MDMA Addiction
Find more information about MDMA and MDMA addiction with professionally reviewed up-to-date articles. Getting informed is the first step in overcoming MDMA addiction.
MoreMDMA Addiction Information & Resources
The full name of this drug is 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine but most people call it ecstasy, MDMA or molly. It is usually sold as small colored pills, possibly with a stamped logo on them. A crystalline form of this drug called Molly may be sold in capsules and it is sometimes sold as a liquid in small vials. The pills may be crushed and smoked.
MDMA (Molly or Ecstasy) Abuse Signs
While this drug has an undeserved reputation for “safety,” its use is associated with mental effects like depression, cognitive loss and even increased rates of suicide.
MoreMDMA Stats & Trends
Stay informed on the latest news, trends and statistics on MDMA addiction and MDMA-related news.
MoreMDMA is popular with people who like to go to nightclubs or dance venues. It has similarities to both stimulants like methamphetamine and hallucinogens. It stimulates a person to be able to stay up all night and dance while it distorts the user’s perceptions. Colors, lights, music and touch senses may be heightened.1
One of the sought-after effects of MDMA is an artificial sense of emotional warmth and tactile stimulation. This results in many people engaging in unsafe and impulsive sexual activity.
MDMA causes these further effects:
- Nausea
- Muscle cramping
- Teeth clenching and jaw tension
- Chills
- Increased movement
- Reduced inhibitions
Hazards Associated with MDMA
Users often start taking this drug on weekends when they go out dancing. But the problems caused after the person comes down off the drug can cause them to start using the drug during the week as well. These problems include:2
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Impaired memory and focus
This increasing frequency of use can result in the user becoming addicted to MDMA. Withdrawing from MDMA can result in these symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Lack of concentration
- Lack of appetite
In high doses, this drug may cause some people to become overheated, especially if they are at a warm outdoor venue. Dance clubs often offer cold water and chilly rooms to prevent this overheating because they know many patrons are taking this drug.
If a person can’t keep themselves cool enough, they can suffer extremely high fevers and fatal organ breakdown.
One of the additional dangers of using MDMA is that many of the drugs sold by this name contain some other substance, such as synthetic cathinones, methamphetamine or ketamine.2
Sources
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DEA. “Ecstasy/MDMA.” Drug Enforcement Agency, 2020. DEA Publication (PDF) ↩︎
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NIDA. “MDMA DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020. NIDA Article ↩︎ ↩︎
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