How Addictive is MDMA?
MDMA – also known as molly – is a potent and habit-forming party drug that is both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. The psychoactive drug is most commonly used in social settings and for recreational purposes, and people typically use it because they are looking for increased energy levels, increased feelings of pleasure and euphoria, and the experience that goes hand-in-hand with a slightly altered reality. The effects of MDMA do not last for very long, and they often subside within six hours of taking the dose.
More About Addiction to MDMA
However, the effects of MDMA can last longer if a larger amount is taken, and they might not last for as long if a very small amount is consumed. Many people mistakenly believe that because MDMA is not frequently used by many people (most people will take it infrequently during somewhat special occasions, like at a big party or a rave or music festival), it is safe to use and it is non-habit forming. The truth is that MDMA can be psychologically addictive, and many dangers go hand in hand with MDMA abuse and addiction. If you or someone you know and care about has been abusing molly, ecstasy, or MDMA (which are all essentially interchangeable), you must confront them right away and encourage them to seek professional help for what can be an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening substance abuse disorder.
Dangers of MDMA Long-Term Abuse
Because the effects of MDMA do not last for very long, a person might be inclined to take more of the drug before the initial effects wear off. This can quickly lead to a vicious cycle of abuse – to avoid the inevitable comedown, which can be quite unpleasant, more and more of the drug is taken over an extended period. When the comedown finally does occur it can result in deep feelings of sadness and malaise, and extreme lack of motivation, and even severe depression to the point of suicidal ideation. There are many dangers involved in MDMA abuse and addiction, the most common including:
- Life-threatening MDMA overdoses. While overdosing on MDMA is not very common, it can occur. Symptoms of overdose include extremely high blood pressure, anxiety and panic attacks, feeling dizzy and faint, moving in and out of consciousness, and potentially experiencing a life-threatening seizure.
- Dehydration is also a symptom that commonly goes hand in hand with MDMA abuse, especially when the drug is used recreationally in a social setting. For example, someone who is using the drug at a rave or dance party is engaging in intense physical activity and likely not thinking about staying hydrated. The drug itself results in dehydration, and the combination of a lack of water, MDMA consumption, and rigorous physical activity can easily result in life-threatening dehydration and coinciding hyperthermia.
- In some rare cases, excessive MDMA consumption has led to depersonalization, delusions, and psychosis. The drug works by affecting the brain, and in some cases, permanent brain damage can occur if the drug is taken in extremely high doses.
- There are also external consequences that result from MDMA abuse and addiction. For example, women who take this drug are far more likely to experience sexual assault or sexual harassment in a social setting, because their inhibitions have been significantly lowered and they are less inclined to defend themselves. Taking MDMA also leads to an increase in risk-taking behaviors, like getting behind the wheel while high or spending time with people that you might not otherwise spend time with.
Overcoming MDMA Addiction
If you or someone you love has been struggling with MDMA abuse or addiction, try not to let the stigma surrounding party drugs stand in the way of recovery. It can be easy to write MDMA abuse off as “just a phase” or “something that your loved one will grow out of.” The truth is that the effects of MDMA abuse can be extremely severe and highly dangerous, and help must be sought immediately if you or someone you love has been using this recreational drug regularly. At Agape Treatment Center we have extensive experience treating drug abuse of all kinds, and we would love to speak more to you about our comprehensive program of drug addiction recovery – simply give us a call today to get started.
