Ecstasy Addiction and How To Treat It
Key Takeaways
- Ecstasy can be habit-forming and potentially addictive - Jump to Section
- Signs include cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and neglecting responsibilities - Jump to Section
- Risks include overdose, poor decision-making, dehydration, and serotonin syndrome - Jump to Section
Ecstasy is a synthetic, psychoactive stimulant drug. It produces an intense euphoric effect that can keep you awake for hours, making it a popular party drug.
The drug’s chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens, producing a combination of stimulating and hallucinogenic effects when consumed.
Is Ecstasy Addictive?
While research on this matter is not definitive, there is a consensus that ecstasy can be habit-forming. Clinical research shows that animals will self-administer MDMA. Although they do so less frequently than other drugs, it indicates the drug is addictive.1
These studies also show withdrawal symptoms indicative of chemical dependence. The results suggest that ecstasy is habit-forming and has the potential for addiction.1
That said, use patterns vary among those who take MDMA. Some people only use it once or twice in their lifetime. Others may develop problematic use patterns and compulsive behaviors around obtaining more ecstasy.
In 2021, 21.122 million Americans aged 12 and older had used ecstasy at least once in their lifetime.3
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What Are Ecstasy Addiction Signs?
The main symptom of an addiction is a pattern of use, which leads to physical, mental, or social problems. Here are some common signs of substance use disorder:
- Cravings or the compulsive desire to use ecstasy
- Inability to control use despite negative consequences
- Tolerance (needing more of the drug to achieve the desired effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities or relationships in favor of obtaining and using ecstasy
- Continuing to use the drug, despite knowing and experiencing its harmful effects
- Changes in friends and social circles
- Sudden difficulty in meeting work, school, family, or social responsibilities
- Reluctance to attend social events without the drug
- Lying or secretive behavior
- Financial or legal difficulties
- Inability to quit even though the substance causes serious problems
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Ecstasy Addiction Treatment
Currently, there’s no medical treatment available for ecstasy addiction. However, some therapies and support groups may help people recover from addiction and manage withdrawal symptoms.
These include:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects
- Inpatient programs: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient programs: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Dual diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction
- Support groups and aftercare programs: Provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
What Are the Effects of Ecstasy Abuse?
Chronic ecstasy abuse can make your brain overproduce serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Hence, your body also works to destroy more serotonin than usual.
The body then has little to no serotonin to bind to your receptors at the end of the high. Therefore, the drug will fail to make you feel “good” or “normal.”
People refer to this type of severe hangover as the “comedown.” The comedown causes you to experience the following:
- Negative moods
- Spouts of depression
- Irritability
- Intense fatigue
Long-Term Side Effects of Ecstasy Abuse
Additionally, using ecstasy for a prolonged period can lead to several physical and psychological problems, including:
- Memory loss
- Cognitive impairments
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Psychotic episodes
- Heart problems like arrhythmia
- Addiction and withdrawal
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What Are the Risks of Ecstasy Use?
There are many risks involved in taking ecstasy, including:
1. Overdose
As with any drug, taking too much ecstasy can lead to an overdose, which can be life-threatening. Overdose symptoms include:
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Overheating
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Liver, kidney, or heart failure
2. Impaired Decision-Making
Ecstasy affects the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking and decision-making. This can lead to poor judgment and risky behaviors, like unsafe sex or driving under the influence.
3. Dehydration
Ecstasy can cause excessive sweating and dancing for long periods, leading to dehydration. This can be dangerous, especially in hot environments.
4. Hyponatremia
Drinking too much water while on ecstasy can lead to hyponatremia. This is an electrolyte imbalance that can cause:
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
5. Heatstroke
The stimulant effects of ecstasy combined with dancing in crowded or hot environments can increase the risk of heatstroke. This is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing medical conditions or using other drugs or alcohol.
6. Serotonin Syndrome
Taking ecstasy with other substances that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants or supplements, can lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Loss of muscle coordination
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- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly).” National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “2021 NSDUH Detailed Tables.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023.
- “Ecstasy.” The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
- U.S. Department of Justice. “Ecstasy/MDMA.” Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020.
- BWell Health Promotion Health and Wellness. “What are there short-term effects or risks of taking ecstasy?” Brown University, 2022.
