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Ecstasy is a synthetic hallucinogen that was originally developed to treat certain psychological disorders. Ecstasy causes users to feel increased joy and empathy. Ecstasy addiction happens due to its hallucinogenic and stimulating properties. However, ecstasy is dangerous and can have significant health consequences, including addiction, hyperthermia, stroke, and death.
What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy (also known as MDMA or Molly) is a synthetic drug that induces hallucinogenic effects similar to LSD and is stimulating like cocaine or other amphetamines. While it may not be as addictive as other substances, some people can still become addicted.
The Effects of Ecstasy
Most people take MDMA to experience increased empathy and emotional openness, as well as increased energy, sexual arousal, and intense euphoria. However, along with these effects come many unpleasant side effects, which include:
- Muscle tension
- Faintness
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to touch, smells, sounds, and sights.
- Anxiety
- Muscle cramps
- Involuntary teeth clenching
- Delusional thoughts
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Chills
- Paranoia
- Tremors
- Sweating
According to research, those who often use molly experience confusion, depression, anxiety, and a lack of appetite for up to a week after their last use. Ecstasy is also associated with high blood pressure and increased heart rate.
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The Dangers Associated With Ecstasy
Depending upon the amount and purity, MDMA can cause serious health problems. These risks can increase in severity if you take it with alcohol or prescription drugs such as selective serotonin uptake inhibitors. Some of the most common adverse effects of molly include:
Hyperthermia – People often use ecstasy at nightclubs, which are usually hot and crowded. The risk of hyperthermia increases for those who use MDMA in these kinds of environments. Hyperthermia can lead to fainting, dehydration, organ failure, and even death.
Brain function changes – Some people who use molly experience panic attacks and increased anxiety. Because it disrupts hippocampal functioning, memory and learning problems are also commonly reported in heavy users, making basic life activities more difficult.
Drug cross-contamination – Illicitly purchased drugs have a high risk of containing different types of drugs without the user knowing. Chemical analysis reveals that ecstasy can also contain ketamine, amphetamine, and even fentanyl, which could lead to overdose or death.
MDMA exposure alters the brain chemistry, causing long-term issues. Ecstasy use also increases your stroke risk. While research is limited, evidence links MDMA use in pregnancy to an increased risk of children with congenital disabilities, such as developmental delays and heart problems.
Ecstasy Overdose Symptoms
Fatal overdoses of molly are infrequent but can happen. The symptoms associated with overdose depend on several factors, including the person’s health and the presence of additional substances. Ecstasy overdose symptoms include:
- Panic attacks
- Faintness
- High blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Ecstasy tablets are rarely “pure,” and they often contain other substances, which can lead to deadly results. Fentanyl contamination is most often associated with overdose deaths.
Withdrawal Symptoms of MDMA
While the initial effects of ecstasy last up to 6 hours, some people take another dose as the first wears off. Prolonged MDMA binges of a week or more will lead to withdrawal symptoms as “comedown” occurs. These symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Memory and attention problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep issues
- Serotonin Depletion
Some people experience negative changes in their mental state and become depressed or feel intense fatigue during ecstasy withdrawal. Because ecstasy causes increased sexual arousal, withdrawal may lead to a disinterest in sex. Impulsive behavior is another common symptom associated with withdrawal.
Signs of Ecstasy Addiction
While ecstasy addiction is not as addictive as heroin, alcohol, or some other substances, some people do develop a dependence on it. Some signs of problematic ecstasy use include:
- Developing a tolerance or needing to take more MDMA to achieve the same effect.
- Having severe cravings for Molly.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and reduced appetite when you reduce or stop using ecstasy.
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences, such as legal issues stemming from use.
- Spending more time using and trying to obtain MDMA.
- Giving up hobbies and activities that you enjoy to use ecstasy.
Ecstasy Addiction Treatment
Every person has different needs, and addiction treatment for Molly works best when it consists of a variety of evidence-based modalities that address the whole person’s wellness, both physically and mentally.
Our therapeutic programs consider your busy life, and we understand you have responsibilities outside treatment. We can assist you through the following programs:
- Medical detox – Detox is often the initial step of treatment as your body cleanses itself from the toxins of drugs and alcohol. You will receive 24-hour medical care and health monitoring as your body adjusts to being without ecstasy and other substances.
- Residential treatment – Residental treatment provides round-the-clock support from addiction and mental health professionals as you participate in group, family, and individual therapy.
- Partial hospitalization – This first level of outpatient treatment provides the structure and ongoing support you need without 24-hour supervision. During partial hospitalization, you will attend programming during the day and live at home or a sober living facility.
- Intensive outpatient – Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) provide you with a high level of addiction care while still allowing the flexibility you need to tend to outside responsibilities.
- Outpatient Rehab—Our outpatient program consists of all aspects of our intensive outpatient program, but it is more flexible. Outpatient treatment allows you to work on your recovery on your own time, whether on weekends or evenings.
The above programs utilize a variety of therapeutic methods to help you achieve sobriety, including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, EMDR therapy, and group therapy. You can also participate in addiction support groups, holistic treatments, and neurofeedback therapy.
You do not have to put your life on pause to get better. At Footprints to Recovery, we work with you to create a highly personalized and tailored plan to meet you where you’re at. Contact Footprints to Recovery to discover how we can help you break free from ecstasy addiction and begin your recovery journey.
- A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (± 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – PubMed
- Dark Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) – PMC
- Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine): Cardiovascular effects and mechanisms – ScienceDirect
- MDMA interactions with pharmaceuticals and drugs of abuse – PubMed
- Ecstasy Or MDMA (also Known As Molly) – DEA
- Effects of MDMA on body temperature in humans – PMC
- How MDMA’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics drive desired effects and harms – PubMed
- MDMA and the Brain: A Short Review on the Role of Neurotransmitters in Neurotoxicity – PMC
- Trends in reported and biologically confirmed drug use among people who use ecstasy in the nightclub/festival-attending population, 2016–2022
- Congenital anomalies after prenatal ecstasy exposure – PubMed
- A fatal case of Ecstasy poisoning – PMC
- Facts about Fentanyl – DEA
- MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
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