Author: Alex Thompson

Ecstasy Symptoms and Warning Signs

Though known today mainly as a recreational drug, ecstasy has been used off-label in medical contexts. Ecstasy was explored as a therapeutic drug in the 1970s, as some psychotherapists believed it opened people up and enhanced their potential for empathy and understanding of one another. Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. Reaching out for help from friends and family can be a great way to gain support. If you communicate your problems about ecstasy and express the desire for help, you can avoid substance use disorders.

The symptoms may persist for up to a week or more, especially if MDMA is mixed with other drugs such as marijuana. Although there are no medications to help with addiction to ecstasy, some people who have had issues with ecstasy have reported that behavioral therapy can help. Behavioral therapy teaches you skills to better manage the situations that trigger your need to use ecstasy.

Ecstasy, which is also known as MDMA, is a modification of methamphetamine and has some similar effects to that drug. It is immediately a stimulant, but its stimulating effects can increase to dangerous levels. It causes the body to heat up, which, combined with hours of dancing in a warm environment, can cause the bodily temperature to reach lethal levels. Dance clubs where many patrons use ecstasy often provide a “chill room” where a person can buy cold water and cool off. When the temperature gets too high, organ breakdown can occur, especially in the kidneys, and this can kill the drug user. When it comes to MDMA, the effects of the drug—mostly the negative ones—can be felt for weeks after use.

MDMA unexpectedly emerged as a recreational drug in Chicago around 1968. By 1970, the DEA had assigned it a Schedule I rating, meaning it has no therapeutic uses and a high risk of addiction. Today, around 2.6 million Americans report using ecstasy at least once in the previous 12 months. When the use of the drug becomes heavy, signs of ecstasy use may include paranoia, depression, confusion, and aggression.

Drug Addiction Treatment

Withdrawal symptoms arise because the body and mind are chemically dependent on ecstasy to achieve feelings of normalcy. This is known as candy flipping and the habit is to first take LSD, then take the MDMA several hours later, and it increases the combined effects for as long as 12 hours. While these drugs are considered less harmful than other drugs, combining them increases all of the risks of both drugs along with the risk of addiction when MDMA/drug use becomes habitual. People under the influence of ecstasy often exhibit pressured speech, in which they speak rapidly and forcefully, beyond what’s usually appropriate. They commonly grind their teeth and may have a pacifier, sucker or another object in their mouths to control this tendency. Ecstasy is highly damaging and addictive, and the person who gets into heavy use of this drug may need professional help to escape from the addiction.

The use of MDMA can then sometimes lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and more. Just like other drugs that affect sensory perception, ecstasy can be addictive. Symptoms of ecstasy use are similar to that of other stimulants. When taken regularly and in higher doses, it can cause long-term effects, which can last for long periods even after the user has stopped taking the drug.

Physical (Health) Effects

But the user may also experience nausea, chills or involuntary teeth clenching. Muscles may cramp and vision may blur or be otherwise disturbed. It could be a sign of ecstasy use if a young person comes home after an all-night party and seems excited and energetic, but perhaps a little confused. They may also be sweating in combination with chills and nausea. Muscles may be tense and the person may seem overly alert for the circumstances.

It produces euphoria for a short period and also distorts sensory perceptions. Ecstasy is an illegal substance typically made in a laboratory. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.

1. Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and actions may be the unfortunate result of ecstasy withdrawal.
2. Identifying a person who abuses ecstasy can be challenging, since it’s commonly used with other substances and may be masked by the apparent use of those drugs.
3. Ecstasy is an illegal substance typically made in a laboratory.
4. Most people don’t think of ecstasy as an addictive drug, however, people can and do become chronic abusers of MDMA and can’t stop without professional help.
5. Often, this club drug is combined with either alcohol or marijuana, or both.
6. Withdrawal symptoms arise because the body and mind are chemically dependent on ecstasy to achieve feelings of normalcy.

A 2022 survey showed that 0.6% of eighth graders (13 years old) said they used ecstasy in the last year. Ecstasy is most popular among younger males, ranging from 18 to 25 years old. In a 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was shown that of those 12 years of age and older, almost 2.2 million people used ecstasy in the last 12 months.

Ecstasy Withdrawal, Treatment and Next Steps

As the effects begin to fade, people often take another dose of ecstasy to double the time it lasts. Treatment for stimulant use disorder can occur in different settings (inpatient or outpatient) and the recovery journey will involve various therapeutic approaches. Support groups are also essential in maintaining long-term sobriety. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

How Long Does Ecstacy Stay in Your System (Detection Time)?

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. This does not mean that ecstasy is available as a treatment, but it may increase the speed at which the drug becomes gains approval and becomes available to treat certain conditions. However, in some cases, you may continue to feel the side effects of molly the day after you take it.

This is why ecstasy use causes increased appreciation of light shows and high sensitivity to music. If you or someone you care for is using ecstasy, it’s time to get the help you need. We’re here to help you 24/7 to get a start on a lifetime of recovery. Department of Defense performed classified experiments with the substance, but little came of it.

The effects of ecstasy may last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the dose taken, whether it was taken on an empty stomach and the user’s tolerance level. It’s common for heavy users to “boost” or take a second dose when they perceive the first dose is wearing off. This can be dangerous, especially when the user has combined ecstasy with other drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and alcohol. When ecstasy tablets or capsules are used, the MDMA chemicals reach the brain within about 15 minutes. The user begins to feel the effects after about 45 minutes with the tablet form method.