Author: Gary Jackson

What are the effects of MDMA? National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

Even small doses of ecstasy can harm your mental, physical, or emotional well-being. In nearly 25% of the samples, the researchers were unable to identify what was actually in the tablets. Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. If you experience lasting effects after taking ecstasy, be sure to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible.

Ecstasy was classified as a Schedule I drug in 1985, which means that the substance has a high potential for abuse and is not approved by law to treat medical conditions. While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we’ll use this information to improve our online help. A person’s unique physical attributes and frequency of drug use can also affect how long it is detectable. Other signs of ecstasy use could include an irregular sleeping schedule and a lack of awareness of pain. For example, if a person got hurt and did not realize it, you might suspect ecstasy use. We receive advertising fees from purchases through the BetterHelp links below.

What is MDMA (Molly/Ecstacy)?

These cravings drive a person to use ecstasy over and over, even when they know it is harmful. Ecstasy abuse usually begins out of curiosity or experimentation, but continued abuse can devolve into addiction. Signs of addiction include using the drug frequently and being unable to have fun or feel normal without it. Addiction is characterized by an unnatural compulsion to use the drug without regard to negative consequences. Many negative side effects, both short- and long-term, can come about as a result of using ecstasy. Many dealers sell pills that are cut with other ingredients, ranging from cocaine or heroin to caffeine and rat poison.

Other effects include feeling greater empathy toward others and enhanced sensory perception. If you or someone you love are experiencing substance use issues related to the use of ecstasy or any other drug, it’s important to seek treatment. Ecstasy overdose symptoms can include faintness, panic attacks or extreme anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures. When ecstasy use is followed by vigorous physical activity, it can lead to a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperthermia. After the peak effects of Ecstasy begin to dissipate, users will often “double-stack” or “re-up” and take more Ecstasy to increase and return the peak euphoric effects of the drug. Many users do this to avoid what is often called “The Crash,” resulting in feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, agitation, and impulsivity.

Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder

Ecstasy was explored as a therapeutic drug in the 1970s, as some psychotherapists believed it opened people up and enhanced their potential for empathy and understanding of one another. Ecstasy is an illegal substance typically made in a laboratory. When a person becomes addicted to ecstasy, they will continue to go to dance parties and use the drug even though when not on the drug they realize the damage they are doing.

• Addiction is defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine as continued use despite harmful consequences.
• BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
• Most people who use ecstasy or molly experience increased energy and enhanced self-confidence, believing that everyone around them is their friend.
• Another significant danger is the fact that people who take ecstasy don’t really know what they are actually ingesting.

Dance clubs where many patrons use ecstasy often provide a “chill room” where a person can buy cold water and cool off. When the temperature gets too high, organ breakdown can occur, especially in the kidneys, and this can kill the drug user. There are various levels of care ecstasy users can enter for treatment depending on your needs.

Ecstasy and the Brain

Ecstasy gained popularity in nightclub scenes and at music concerts/festivals. However, nowadays, it is used by a broader range of people on different occasions. It produces euphoria for a short period and also distorts sensory perceptions. We may receive advertising fees if you follow links to promoted online therapy websites. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders rates ecstasy addiction from mild to severe and outlines 11 criteria for diagnosing an addiction.