Ecstasy should not be taken with other substances such as alcohol, cocaine, or marijuana, as doing so increases health risks. This classification is used for substances that have a high potential for addiction and misuse. Some studies are finding therapeutic uses for MDMA in treating certain mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Desired effects
People who identify as heterosexual males accounted for over half of ecstasy users compared with 28% of people who identify as heterosexual females, according to a 2023 study. Bisexual females made up about 10% of ecstasy users compared with gay males (4.6%), bisexual males (3.6%), and lesbian females (1.7%). Therapy is typically directed by a substance use clinic or health care provider and involve supportive care and behavioral and group therapy. Also, there is evidence that people who develop a rash that looks like acne after using this drug may be at risk of severe side effects, including liver damage, if they continue to use the drug. Research in animals indicates that MDMA is neurotoxic and may affect the brain.
Potentially Dangerous Effects in the Body
This can cause lockjaw, a painful condition in which you can’t fully open your mouth. Some people who take ecstasy suck on lollipops or pacifiers to prevent this. Taking ecstasy leads to feelings of euphoria, happiness, and well-being in which you feel drawn to or connected to other people as if you love them.
- The drug’s rewarding effects vary with the individual taking it, the dose taken, purity of the MDMA, and the environment in which it is taken.
- The legal status of club drugs varies according to the region and the drug.
- There’s no set definition for “hard drugs.” Generally, hard drugs are considered to be those with the greatest potential for harm and addiction, such as heroin and cocaine.
- Keep in mind that you’ll likely feel some unpleasant side effects as part of the ecstasy experience, such as nausea and vomiting, racing heartbeat, and sweating.
- MDMA (an abbreviation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called “Molly” or “Ecstasy,” is a lab-made (synthetic) drug that has effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine.
Can You Get Addicted to Ecstasy?
Its psychedelic effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy. Users may take several tablets at once or in succession over a period of time. Abusers may also use in conjunction with other psychoactive drugs like LSD.
- But this increased activity also causes a depletion in your brain’s naturally produced chemicals.
- Research shows drugs such as cocaine are more likely to cause addiction than ecstasy.
- Some drugs are legal in some jurisdictions, such as “poppers” (which are often sold as “room deodorizer” or “leather polish” to get around drug laws) and nitrous oxide (which is legal when used from a whipped cream can)citation needed.
- Penalties include a maximum of seven years and/or unlimited fine for possession; life and/or unlimited fine for production or trafficking.
Ketamine risks
Ongoing clinical trials also suggest that ecstasy may help treat chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results of a Phase 3 trial found that 88% of participants who received MDMA-assisted therapy experienced a meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms, with 67% no longer qualifying for a PTSD diagnosis after treatment. This classification means that the substance has a high potential for abuse and is not approved by law to treat medical conditions. molly mdma wikipedia However, there has been renewed interest in the medical use of MDMA alongside psychotherapy to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders—specifically social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder, a person must meet specific diagnostic criteria for continued substance use despite negative consequences.
You may worry about getting in trouble with the police for using ecstasy. In some places, the police do not arrest bystanders or those who overdose; in other areas, they might. Taking ecstasy can cause you to grind your teeth and clench your jaw, a side effect sometimes referred to as Molly jaw.
Treatment options
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. Although ecstasy affects many neurotransmitters in the brain impacted by other addictive drugs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that research has not determined whether MDMA is addictive. The American Society of Addiction Medicine shares that the definition of addiction is continued use despite harmful consequences. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration granted MDMA breakthrough therapy status due to the preliminary evidence of its efficacy in the treatment of PTSD. This status helps expedite the development and review of substances for the treatment of serious conditions.
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. Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation. It can be a challenge to step back and realize you or a loved one might be misusing molly or any other drug. Pills and capsules often resemble prescription or over-the-counter medications.
MDMA first became popular in nightclubs, but people now take it in a wide range of settings. Researchers are also studying MDMA as a treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in supervised clinical research trials. The stimulant effects of the drug, which enable the user to dance for extended periods, combined with the hot, crowded conditions usually found at raves can lead to dehydration, hyperthermia (dangerous increase in body temperature), and heart or kidney failure. Users may encounter problems similar to those experienced by amphetamine and cocaine users, including addiction. Research has shown that animals will self-administer MDMA, an indicator of a drug’s abuse potential. MDMA can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure and self-confidence and increased energy.
Throughout the 1980s, the use of club drugs expanded into colleges, social parties, and raves. As raves grew in popularity through the late 1980s and into the late 1990s, drug usage, especially MDMA, grew with them. Much like discos, raves made use of flashing lights, loud techno/electronic dance music to enhance the user experience. Before their scheduling, some club drugs (especially designer drugs referred to as research chemicals) were advertised as alcohol-free and drug-free. Another reason that drug producers create new drugs is to avoid drug laws.