What is Ecstasy | Myths | Medical Uses | Side Effects | Treatment

Ecstasy is the slang or street name for MDMA, a popular drug with the clubbing and raving scene. It’s a powerful recreational drug that has both stimulating and tranquilizing properties. The energizing effects of MDMA keep users partying and dancing for hours without feeling tired. It also boosts self-confidence and encourages a sense of connection and empathy.

Though ecstasy, also called molly, is supposed to be a pure form of MDMA, that’s no longer the case. Pure MDMA is difficult to find nowadays. Ecstasy pills are often made from a variety of substances and some may not contain any MDMA at all. Drugs marketed as ecstasy may contain methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, or more. It’s difficult for users to determine what exactly their pills are made from without testing it.

Ecstasy usually comes in the form of brightly-colored pills. The pills come in different shapes and are stamped with different logos, often as cartoon characters. Users typically ingest the pills orally but some may inject the drug intravenously.

Are you interested in learning more about ecstasy? Continue reading to find out the effects of ecstasy, dangers of use, whether it has any medical use and more.

Ecstasy is made of MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine. It’s a synthetic drug with chemical properties that are similar to both stimulants and tranquilizers, as well as some similarities to hallucinogens. Ecstasy is derived from amphetamine and its structure is comparable to methamphetamine. This creates the drug’s stimulating effects.

As ecstasy has become more popular, manufacturers started cutting it with different substances to keep costs down. What was once MDMA now usually contains amphetamine, methamphetamine, caffeine, cocaine, or other drugs. It’s common to find pills that contain a wide variety of substances with little to no MDMA in them.

The inconsistency with what ecstasy is made of makes it an unpredictable drug. It’s difficult or impossible to know exactly what is in it unless the user sends it for testing. People don’t do this before using their drugs, though, so ecstasy use can lead to some unexpected or dangerous outcomes.

MDMA is classified as a substituted methylenedioxyphenethylamine and as well as a substituted amphetamine. The drug can be synthesized in numerous ways and is a more complicated substance to produce than other drugs like methamphetamine.

Ecstasy containing MDMA increases serotonin production in the brain. It limits or blocks the brain’s ability to clear out the excess “happy neurotransmitters”, causing MDMA intoxication. The drug also causes the brain to release notable amounts of dopamine and norepinephrine in addition to serotonin release.

The large release of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine causes an “emotional hangover” the following day. There’s a lack of the “feel good” neurotransmitters and which leads to feelings of sadness or depression, irritation, frustration, and anxiety. Ongoing ecstasy use and abuse can eventually damage the brain, causing both short- and long-term effects.

MDMA, the pure form of ecstasy, was first synthesized in the early twentieth century. Two German scientists, Mannish and Jacobsohn, were the first to discover the drug in 1912. They were working for Merck, the German chemical company, where they were working on finding medications to stop bleeding.

During their research, Mannish and Jacobsohn first synthesized ecstasy accidentally. They were trying to create a pharmaceutical drug but realized they created a psychoactive substance. Still, Merck patented MDMA for possible pharmaceutical use in 1914. It did not include any specific intended uses but was supposedly used as a diet pill for some time.

The United States Army and the CIA also made use of MDMA during the Cold War period. These administrations were searching for drugs that had the potential for use in psychological warfare. Their experiments included hallucinogenic substances like MDMA and LSD. Both drugs were included in their research for the MK-Ultra Project, a possible “mind control program.”

Though Mannish and Jacobsohn first synthesized ecstasy they didn’t do much with it afterward. Modern MDMA knowledge and research is credited to Alexander Shulgin, a biochemistry Ph.D. who worked at Dow Chemicals. He’s also reportedly the first human to use MDMA for its psychoactive properties.

Ecstasy is a drug with an amphetamine-like chemical structure that’s usually made in a laboratory. Manufacturers must follow a specific process to produce pure MDMA. As long as they have the necessary equipment and supplies, most chemists are capable of producing the drug. For example, it’s much easier to process ecstasy than LSD.

The difficulties with processing ecstasy arise when trying to find the necessary ingredients. Regulations in the United States strictly oversee sales of the chemicals needed to produce MDMA, such as isosafrole and MDP2P. Someone who purchases large quantities of these chemicals quickly raises attention from law enforcement.

The difficulties with accessing ingredients mean that ecstasy is often processed outside the United States. It’s easier for manufacturers to produce the drug outside the country to avoid strict regulations. Then they can import the drug after production for widespread distribution and sale.

Issues with illicit drug production arise because of the absence of quality control. Though there are regulations on the supplies it takes to make the drugs, there’s no regulation on its production. People making ecstasy can put whatever they like into their supply and often substitute dangerous chemicals to cut costs. This results in a dangerous and unpredictable drug supply that could lead to lasting effects.

Ecstasy is not legal and it is a controlled substance with the Drug Enforcement Administration. It’s classified as a Schedule I substance alongside other drugs like heroin, LSD, marijuana, and peyote. Its severe classification means the DEA sees it as having no accepted medical use as well as a high potential for abuse.

Possession of ecstasy can lead to legal consequences of varying degrees. The severity of charges for possession depends on where the person is, the amount in their possession, and whether they have any prior convictions. First-time offenses tend to be less severe in more lenient states. Those with multiple convictions may face some serious repercussions.

Even though ecstasy is a popular club and rave drug, possession and use are still illegal. It’s not approved for use in any type of setting at all, including for possible medicinal purposes. Though some clinicians believe there may be medical benefits to the drug, using it in a medical setting is still prohibited.

Since the drug is mainly bought, sold, and used illicitly, there are plenty of street names for ecstasy. The street names help both dealers and consumers be more discreet when talking about the drug. It’s commonly abused by teenagers and young adults so it’s important to know the possible slang terms used to refer to ecstasy.

First of all, the name ecstasy itself is a street name for MDMA. “Molly” is another common street name for ecstasy and one of the most frequently used. Still, there are more slang names for ecstasy including:

There are also slang terms used to describe being high on ecstasy, such as:

As with most illicit drugs, there is plenty of misinformation spread about ecstasy. False claims about the drug can put people at incredible risk if the person using it doesn’t realize they aren’t true. Understanding the differences between ecstasy myths and facts is crucial to keep people from harming themselves.

Ecstasy is known for being a fun, joy-inducing club drug. It releases massive amounts of dopamine, causing feelings of connection and happiness. That’s not the case for everyone, though. Some people experience bad reactions to ecstasy. There’s also the possibility that the drug is cut with another unknown substance and causes a poor response.

The chemical structure of ecstasy is similar to stimulants like amphetamine and cocaine. This creates some amphetamine-like effects when people use the drug. Ecstasy is also sometimes cut with stimulants which only increases this effect.

Some people believe ecstasy acts as an antidepressant because it creates feelings of happiness and euphoria. In reality, though the drug causes a massive buildup and release of dopamine while the user is high, this leads to a depletion of dopamine the next day. Users feel down, depressed, and lethargic after using ecstasy. It’s far from being an antidepressant.

There are no quality control measures for ecstasy manufacturers. It’s an illegal drug so no regulations apply to the production process. There could be any number of substances in an ecstasy pill. Sometimes there is even little to no MDMA in the pills at all and it instead contains other stimulants, such as amphetamine.

Ecstasy is no safer than any other hard drugs. Though it’s associated with feelings of positivity, it’s just as dangerous as many other illicit substances. Many manufacturers cut other substances into the drug, too. This makes it unreliable and dangerous to use as it puts users at risk of mixing drugs.

Ecstasy overdoses are possible. They differ from other drug overdoses, such as opioid or benzodiazepine overdoses, but ecstasy toxicity is possible. They are rarely lethal but taking too much of the drug causes dangerous elevations in body temperature that may cause long-term consequences.

Ecstasy use goes hand-in-hand with the rave and music festival scene. It’s a controlled substance and purchase, possession, and use of the drug is illegal. The understanding of medical uses for ecstasy is still very limited. There is one study that was published in The Lancet Psychiatry that looked at the use of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The study involved 26 participants who received one of 3 different doses of MDMA in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions. One month after the second session, more participants in the high-dose group no longer met PTSD criteria. Researchers noted that 16 of the participants no longer suffered from PTSD after the one-year mark.

Though the study may indicate a slight potential for medical use, the research is far too limited to consider it reliable. People should never use MDMA on their own to treat a psychiatric condition. Professional help should always be consulted.

Ecstasy has no widespread approved medical uses. The majority of use comes from recreational uses of ecstasy. It’s a stimulating drug most often associated with the rave, festival, music, and club scene. The drug encourages feelings of joy and togetherness which makes it popular for social use among young adults.

People use ecstasy mostly in the all-night party scene because of its energizing properties. Users believe that it makes music sound better and claim it helps them feel more connected to their friends and fellow showgoers.

Throughout the 90s and into the 2000s ecstasy was most popular in the rave scene. Since then it’s become widely available in the drug market across the United States. This expanding availability combined with the enjoyable effects of the drug has led to a more diverse range of people using it.

Ecstasy is most often used in the clubbing and rave scene to this day. Though a wider group of people have started using the drug, it still sees the majority of its use among club- and festival-goers around the world.

Ecstasy also has some minor experimental use among the medical community. The Food and Drug Administration initially labeled it as having no recognized or approved use in medicine. Following some recent research, though, the FDA reconsidered their initial position and approved it as a Breakthrough Therapy drug.

This means ecstasy can be used to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition. Clinicians are currently testing the benefits of combining psychotherapy with doses of ecstasy provided in controlled conditions. It’s currently being considered for use in very specific cases
such as:

As researchers conduct more studies, there may eventually be a wider use for ecstasy in approved medical situations. People should never attempt to self-medicate with the drug, though, because there’s still potential for long-lasting negative effects.

Ecstasy produces its euphoric, stimulating effects by increasing the activity of three chemicals in the brain: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Each chemical has a slightly different job which ecstasy amplifies when used.

Dopamine is responsible for increased energy and activity levels. It also functions as the “reward system” in the brain which encourages users to try the drug again, reinforcing their behavior.

Norepinephrine increases the user’s heart rate and blood pressure. These side effects of ecstasy use are especially risky for individuals who have preexisting problems with their heart or blood vessels.

Serotonin, often thought of as the “happy chemical,” affects mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. Increased serotonin levels are also responsible for the feelings of sexual arousal and trust caused by ecstasy use. It also creates a sense of emotional closeness, empathy, and elevated mood in users.

The effects of one hit of ecstasy last between 3 and 6 hours. Users tend to ingest multiple hits over the course of a few hours to maintain their high while partying. Since ecstasy works by releasing massive amounts of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, the crash that comes after the high is significant.

When you take ecstasy, you usually start to feel the effects within 30 minutes of ingesting the drug. While the exact onset time depends on how you take it, you’ll experience peak effects around 60 to 90 minutes after ingesting the drug. The full effects of an ecstasy high typically last between 3 and 6 hours.

You’ll notice mild feelings of warmth and euphoria at first, then the sensations of openness, empathy, and heightened senses set in. Effects are strongest during the peak period of the high but continue in a more mild form. Users often ingest multiple doses over time to keep their high going for longer.

Residual traces of ecstasy stay in your system can pop up on a drug test for some time after using it. The length of time the drug stays in your system depends on the type of drug test used. For example, drug tests using hair detect ecstasy for longer than tests using blood or saliva.

The lengths of time ecstasy stays in your system are as follows:

Ecstasy affects the brain by raising activity levels of three specific neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Each neurotransmitter is responsible for different feelings and reactions throughout your mind and body. When ecstasy boosts the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, it affects your energy levels, mood, appetite, trust, emotions, sexual behaviors, and sleep.

The more you take, the stronger the effects ecstasy has on your brain. You can also alter the way ecstasy affects the brain by mixing it with alcohol or other substances. Many users choose to combine the drug with other substances to heighten its effects or allow them to take more of it.

The ways ecstasy affects the brain also depend on the way you take the drug. There are two main ways users take ecstasy: orally in pill or tablet form, or crushing the pills into powder and snorting them. It can also be smoked or injected but the other two methods of ingestion are most common.

Though it’s usually associated with the excitement and joy of a music festival, there are also side effects and dangers of ecstasy use. Not everyone experiences the same fun high when using the drug. There are various short- and long-term effects of ecstasy as well as some potential dangers that come with use.

Whether you develop any short-term effects of ecstasy use depends on a few factors. These include things like your overall health, how much you used, and whether you combined it with any other substances. The following are some of the short-term effects of using ecstasy.

Uncontrollable jaw clenching and teeth grinding is a common short-term effect of ecstasy. Many people chew gum, eat hard candy, or keep a baby pacifier in their mouth to lessen the intensity of the clenching.

Ecstasy can cause muscle cramps during use.

Some people experience nausea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal distress when using the drug.

Another short-term effect of ecstasy is excessive sweating. The drug can also cause hyperthermia, or overheating, which can be serious if not attended to.

Using ecstasy lowers inhibitions causing poor decision-making skills which can result in risky or dangerous behaviors.

Ecstasy use can cause short-term vision problems such as blurry vision or
a noticeable sensitivity to light.

People may develop serious long-term effects of ecstasy when they use too much of the drug, or they abuse it over a long period of time. Short-term effects dissipate after some time but long-term effects are more severe and may lead to lasting health problems. The types of effects someone develops depends on different aspects like their drug use, age, overall physical health.

Ecstasy use causes a rise in body temperature which leaves users sweaty and dehydrated. The rise in body temperature also affects other organs, such as the kidneys and liver. These organs cannot handle the higher temperatures and cells within them die off as a result. Though these cells can regenerate, regular use overheats the body repeatedly. Too much damage to the cells can cause long-term or permanent organ damage.

Some research suggests that long-term effects of ecstasy use include changes in brain function. Regular use and abuse can cause damage to brain cells that persist for months or years after exposure. People who use the drug frequently expose their brains to the chemicals more often and increase the likelihood of developing lasting effects on their brains. Parts of the brain that experience changes in their structure include the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, parietal lobe, mediotemporal cortices, and cingulate.

The changes in brain structure caused by ecstasy also result in lower cognitive function. Excessive ecstasy use can damage parts of the brain responsible for various mental processes. Some functions that suffer long-term effects include a person’s ability to learn as well as their short- and long-term memory, emotional regulation, and rational thinking.

Ecstasy increases senses of connection and pleasure which often cause people to feel more inclined to touch others. It also decreases inhibitions and can lead people to make irresponsible or risky choices with their sexual behavior. This puts them at risk of contracting conditions like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, or hepatitis.

Since ecstasy is usually cut with any number of other substances, there is a huge risk of accidental drug exposure. Manufacturers often cut ecstasy with substances like methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, or even bath salts. Along with accidental drug exposure comes the potential long-term risks associated with these substances. Using ecstasy puts people at risk of developing many different types of long-term effects that may last for months, years, or even permanently.

It is possible for a person to overdose on ecstasy. Common signs of an overdose on ecstasy include extremely high body temperature and fever. Ecstasy overdoses are dangerous and potentially lethal if medical attention isn’t received right away. Overdose can be caused by numerous factors:

Overheating is one of the most common ways that people using the drug reach the point of overdose. When the body reaches a temperature of more than 108 degrees Fahrenheit, the person is at risk of developing long-term or permanent damage to their organs. The kidneys, liver, and heart all suffer when someone is overheating. Sudden death caused by heart failure may occur if their temperature gets too high and they do not receive medical help.

Ecstasy addiction is a major concern for anyone whose loved one uses the substance. No one wants someone they care about to fall prey to drug abuse or addiction. It takes a toll on everyone involved and overcoming addiction is an intense and ongoing process.

Still, many people believe ecstasy is only used as a recreational drug and you can’t develop an addiction to it. It’s fun for occasional use but they’ll leave it alone outside of festivals or clubbing. These individuals don’t struggle to control their intake.

That isn’t the case for everyone who uses ecstasy, though. Plenty
of users have a hard time keeping their use confined to certain times. Learning more about addiction to ecstasy is crucial if you’re concerned about a loved one and their use.

So, can ecstasy cause addiction? It depends on your interpretation and definition of the word addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines a set of signs and symptoms that clinicians use to diagnose substance use disorder. One of these includes developing tolerance, also known as physical dependence.

Physical dependence refers to the way a person’s body adapts over time and eventually depends on the substance to function. It’s what causes people to feel incredibly sick when they stop using drugs like prescription opioids or benzodiazepines.

Research still isn’t clear on whether ecstasy is an addictive drug in terms of physical dependence. The drug affects multiple neurotransmitters that are affected by other addictive drugs, though. Additionally, some experiments also show that animals in testing environments self-administer ecstasy when given the opportunity.

This backs up the observation that ecstasy causes addiction in some people who use the drug. Some are more prone to substance abuse and struggle with addictive tendencies. These people may develop ecstasy addiction. Though it might not cause physical addiction, psychological addiction to ecstasy is a serious concern to consider.

Research might not have confirmed the extent to which ecstasy is addictive. That doesn’t mean people don’t abuse or develop a problem with their use on an individual basis. Plenty of people battle with addictions to substances that aren’t traditionally considered addictive, such as marijuana. These individuals still struggle with a serious problem and need help.

Why can ecstasy be addictive for some people? Existing research suggests some potential reasons that users might develop a problem over time. Regular ecstasy use causes changes in a person’s dopamine and serotonin systems in their brains. These areas are associated with behaviors common to substance use disorder, like increased impulsiveness.

These adaptations may build a case for why ecstasy is addictive in a psychological sense. Users enjoy the feelings that come with use and continue using it to experience that happiness and euphoria.

Researchers need to conduct additional research to learn more about physical dependency issues, though. Until then, ecstasy addiction needs to be addressed and diagnosed on a case-by-case basis.

Another important consideration is whether ecstasy causes withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms happen when a user’s body adapts to the presence of a substance. They need the drug to function once they develop physical tolerance. Without it, they experience extreme physical and psychological reactions when they stop using it. These reactions are called withdrawal symptoms.

Drug withdrawals occur during the first few hours and days away from the particular substance. Someone must have a level of dependence to experience true withdrawal symptoms. Still, people experience adverse effects once the enjoyable effects of ecstasy wear off. These aren’t the same as withdrawal symptoms, though, and fall under the category of short-term effects of use.

Some of those short-term effects that people might mistake for ecstasy withdrawal include:

Too many people try to overcome their problems with drugs or alcohol on their own. The stigma surrounding addiction and alcoholism keeps them from seeking the help they need. Whether they have concerns about work, school, or family, oftentimes they worry about the potential consequences of asking for help.

Once recreational use progresses into addiction, though, trying to quit using can lead to physical and mental problems. Ecstasy addiction treatment exists to help those who find they can’t stop using the drug.

Treating ecstasy addiction is somewhat complicated because there are no approved forms of medication-assisted treatment. Unless the person uses other substances alongside it, there aren’t any ecstasy-specific types of medical treatment. Clinicians find that behavioral therapy is an effective approach when working with people who abuse ecstasy.

There are multiple levels of care in ecstasy addiction treatment depending on the severity of the problem. Users who are mixing substances or have a serious problem tend to start with medically-supervised drug detox. Those who don’t require detox services usually move straight into inpatient rehab.

What are the different levels of care for treating ecstasy addiction?

Medically-supervised drug detox is the first stop for people with severe drug and alcohol problems. Individuals who can’t stop drinking or using without experiencing withdrawal symptoms should start at this level. Other levels of care won’t be effective until all drugs and alcohol are cleared from the person’s system. Drug detox provides medical supervision to ensure safety throughout the detox process, sometimes with the help of
medications when necessary.

Inpatient rehab is a residential level of care that provides safe, supportive treatment for acute addiction problems. Clients receive a variety of services that teach them to live life without needing to use alcohol or drugs. Individual counseling, group therapy, activities, and 12-step groups are some of the many components of inpatient rehab.

Partial hospitalization programs serve as a bridge between residential services and strictly outpatient care. PHP provides programming during the day, including counseling and groups, then patients return home in the evenings. They have the opportunity to reintegrate into everyday life while still receiving structure and support during the day.

Intensive outpatient programs are similar to PHPs but provide fewer treatment hours during the week. While many PHPs meet up to 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, IOPs meet about 3 hours per day, 3 to 5 days per week. Many IOPs also offer evening programs for those who have responsibilities during the day, such as work or school. It also serves as a step down from higher levels of care, like inpatient or PHP.

Outpatient treatment requires the least time commitment of all levels of ecstasy addiction treatment. It’s best suited for those who have already completed a more intensive level of care and are now in the maintenance stage of their recovery. Outpatient treatment consists of scheduled therapy, possible medical care, and oftentimes attendance at 12-step groups. It’s a more individualized approach depending on each client’s needs.

Are you looking for a treatment facility for ecstasy addiction? Do you or a loved one struggle with ecstasy abuse? Thankfully you have many options available to help you. Long-term recovery from ecstasy addiction is possible. Finding the right ecstasy addiction treatment facility can feel overwhelming, though. How do you know where you can find the right treatment program?

Highly effective & individualized progressive addiction treatment plans with experienced therapists at Hawaii Island Recovery

The best treatment for ecstasy addiction depends on your individual needs. Do you only use ecstasy or are you struggling with other types of substances, too? Which level of treatment is going to provide the most effective care? You should also consider whether you want a facility near you, or if attending an out-of-state treatment program is a better choice.

Hawaii Island Recovery is a top-tier addiction treatment facility that can help you or your loved one quit using drugs and alcohol. Through a combination of individualized treatment and group participation, we teach you how to live free from the chains of addiction. We provide a continuum of care through the different levels of treatment, offering the exact type of support you need along the way.

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to us today. Our admissions specialists are waiting to guide you through making the best choice for you or your loved one. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time or your fifth time trying to quit using drugs, we can help. Give us a call at 877-721-3556 and let us know more about your situation today. You never need to deal with the depths of ecstasy addiction alone, ever again! Learn more about the addiction recovery services we provide to help you break free from your substance or behavioral addiction. Are You Scared of Rehab?