3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)—sometimes called ecstasy or molly—is a popular stimulant drug, often used in the club or rave scenes. But is MDMA dangerous? Learn more information about MDMA and contact BlueCrest Recovery online or call 888.292.9652 if you think your MDMA use has become an addiction. Our MDMA rehab program in New Jersey can help.
Is MDMA Dangerous?
MDMA is unequivocally a dangerous drug. Not only do the short-term effects of MDMA pose significant risks, but using MDMA regularly can cause several harmful long-term impacts.
The dangers of MDMA are often amplified by the specific scenarios that people use these drugs in, as well as combining MDMA with other drugs or finding unexpected contaminants in doses of MDMA.
Short-Term Dangers of MDMA Use
MDMA is a type of amphetamine that causes a surge of several neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin all spike to high levels after a recreational dose, which can cause harmful effects such as:
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased core body temperature
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea
Taking a hefty dose of MDMA can also lead to overdose. Overdosing on MDMA can result in seizures, hyperthermia, and kidney damage — and is sometimes fatal.
Long-Term Dangers of MDMA Use
Regular use of MDMA depletes your body’s natural stores of essential neurotransmitters and can cause long-term mental health challenges. Some of the more commonly reported long-term effects of MDMA use include:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decreased appetite
- Sleep difficulties
- Impulsiveness
- Addiction
In the case of an MDMA addiction, people will also begin to experience intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using MDMA. They may not be able to quit MDMA use on their own and could need professional support at an addiction treatment center to achieve sobriety.
Possible Contaminations of MDMA
These dangers refer to pure MDMA—but MDMA is an illegal substance, and there are few options for people to assess the purity of MDMA purchased on the street.
As such, it is common that drugs sold to recreational users as MDMA contain some different and dangerous compounds. Common drugs found in powdered MDMA, ecstasy pills, or capsules of molly include:
- Methamphetamine
- Cathinones, sometimes called bath salts
- Research chemicals, such as 2C-B
- Ketamine
- Fentanyl
Often, pills or capsules sold as MDMA contain no MDMA whatsoever. This is particularly harmful, as drug users are unaware of the exact substances they are taking or are combining drugs without prior knowledge.
Typical Settings of MDMA Use
Where people take MDMA contributes to its risks as well. MDMA is most commonly used at raves or nightclubs, where the temperature is typically very hot, and water is often unavailable.
Combined with MDMA’s effects of increased sweating, high energy levels, and elevated core body temperature, this can lead to catastrophic consequences.
One of the most prevalent dangers of MDMA use is overheating and dehydration, which frequently occurs in these types of environments. Additionally, since MDMA acts as a stimulant, people may not recognize the danger signs until it is too late.
Start SUD Treatment at BlueCrest Recovery
If you or a loved one has developed an MDMA addiction, the dangers of MDMA are genuine. Thankfully, there are evidence-based treatment methods to help people overcome substance use disorders and achieve a lasting and worthwhile recovery.
At BlueCrest Recovery, we can guide you on the variety of treatment options available to you, help you find the best care, and support you every step of the way. For more information about MDMA treatment at BlueCrest Recovery, contact our team online or call 888.292.9652 to speak to one of our addiction treatment experts.
