaves ( which contains harmala alkaloids, which render the hallucinogenic component DMT orally active).  It was originally used by indigenous shamans for religious rituals and healing. Now it is being used for recreation, being incorporated into folk medicine, and treatment for addiction, anxiety, and depression. 

Ayahuasca

Psilocybin is a 5HT-2A (serotonin 2A) receptor agonist that is a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound. It is derived from over 200 species of fungi, many from the genus Psilocybe. A purified bioactive compound derived from medicinal mushrooms.

Psilocybin

- Come from the Peyote cactus
- Naturally occurring hallucinogen
- Currently illegal

Mescaline

- Psychedelic, hallucinagenic, man-made compound
- Impacts cognitive, emotional, and perceptual processes in the brain through binding to serotonin receptors
- Thought to improve cognition and may have a positive effect on mental health
- Currently illegal in the United States, however, LSD is increasing in its usage

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) 

DMT, N,N-dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous hallucinogen that was synthesized in 1931 by Canadian chemist Richard Manske.

DMT 

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive type of amphetamine that has become increasingly widespread. Its popularity is partly due to its accessibility and low cost, as it can be synthesized from readily available ingredients like pseudoephedrine, a compound found in many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Despite laws designed to restrict access to such precursors, methamphetamine remains a popular drug option. It is often available in a potent, smokable form known as 'crystal meth,' which is particularly addictive because it rapidly enters the brain, creating an intense but brief euphoria that encourages repeated use.

Methamphetamine

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that carries a high potential for abuse. As a stimulant, it affects the dopamine neurotransmitter system.

Cocaine

Amphetamines are a class of psychostimulant drugs that accelerate the transmission of messages between the brain and the body. While some forms are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they are also frequently produced and used illicitly, carrying a significant potential for abuse.

Amphetamines

Caffeine is a stimulant drug, notable for being the most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world and is generally considered relatively safe. People typically use it to increase alertness, arousal, and energy. Despite its widespread use, its effects are significantly less potent than other major stimulants like amphetamines.

Caffeine

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance primarily consumed through tobacco products. Its use is associated with significant health dangers, including an elevated risk of heart disease, stroke, and various forms of cancer.

Nicotine

Based on the described effects, which general class of psychoactive drugs did the student most likely consume? Justify your answer by linking the student's experiences to the known physiological and psychological effects of this drug class.

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