Ecstasy Addiction And Abuse: Understanding MDMA

We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Emergency room visits due to ecstasy have increased by more than 1,200% since ecstasy became popular at all-night raves. Other criteria for addiction include developing a tolerance to ecstasy, spending an molly mdma extraordinary amount of time trying to get it, and using more of it than intended.

Adverse effects

In rats, these effects include reduced expression of the serotonin transporter responsible for recycling serotonin and changes in genes that regulate serotonin production. Similar effects on the serotonin system in humans could potentially disrupt serotonin levels, leading to changes in mood and cognition (ability to think). As with any substance use disorder, success depends on many factors, including the right treatment and commitment to recovery.

MDMA Mechanism of Action

That can lead to serious difficulties in your daily life, such as at your job, in your relationships, and in maintaining your emotional well-being. The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). NIDA is a biomedical research organization and does not provide personalized medical advice, treatment, counseling, or legal consultation.

What are the effects of MDMA use?

Concerns are especially high for those who are still in middle or high school as their brains are not fully developed. In 2023, an estimated 0.4% of eighth graders (13 years old) said they used ecstasy in the last year. Almost double that number of 10th and 12th graders reported using ecstasy in the previous year.

• MDMA was first synthesized by a German company in 1912, possibly to be used as an appetite suppressant.
• Many users do this to avoid what is often called “the crash,” resulting in feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, agitation, and impulsivity.
• An estimated 75,000 kids aged 12 to 17 reported using ecstasy in 2023.
• Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation.
• MDMA primarily increases the release of serotonin and norepinephrine.
• Call one of our compassionate admissions navigators to verify your insurance and start treatment today.

The Development of Addiction as a Result of Ecstasy Abuse

Physical dependence is not necessary for an individual to have a substance use disorder. Although many individuals believe that the development of physical dependence is a sure sign of being “addicted” to a drug, this is simply not the case. Individuals are diagnosed with substance use disorders on a regular basis, even with severe substance use disorders, without the presence of physical dependence. Recognizing an addiction to ecstasy can be difficult because the drug lacks obvious withdrawal symptoms and is often used among young people in social settings. Regardless, continued use of ecstasy can lead to psychological and physical dependence.

Some people do show signs of drug dependence and withdrawal with regular molly use. Use of the drug becomes compulsive even when it causes harm, like experiencing poor health or losing relationships or jobs. There are differences between tolerance, dependence, and addiction to a drug. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information.

When faced with an overdose or wanting to stop using a drug, the first thing to do is take an MDMA drug test to determine the level of the drug in the body. Ecstasy overdose symptoms can include faintness, panic attacks or extreme anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures. When ecstasy use is followed by vigorous physical activity, it can lead to a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperthermia. However, to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, a person must meet specific diagnostic criteria for continued substance use despite negative consequences. Research suggests MDMA is potentially addictive, although more research is needed.