MDMA is the shortened chemical name for the synthetic psychoactive drug 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. MDMA can come in powder or crystal form and is also the active ingredient expected to be found in ecstasy pills. In the 1970s, MDMA was known as 'empathy' and it slowly made its way from research settings into recreational drug markets. It was controlled in the UK in 1977 but its use continued to increase and by the late 1980s it was rebranded as ecstasy and widely used in the electronic music scene. The amount of MDMA found in ecstasy pills in Europe has increased over the last decade, with some pills containing three times an average dose. During the 2000s it became more common for people to access MDMA powder due to a general distrust in the contents of pills but now both powder and pill forms are common. Throughout this booklet we will use the term MDMA to describe both MDMA powder and ecstasy pills. All drug use has risks. This booklet is for information only and does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have medical concerns about your drug use, please speak to a medical professional.