Ecstasy (also called molly or MDMA) is a popular party drug in the UK. Although the rate of MDMA use in the UK has fallen over recent years, it is still one of the most commonly abused substances, with many individuals continuing to abuse both ecstasy and Molly despite their illegal status and the potential for these substances to be adulterated with other drugs, leading to associated negative outcomes.
Most users believe that ecstasy is safer than other popular party drugs. This is because MDMA is claimed to have a low potential for addiction and a relatively smaller tendency to cause long-term adverse effects. However, this may not be completely true.
A PCP we are committed to educating readers on the potential dangers of harmful drugs, including MDMA.
In this article, we discuss the potential for MDMA abuse, its long-term effects, and recovery strategies for overcoming an addiction to ecstasy.
What is MDMA?
MDMA (which stands for methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a popular party drug also called molly or ecstasy. MDMA is usually taken in pill form, although it can also be found in powder form. It falls under the class of drugs known as stimulants (like cocaine), though it also has minor psychedelic properties. The effects of ecstasy include both short-term effects like increased energy and euphoria, and long-term effects such as memory problems and depression.
Stimulants are drugs that increase brain activity. They activate the fight-or-flight response of the body. This leads to common short-term effects like increased alertness, a fast heartbeat and a feeling of euphoria.
Psychedelics are a large category of drugs that create a strong state of altered consciousness and sensory perception. This involves changes in thought, mood, and perception, as well as hallucinations.
Brief History
MDMA was first synthesized by the German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912. It did not become a popular recreational drug until the 1980s, particularly in the nightlife and rave scenes.
The drug was banned by several governments, including the UK. However, there has been a recent increase in scientific interest in the therapeutic potential of MDMA in some mental health conditions like PTSD.
Legal Status
In the United Kingdom, MDMA is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971. This classification indicates that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse, no recognized medical use, and a high risk of harm.
How Does MDMA Affect the Brain?
MDMA causes the brain to release large amounts of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, appetite, and sleep. Ecstasy produces feelings of heightened energy, pleasure, empathy, and euphoria by causing the brain to release large amounts of serotonin. The emotional and physical effects of ecstasy include increased energy, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. The surge in serotonin is responsible for the drug’s mood-lifting effects. MDMA also increases the levels of other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases energy, arousal, and the addictive properties of the drug.
Is MDMA Addictive?
MDMA is not considered particularly addictive, especially when compared to other stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamines.
However, some individuals do develop a dependency on the drug, leading to ecstasy addiction. This is typically associated with polydrug use, binge use, long-term use of the drug, or coexisting mental illness. It is important to recognize the signs of drug addiction and seek treatment for substance use disorders, including MDMA misuse and addiction.
Ecstasy Use Statistics
● The prevalence of ecstasy use in the UK fell from 1.4% to 0.7% in adults aged 16 to 59 years and from 4.0% to 1.1% in adults aged 16 to 24 years. Some evidence points toward government restrictions and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributor.
● Males aged 16-24 were more likely to use ecstasy compared to females according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales in 2021.
● In 2020/21, there were 720 hospital admissions where MDMA was a factor, showing a decrease from previous years
● According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there has been an increase in ecstasy-related emergency room visits over the past five years.
● MDMA-related deaths have almost halved, going from a high of 92 deaths in 2018 to 51 deaths in 2022.
How Does MDMA Use Affect Your Health?
Short-term effects and Ecstasy Overdose
● Intense feeling of euphoria and increased sociability
● Changes to sensory perception
● Increased energy levels and alertness
● Nausea
● Chills
● Sweating
● Muscle cramping
● Teeth clenching
● Blurred vision
● Dehydration
● Hyperthermia
● Serotonin syndrome, a rare, life-threatening medical emergency caused by excess serotonin in the body.
Long-term effects
Chronic MDMA use is toxic to serotonin-producing neurons in the brain. This could lead to long-term changes in mood, memory, and cognitive function. Long-term use of MDMA also increases the risk of ecstasy overdose, which can have life-threatening consequences.
This can manifest as:
● Increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
● Impairments in memory, attention, and learning abilities.
● Risk of psychological dependence.
● Rare, but severe, psychiatric issues like psychosis.
How Can You Recognize an MDMA Addiction?
● Using larger amounts of the drug or for a longer duration than intended, which are signs of a substance use disorder.
● Persistent cravings for the drug.
● Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control drug use.
● Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from the drugs’ effects.
● Drug use negatively affects performance at work, school, home, or social obligations.
● Avoiding important activities due to drug use.
● Using drugs in dangerous situations or causing dangerous situations.
● Continuing drug use despite physical or psychological problems caused or worsened by the substances.
● Continuing drug use despite social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the drug.
● Requiring increased amounts of drugs to achieve the same effect.
● Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when drug use stops.
Treating MDMA Addiction
Seek Professional Help
Addiction specialist programmes offer expert treatments for substance use disorders, including supervised detoxification, inpatient programs, medications, behavioural therapy, and aftercare support systems.
Individuals seeking treatment have access to a range of public and private treatment services like detox centres, rehabilitation clinics and inpatient rehabilitation services. These can be accessed through referral by a local GP, NHS addiction services, community drug and alcohol programmes, charities, support groups and private clinics.
Detoxification
During this period, the drugs are allowed to wash out from the body. Detox can be especially complicated in cases of synthetic drug abuse due to more severe and often complicated withdrawal symptoms.
Some patients may require a medically supervised, inpatient detox program which provides intensive monitoring, as well as medications and treatments to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Supervised detox programs are safer for individuals with complicated cases such as co-existing mental illness or chronic disease.
Individuals with minor withdrawal symptoms or less complicated may be offered an outpatient detox programme with regular check-ins.
Rehabilitation for Substance Use Disorder
Most rehab centres offer both inpatient and outpatient services to address the underlying issues of substance abuse. Inpatient services are better suited for individuals with severe dependencies, co-existing mental health challenges or who are at risk of more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Outpatient services can be performed at home and involve regular check-ins with your rehabilitation program, as well as therapy and medications.
Rehab programs offer a range of counselling and psychotherapy treatments. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and group therapy. Patients are also offered medications to help ease the discomfort of withdrawal and cravings.
Aftercare
Aftercare involves ongoing counselling, social support services, and medical treatment after the initial rehabilitation.
The ultimate goal of aftercare is to empower individuals with the tools and support they need to maintain sobriety during everyday life, prevent relapse, and fully integrate them back into society.
Aftercare services include:
● Ongoing therapy and counselling, including mental health services.
● Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
● Medical therapy for withdrawal, cravings or coexisting mental health conditions.
● Providing a sober living environment such as transitional housing and other forms of housing assistance.
● Helping obtain financial independence and employment.
● Providing legal assistance if required.
● Teaching former drug users relapse prevention techniques like strategies to cope with cravings, triggers, stress, and high-risk situations parties.
● Improving family and community relationships.
● Monitor individual progress via regular check-ins and promote accountability through mentors or sponsors.
Effective Strategies for Recovering from MDMA Use
● Behavioural modification through CBT and using a system of rewards for staying drug-free (contingency management) can be particularly effective for ecstasy users.
● Focus on specific motivations for quitting produce. For example, to further your career or improve your health.
● Seek out structured programs and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART recovery programmes.
● Work closely with mentors and sobriety sponsors to help with accountability.
● Seek help from addiction specialists. This offers rehabilitation, detox services, medications, mental health services, counselling and therapy.
● Healthy lifestyle changes emphasizing nutrition, exercise, and sleep go a long way in recovery and maintenance of sobriety.
● Adopting effective stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, hobbies, and yoga improves well-being and reduces stress which is a potent trigger for relapse.
● Identify and avoid situations or people that trigger your desire to use MDMA such as parties, drinking or boredom.
● Identify the warning signs of an impending relapse and create strategies to help cope with cravings.
Seek Help at PCP
Addressing ecstasy abuse requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, prevention, and effective recovery strategies. Despite the decline in MDMA use in recent years, the potential for abuse and long-term harm remains significant. By increasing awareness about the dangers of MDMA and providing strong support systems for those affected, we can help reduce its impact on individuals and communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with MDMA abuse, seek professional help immediately.
At PCP, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs tailored to the unique challenges of synthetic drug dependency. Our services include supervised detoxification, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, behavioural therapy, and ongoing aftercare support.
Take the first step towards recovery today by reaching out to our team of addiction specialists. Together, we can overcome the grip of MDMA and build a healthier, drug-free future.
