Introduction
This page contains my Masters' research paper, an annotated bibliography of material published in New Zealand on the subject of ecstasy, methamphetamine, or "social tonics" (legal stimulants containing BZP and/or TMFPP, among other things).
Do you have questions about drugs?
A lot of people find this site because they are searching for information on drugs such as BZP or methamphetamine (P). See the FAQ below for answers to some common questions.
The Bibliography
The bibliography is divided into six parts. It begins with an introduction that briefly reviews the issues that the paper considers, including a discussion of my search strategy, and any problems I encountered. The next four parts cover the four categories of material I looked at: academic research papers; Masters and PhD theses; policy papers (including material produced by government agencies, independent researchers, and lobby groups); and mass media material. The final section contains two indexes: a subject index and an author index, as well as a list of further reading and a glossary.
FAQ
For general information see the Ministry of Health's book Safe Dance Parties
(PDF), and Erowid. The best research and statistics on drug use in New Zealand are available at SHORE, especiallyBZP
BZP is a stimulant drug. Desired effects include increased energy, sociability, and happiness. Other effects include teeth grinding, thirst, raised body temperature, and an inability to sleep. Users may experience a hangover, especially if BZP is mixed with alcohol. Some users might feel irritable or depressed a few days after use. For good information on BZP see Erowid, CADS, the Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs (PDF), and Wikipedia.
Legal status
In June 2007, the New Zealand government announced plans to criminalise BZP and related substances. Once the law is changed, these drugs will be Class C1 in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. It will be illegal to possess, supply, manufacture or import these drugs. Note that Class C1 places BZP in the same category as marijuana in terms of penalties. The government intends to place these proposed changes before Parliament before the end of 2007. While nothing is certain, it seems likely that the law changes will pass with strong cross-party support.
BZP is illegal in the USA and in some states of Australia. It has apparently been declared a prescription only drug the UK (more).
Health issues
There has been one fatality associated with BZP. However, that woman had also taken ecstasy and probably died from drinking too much water (see here. There has been one reported case of psychosis associated with taking BZP (see here). Anxiety is also experienced by some users (see Gee et al,
In a five-month period, BZP users made 80 visits to the Christchurch Hospital emergency department. Fifteen toxic seizures were recorded. Two patients suffered life-threatening toxicity. Milder effects included inability to sleep, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, inability to urinate (Gee et al, 2005).
Methamphetamine (P)
Methamphetamine is an illegal stimulant. It is often referred to as 'P' (from 'Pure') in New Zealand. Its desired effects include increased alertness, motivation, and brain activity, energy, and euphoria. Negative effects can include addiction, depression, psychosis, decline in mental ability, sexual problems, tooth decay, and even death. See Wikipedia, Erowid, CADS.
Legal issues
Methamphetamine is a Class A controlled substance in New Zealand. This is the highest classification for controlled substances, and means that penalties for possession, supply, and/or importation of methamphetamine are correspondingly high.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy is an illegal drug of an unusual type - it has stimulant properties, mild hallucinogenic properties, and entactogen properties. Desired effects include heightened energy, sociability, feelings of happiness, love and empathy, and appreciation for music. Side effects can include teeth grinding, insomnia, elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Users often experience a 'crash' whereby they experience temporary depression a few days after using MDMA. Research suggests that over-use can lead to depression and/or memory and cognitive problems, though these problems seem to disappear after a period of abstinence. Death, due to dehydration, heatstroke, or water intoxication is very rare, but it has happened. Another health issue is that often a pill sold as ecstasy may not contain MDMA, but may contain other drugs with different effects and risks.
Legal Issues
MDMA is illegal worldwide, and is Class B in New Zealand. Note that close variants of MDMA have (for some reason) different classifications - MDA is Class A, for example.