A new study carried out by the researchers at University of New South Wales National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has claimed that the use of ecstasy drug has declined in Australia. The situation could give rise to the use of more of dangerous designer synthetic drugs, which can be manufactured legally. Synthetic drugs are manufactured to have similar effects as that of ecstasy and are sold under the street names such as "miaow" or "bubbles".

A synthetic drug, known as methamphetamine is derived from plant products and researchers found that it’s more dangerous than ecstasy. It is highly addictive and can even cause mental health problems. It is quiet popular among the addicts and is mostly injected or smoked.

The researchers have cited that the main reason behind the fall in ecstasy was increase in impurities in the drug. Drug with high levels of impurities are less effective and are not preferred by the users.

Lead Author of the study, Professor Michael Farrell, said that the about 16% of the people who were surveyed, were using synthetic drugs such as mephedrone. The study has warned against the harmful effects of synthetic drugs as they are highly toxic and can cause serious illnesses.