MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy, has rapidly become one of the four major illicit drugs in the U.S.,along with marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. During the 1990s, its use spread from the rave subculture to a more general high school and college audience. Despite its reputation as a relatively benign drug, data from animal and human studies suggest that MDMA may cause brain damage after just a few doses,unlike 'harder' drugs like cocaine and heroin, which take years to damage brain tissue.

"As far as this case is concerned I have now had time to think it over and I can strongly recommend a course of leeches." This quotation is taken from the British comedy series Blackadder, but those with an interest in medieval medicine are well aware that the use of maggots, leeches and other creepy-crawlers to cure just about anything goes back a long way. In fact such practices date as far back as ancient Egypt, where leeches were first used for blood-letting.

"I can't believe you're doing this," my friend Sonia said over the noise of the bus. "Aren't you scared?"

"Not really," I explained. "It just doesn't seem something to be scared of."

"But my goodness, I'm scared for you! Are you just going to stand on the edge and jump without worrying about it?"

"Well that was the plan." I began munching on a plum while pondering the situation.