JIST

Abstract

Among the various drugs used for recreational purposes, Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-Methylenedio xymethamphetamine) is believed to a relatively safe drug and has been abused by a wide spectrum of age groups, from teenagers to elderly. However, in Goa, with their ready availability in late-night “rave” parties (electronic dance music with drugs), the use of such drugs has shown an increased risk of fatality, especially if abused in conjunction with alcohol. The euphoria lasts longer and the sedative effects of alcohol is reduced, which causes the ill-informed drug abuser to consume larger doses of alcohol. This results in various complications ranging from severe dehydration and gastric erosions to multi organ failure, leading to death. The current study highlights the lethality of co-abusing MDMA with other substances while shedding light on the autopsy findings in ecstasy stackers.