Ecstasy Addiction And Abuse

What Is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is the street name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). It is an illegal and manufactured designer drug classified as a stimulant with hallucinogenic properties.

Ecstasy creates a feeling of well-being, happiness, and friendliness. It also enhances the user’s sense of sight, sound, smell, and touch, and is a common party drug. Ecstasy abuse can be fatal, as it may be laced with other dangerous substances like fentanyl.

Other common street names for MDMA include:

• Molly
• E
• X
• XTC
• Candy
• Beans
• Presses

Ecstasy refers to the MDMA version in pill or tablet form, while molly refers to the white powder or crystalline MDMA form.

Molly is often marketed as a pure form of MDMA, whereas ecstasy is often sold as pills that are known to contain other additives; however, both Molly and ecstasy are often cut with other additives, including:

• Cocaine
• LSD
• Heroin
• Amphetamine
• Caffeine
• Rat poison
• Fentanyl

MDMA is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.

What Are The Effects Of Ecstasy?

Like most drugs, ecstasy interferes with the brain’s pleasure center and works on at least three neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) that have a strong effect on mood and emotion. These include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

The high from ecstasy generally lasts between 3 and 6 hours but depends on several factors, including body weight, gender, amount taken, and method of administration. Although the high from the drugs usually only lasts a few hours, the crash can last for days.

The effects of ecstasy include:

• Euphoria
• Heightened senses (perceptions of sound, sight, and touch are enhanced)
• Calm and relaxation
• Long-lasting energy
• Friendliness, closeness, and empathy for others
• Lowered inhibitions

Some versions of ecstasy do not contain any MDMA, and the user may be completely unaware. Sometimes, MDMA is replaced with PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine). PMA may create feelings similar to those caused by MDMA, but the onset of symptoms is longer, symptoms are more severe, and it has a lower lethal dose than MDMA. The two are often sold interchangeably on the street. Because the symptom onset of PMA is longer than that of MDMA, people may take a second dose, hoping to achieve the desired effects, but this can result in a fatal overdose. PMA has been involved in many overdose deaths worldwide.

Ecstasy use often comes with uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects, including:

• Increase in body temperature
• Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Muscle tension, teeth grinding, and clenching (bruxism) are known as “molly jaw”
• Dehydration
• Blurred vision
• Overdose

Potential long-term effects of ecstasy include the following:

• Dental problems due to teeth clenching
• Cognitive impairment
• Impulsive and aggressive behaviors
• Disrupted sleep
• Severe anxiety
• Depression

As the euphoric effects of ecstasy start to wear off (generally within 6 hours after the initial dose), the person may experience a “comedown” or after effects that can be uncomfortable. Experts believe this is due to the serotonin depletion and the aftermath of being overstimulated for hours, in combination with the physical toll that the effects of ecstasy have on the body, which include fatigue, anxiety, depression, and irritability. Sometimes the anxiety and depression can be so bad from the “comedown” that many people refer to this “molly comedown” as “suicide Tuesday”. This physical and mental discomfort can increase the risk of using more of the drug in a bingeing pattern.

Can You Become Addicted To Ecstasy?

Research varies as to how addictive ecstasy is; however, some studies suggest repeated use can lead to cravings, tolerance, psychological dependence, and an “ecstasy comedown”, which can be loosely described as withdrawal symptoms.

Although ecstasy is not as addictive as cocaine or opioids, it can create unhealthy abuse patterns that can affect multiple aspects of a person’s life. People often use other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, and LSD, when using ecstasy, which can increase the risk of addiction to these other substances. People entering an addiction treatment program who abuse ecstasy are often seeking treatment because they have an addiction to another substance.

How Do You Know If Someone Is On Ecstasy?

Since ecstasy is known to heighten senses and increase closeness and empathy, one of the most common ways to tell if someone is on ecstasy is a display of excessive physical touch. People on ecstasy may be hugging each other, holding hands, massaging each other, or having emotional conversations. They will also be extremely thirsty and have dilated pupils.

People often wear accessories when using ecstasy, such as baby pacifiers, lollipops, and water bottles, which are common signs of use. These help curb the oral fixation associated with ecstasy, prevent jaw and teeth clenching, and prevent dry mouth and dehydration that are associated with ecstasy use.

What Does Ecstasy Look Like?

Ecstasy comes in pill or tablet form as well as powder or crystal form. Ecstasy pills can resemble candy and come in pastel, brightly colored, or white pills with fun shapes and logos, which often appeal to younger users.

They can be round, square, or other shapes, such as flowers or hearts, often imprinted with a logo or symbol, including cartoon characters, animals, and brand logos like Mercedes, Tesla, VW, and Playboy.

Molly resembles a white or off-white fine sugar or salt. It can also resemble crystals that come in off white, clear, or colored shades, such as blue or purple.

What Other Drugs Are Mixed With Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is often used with other drugs, with the rates of polydrug abuse far higher among ecstasy users than other groups of drug users. Some commonly used drugs associated with ecstasy use include:

• Marijuana: Used for its depressant effects to help relax or counteract the stimulating MDMA effects.
• Alcohol: Since MDMA is a common party or club drug, and alcohol is served at these venues, it is often combined with ecstasy.
• Cocaine and amphetamines: These stimulants are used to increase the desired effects of MDMA.
• LSD and mushrooms: These are hallucinogens that are used to enhance the hallucinogenic effects of MDMA.
• Benzodiazepines: Commonly used to help ease the depression and anxiety effects during the MDMA comedown.

Can You Overdose On Ecstasy?

Overdose on ecstasy is possible, especially when ecstasy is laced with other drugs or is swapped for more dangerous ingredients such as PMA. An overdose can happen during the person’s first time using ecstasy or their 50th time.

Ecstasy overdose can cause seizures, foaming at the mouth, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and a spike in body temperature. This can lead to heatstroke or aggravate an underlying heart condition, both of which can be fatal.

Featured Centers Offering Treatment for Ecstasy Addiction

Treatment For Ecstasy Abuse

People who abuse ecstasy are at risk of abusing other drugs that can carry a higher addiction potential, such as cocaine, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. If a person is unable to stop taking ecstasy or is combining ecstasy with other addictive substances, then it may be wise to seek professional treatment.

Treatment can help uncover any underlying triggers that are associated with this dangerous drug misuse and can help people learn healthy coping skills to navigate stressful situations. Contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to learn more about your treatment options.