MDMA, also known as Ecstasy or Molly, is a drug most commonly used in the festival and nightclub scenes, popular for its euphoric effects. In this blog, we’re answering the question, can you become addicted to MDMA?
What is MDMA?
MDMA is a synthetic recreational drug that alters mood and perception, often producing feelings of increased pleasure, energy, happiness and distorted senses.
It is recognised as a Class A drug and comes in powder or tablet form. These pills are commonly pressed into different shapes in a range of colours with designs stamped into them, making them look like sweets.
How is MDMA taken?
Ecstasy Pills
Pills are the most popular method of taking MDMA. Ecstasy is usually swallowed, although some individuals choose to crush them into a powder and snort them.
MDMA Powder
Individuals who take MDMA powder typically dab it into their gums or wrap it in cigarette paper and swallow it. This is known as ‘bombing’.
What are the Effects of MDMA?
MDMA often causes increased feelings of happiness, affection for others and high energy. It can also make users feel more in tune with their surroundings and feel as though music is more intense, which is why it is popular at nightclubs, music festivals and parties.
Some ecstasy users report negative experiences when using MDMA, including feelings of increased anxiety, confusion, panic attacks, paranoia and psychosis.
These effects of taking MDMA, both good and bad, typically take 20-30 minutes to kick in after the drug has been taken and can last up to 4 hours.
What Happens After Taking MDMA/Ecstasy?
Everyone has different reactions to taking drugs, and MDMA is no different. It’s worth noting that the more of the substance you take, the more side effects you may experience. Additionally, if you take MDMA on a regular basis, your body may become used to the substance; therefore, the effects may not be as strong.
Many individuals find themselves feeling down and experiencing a low mood in the days following taking the substance. This is commonly recognised as a ‘comedown’ and can last for several days. It is caused by serotonin depletion.
Is it Possible to Become Addicted to MDMA?
Yes, much like any other substance, it is entirely possible to become addicted to MDMA due to the complex way in which the brain works.
When talking about MDMA addiction, we’re referring to the psychological reliance on MDMA or ecstasy as opposed to a physical dependence. Someone with an MDMA addiction may not necessarily be dependent on the drug; however, they can often go hand in hand, making it even harder to quit. Without a physical dependence, an individual is unlikely to experience withdrawal symptoms.
An addiction can be defined as a problematic relationship with a substance where individuals have a strong and often uncontrollable desire to consume drugs despite the consequences this may have on their health, relationships and work.
It’s really important to seek professional advice if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one with a substance use disorder.
How Does MDMA Addiction Start?
The reasons for early MDMA use can differ for each individual. For some, it may be curiosity, a ‘normal’ weekend activity or peer pressure. For others, it can be used as a method of coping with painful emotions or as an escape from life’s stresses.
As this behaviour is repeated over time, the brain’s reward system is rewired and the individual may need to use higher doses to experience the same high they initially felt. After long-term MDMA use, the brain may no longer produce as many ‘happy’ hormones on its own, relying on MDMA to function at a normal level of happiness. This relates to dopamine and serotonin levels.
MDMA can also be addictive due to the comedown that it produces following use. During this time, individuals can experience feelings of depression and anxiety. Any existing mental health problems can be exacerbated. This can create a strong desire to take the illegal drug again in order to avoid these negative feelings, leading to a harmful cycle.
MDMA addiction can also cause emotional issues affecting someone’s self-esteem and self-worth. It also presents consequences in other areas such as health, relationships, careers and finances. All of these issues lead to increased stress, which can trigger further use and the continued drug addiction cycle.
Symptoms of Ecstasy/MDMA Addiction
If you think you, or someone you know, may have an addiction to MDMA, there are some psychological, behavioural and physical signs you can look out for to help identify the addiction. Drug users can be exposed to many serious health risks, so it’s important to seek advice early.
Psychological Signs of MDMA/Ecstasy Addiction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Confusion and paranoia
- Exaggerated sense of love and intimacy
- Loss of inhibitions, leading to risky behaviour
- Impaired judgement
- Hallucinations (hearing and/or seeing things that aren’t real)
Inability to concentrate at work, home, or in any other areas of your life - Diminished self-esteem and self-worth
- Consuming MDMA/ecstasy to relieve stress (this can often be the trigger for individuals who are addicted to MDMA/ecstasy)
- Exacerbation of any existing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or stress
Behavioural Signs of MDMA/Ecstasy Addiction
- Frequent use of ecstasy in everyday life, not just when attending clubs or parties
- Taking MDMA becomes more important than activities that you once enjoyed
- Wanting to quit taking MDMA, but finding that you are unable to
- Friends and family have noticed dramatic changes in your appearance and behaviour
- Neglecting responsibilities due to being high on ecstasy, or experiencing a comedown
- Inability to stop thinking about when, where and how you will get your next MDMA fix, and feeling as though this is taking over your life
- Being secretive and defensive about your use of MDMA
- Avoiding contact with loved ones, leading to social isolation
- Poor performance and/or attendance at work
- Stealing money or selling valuables to obtain the money to buy MDMA/ecstasy
- Continuing to take MDMA/ecstasy despite the negative consequences, e.g. financial problems, social isolation, impaired work performance
Physical Signs of MDMA/Ecstasy Addiction
- Finding you have built a tolerance to ecstasy, meaning that you need to take higher doses on a more frequent basis in order to experience the desired effects
- Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps and tension
- Feeling faint and dizzy
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Dilated pupils
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Palpitations and heart arrhythmia
- Severe dehydration & increased body temperature
- Intense thirst leading to overhydration (drinking too much water), which can cause brain swelling, brain damage and even death
- Seizures
Other Dangers Associated with MDMA Drug Use
The strength of ecstasy pills and MDMA powder can be incredibly unpredictable, making them even more dangerous. Many individuals make the mistake of taking a whole pill to begin with and suffer extreme side effects, and sometimes death, as a result. This is commonly recognised as an ecstasy overdose.
Long-term use of ecstasy has been linked to liver, kidney and heart problems. Anyone with a heart condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.
Drinking too much (including water) can also pose risks. This is because ecstasy causes the body to release a hormone which stops it from making urine. If you drink too quickly, you can affect your body’s salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water.
Individuals should also be wary of taking drugs and drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants, as this can cause adverse effects.
Can an MDMA Addiction Be Cured?
There is no one cure for drug addiction; however, it can be managed successfully through an effective treatment plan. MDMA addiction treatment enables individuals to counteract their addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behaviour and regain control of their lives.
The Acquiesce treatment programme allows individuals to learn about and understand their drug addiction. You will gain the knowledge and tools for an ongoing, sustainable solution for recovery.
For more information about our programme, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today for a free, confidential consultation. Seek professional support for ecstasy use today.
