Ecstasy Effects, Misuse, and Getting Treatment
MDMA was initially developed in 1912 as a pharmaceutical compound that could be used in the preparation of other pharmaceuticals, and it was patented in 1914. But once the drug’s hallucinogenic properties were discovered, further development was stopped for several decades. MDMA 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.
According to a 2021 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 0.8% of the U.S. population over the age of 12 reported using this drug in the previous 12 months. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. The DEA considers MDMA foods that contain alcohol an illegal schedule I drug with no recognized medical uses. Damage to brain serotonin neurons can occur; serotonin is thought to play a role in regulating mood, memory, sleep, and appetite.
It is an illegal and man-made drug classified as a stimulant with potentially hallucinogenic properties. Both ecstasy and molly are made from MDMA, but ecstasy is used to describe a version in pill or tablet form while molly refers to a white powder or crystalline substance. While it is questionable whether individuals who abuse ecstasy develop physical dependence on the drug, repeated use of ecstasy can lead to a substance use disorder. While there are no specific treatments for ecstasy addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective option. This type of intervention helps change how people think and behave to support addiction recovery. CBT also teaches people coping skills so they can better manage the stress that contributes to substance use.
Ecstasy And Other Drugs
The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. If you or someone you care about is struggling with an ecstasy use disorder, now’s the time to ask for help. Learn more about treatment for Ecstasy abuse and addiction or contact a treatment provider now for more information. Like most drugs, ecstasy and molly interfere with the brain’s pleasure center and natural levels of dopamine.
- A substance use disorder involves dependence as well as a complex brain-reward system.
- PMA may create feelings similar to those caused by MDMA, but the onset is longer.
- Because it is unclear if withdrawal symptoms occur as a result of chronic ecstasy abuse, a withdrawal syndrome is not specified as a specific diagnostic criteria for a hallucinogen use disorder.
- Depending on what they are, these stimulants may be more addictive than molly alone.
- Concerns are especially high for those who are still in middle or high school as their brains are not fully developed.
What Are Ecstasy Addiction Signs?
Research shows drugs like cocaine have a higher potential for addiction than ecstasy. It’s important to know that the effects of ecstasy will be different from person to person. Your health, weight, the amount you’ve taken, and other drugs used with ecstasy can all play a role. These differences can cause a person to react differently to the effects of ecstasy when on the drug and coming down from it. This means the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers it as having no medical use and high potential for misuse.
MDMA Addiction, Overdose, and Withdrawal
After a week following moderate use of ecstasy, people can experience depression, irritability, anxiety, and problems with sleeping. Concerns are especially high for those who are still in middle or high school as their brains are not fully developed. A 2022 survey showed that 0.6% of eighth graders (13 years old) said they used ecstasy in the last year. Ecstasy is most popular among younger males, addiction recovery art ranging from 18 to 25 years old.
The Addictive Potential of MDMA (Ecstasy)
Gay, lesbian, or bisexual people are more likely to have used ecstasy within the last 30 days. Even small doses of ecstasy can harm your mental, physical, or emotional well-being. If you’re concerned about molly use, reach out to how to get someone fired a trained healthcare professional for guidance and help. A qualified addiction professional can help you manage these symptoms and recover. Depending on what they are, these stimulants may be more addictive than molly alone. There are also powerful designer cathinone stimulants known by the street name “bath salts” that are often sold as molly.
Regardless, continued use of ecstasy can lead to psychological and physical dependence. When someone is addicted to ecstasy, they will continue to use the drug despite knowing the consequences. Even when ecstasy is not the only drug causing dependence, it can be a piece of a multi-drug patchwork of addiction.