What is MDMA and the Origin of the Nickname 'Doves'?
'Doves' is a street name for tablets of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), most commonly known as ecstasy. The name is derived from the appearance of some illicitly manufactured pills, which are often stamped with a logo or image, such as a dove. In the world of illicit drug manufacturing, stamped logos serve as a form of branding, but they offer no guarantee of the drug's content or purity. This is particularly concerning, as the illegal origin means there is no regulation, and pills sold under the same name can contain wildly different and potentially lethal ingredients.
MDMA itself is a synthetic drug that functions as both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen, producing effects like increased energy, heightened senses, and empathy. It gained popularity in the 1990s at raves and nightclubs, where its stimulant properties allowed users to dance for hours. However, reports from jurisdictions like Carson City have noted more recent and dangerous iterations of the so-called 'dove' drug, in which the tablets are a combination of MDMA, LSD, and methamphetamine. This mixing of different types of psychoactive substances dramatically increases the risk of unpredictable and severe side effects.
The Pharmacology and Effects of MDMA
MDMA works by influencing the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that plays a significant role in regulating mood, sleep, pain, and appetite. By enhancing the release and blocking the reuptake of serotonin, MDMA can produce feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and empathy. The release of norepinephrine increases heart rate and blood pressure, giving users a burst of energy. Dopamine is also released, stimulating the brain's reward center and reinforcing the drug-taking behavior.
The effects of MDMA usually begin within 45 minutes of a single dose, peaking within 15 to 30 minutes and lasting for about three hours. Accompanying the desired psychological effects are a range of physical side effects, which can include involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, sweating, and chills. After the peak effects fade, users often experience an unpleasant 'comedown' period lasting for one to two days, characterized by fatigue, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Potential dangers of mixing with other substances
When MDMA is mixed with other substances, as in the more recent variations of 'doves,' the risks multiply. Combining a stimulant like methamphetamine with the effects of MDMA can place immense stress on the cardiovascular system, drastically increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Introducing a powerful hallucinogen like LSD into the mix can lead to unpredictable and intense psychological effects, including paranoia, severe anxiety, and panic attacks. The specific dangers include:
- Cardiovascular strain: The stimulant properties of methamphetamine and MDMA can cause a dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke.
- Hyperthermia: The combination of increased physical activity (such as dancing at a rave) and drug-induced overheating can cause a sharp rise in body temperature (hyperthermia), which can lead to organ failure and death.
- Neurotoxicity: Long-term use of MDMA has been associated with damage to brain cells involved in thinking and memory, and this risk is compounded by the addition of other neurotoxic substances.
- Contamination: A significant danger of street drugs is the presence of unknown contaminants. Pills sold as 'doves' or ecstasy may contain little to no MDMA and instead be filled with other chemicals or potent opioids like fentanyl, leading to overdose.
The Legal Status and Risks of 'Doves'
MDMA, and any substance sold as ecstasy or 'doves,' is an illegal, controlled substance in many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., it is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. This legal status reflects the severe health risks and lack of control over the substance's production and distribution. Penalties for possession and trafficking can be severe, including lengthy prison sentences.
| Feature | Traditional MDMA/Ecstasy | Modern 'Doves' (Mixed Substance) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Primarily 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine | Varies widely; may include MDMA, methamphetamine, LSD, and other contaminants |
| Purity | Unpredictable, but often contains MDMA | Highly inconsistent and likely contains dangerous and potent unknown fillers |
| Pharmacology | Primarily impacts serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine | Synergistic and unpredictable effects due to multiple active ingredients |
| Psychological Effects | Euphoria, empathy, heightened senses | Heightened risk of anxiety, paranoia, aggression, and psychotic behaviors |
| Physical Effects | Increased heart rate, jaw clenching, potential overheating | Extreme strain on the body, elevated risk of hyperthermia, seizures, and organ failure |
| Overdose Risk | Present, especially with high doses and physical exertion | Significantly increased due to unknown dosages and combination of powerful drugs |
Conclusion
The term what drug is called doves points to the dangerous and deceptive nature of the illicit drug market. While it most commonly refers to ecstasy (MDMA), the specific composition of any pill is unknown and can include potent and hazardous substances like methamphetamine and LSD. This lack of consistency, combined with the physiological effects of MDMA and its potential contaminants, makes use highly unpredictable and dangerous. The risks of hyperthermia, dehydration, cardiovascular events, and long-term psychological and cognitive damage underscore the severe health and legal consequences of consuming such illicit substances. Seeking help for drug addiction is crucial and resources are available through organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
