Ecstasy Becomes Popular in Military

June 2 -- The club drug Ecstasy, popular at dance clubs and raves, is becoming more common in an unlikely place.

The drug, also known as the "hug drug," has infiltrated America's military.

Though illegal, Ecstasy is widely available, relatively cheap and enormously popular with 18- to 30-year-olds — the same age group that makes up three-quarters of the U.S. military.

Ecstasy Investigations Explode in Last Year

Charity Elliot, 21, was serving in the military when she tried Ecstasy and got caught. She is now serving nine months in a military jail.

"I got called to the first sergeant's office and the next thing I know I am being cuffed and read my rights," Elliot said.

After serving her time, she will be dishonorably discharged with a felony on her record.

"I've lost the trust of my parents, my two younger brothers," she said, crying. "It's something I have to deal with every day. I lost myself a career."

Three years ago, the U.S. Air Force conducted just 35 investigations focusing on Ecstasy. Last year, that number rose to more than 400. All the services are seeing dramatic increases in the use of Ecstasy.

One of the biggest Ecstasy cases in the military was at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, where 26 people were arrested. Nineteen have been convicted so far.

"The problem with drug use in the military is it affects our readiness," said Jennifer Smith, military spokeswoman. "It affects our ability to fly and fight."

And it can be deadly in the high-tech world of missiles, bombs and fighter jets, where there is little margin for error.

"Any mistake, any reduction in their ability to judge or be effective on the job could ultimately have severe consequences," said Mike Speedling, chief of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

System Changes to Catch Ecstasy Users

There is no evidence that Ecstasy is addictive. But long-term impact on the brain is still in question.

The drug may be especially appealing to someone in the military because it passes through the body quickly. You can party on Friday night and this drug will not show up in a urine test Monday morning.