Many
chemical variations of mescaline and amphetamine
have been synthesized for their "feel good"
effects. MDMA (Ecstasy) is the most popular and
widely abused variation used today.
DOM (4-Methyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine) was introduced
to the San Francisco drug scene in the late 1960's
and given the nickname "STP," an acronym
for "Serenity, Tranquility, and Peace."
Doses of 1 to 3 milligrams generally produce mood
alterations and minor perceptual alterations while
larger doses can produce pronounced hallucinations
that last from 8 to 10 hours.
Other illicitly manufactured analogues include
4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine (DOB), 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
(MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA),
and 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine (2C-B,
NEXUS). These drugs differ from one another in
their potency, speed of onset, duration of action,
and their capacity to modify mood with or without
producing overt hallucinations. The drugs are
usually taken orally but are sometimes snorted
or injected (rarely). Because they are produced
in clandestine laboratories, they are seldom pure
and the amount of the drug in a capsule or tablet
is likely to vary considerably.
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