MDMA – Not Just a Club Drug Any More

The use of MDMA/Ecstasy, once the club drug of choice, is expanding beyond that culture, and it becomes even more dangerous when combined with other substances.

MDMA is a synthetic drug. It is a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, which means that it currently has no accepted medical use. Because it is a Schedule 1 drug, it is illegal to possess. Depending on the location, the penalties will vary widely, but in general, it is a criminal offense and possession can result in fines, jail time, probation, possibly loss of driving privileges, and a criminal record. In Oklahoma, for example, possession of a small amount of a Schedule 1 drug is considered a misdemeanor and carries a penalty between not more than 1 year in jail and a fine not exceeding $1,000.00. However, larger amounts can be considered a felony for intent to distribute. If convicted, you could face between two years and life in prison. The minimum sentence will be five years if the substance was Schedule I or II.

Now that we’ve determined that it isn’t a good idea, legally, to possess or use MDMA, let’s look at its history.

MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) first gained popularity in the 1980s. The emerging electronic dance and rave scenes required a high level of energy to dance all night, and MDMA seemed to be the answer for those lacking that energy. All-night parties and raves were the “perfect” places to use MDMA. Young people taking MDMA felt energized, free, and uninhibited. They probably weren’t aware of the possible disastrous consequences of taking the newest “fun” drug.

MDMA comes in several forms such as colorful pills, powder, capsules, and liquid. The pills are often crushed and snorted. MDMA is often used in conjunction with other substances such as alcohol, marijuana, or LSD in a trend known as “candy flipping,” which is taking MDMA and LSD at the same time.

In reality, MDMA is a dangerous substance. Taking MDMA can have severe, if not fatal, consequences. Notwithstanding the perceived pleasurable effects, physical reactions to MDMA can include:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, putting a strain on the cardiovascular system. In an environment where energy is already being expended and the body is already “amped up,” this can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Increased blood pressure can also lead to stroke.

• Elevated body temperature, leading to heatstroke, especially in hot and crowded areas when the body is in constant motion over long periods of time. Heatstroke is a medical emergency which, if left untreated, can lead to organ damage and death.

• Grinding the teeth and jaw clenching, leading to dental damage.

• Nausea, which is a common side effect of MDMA use.

• A distorted sense of time and perception during which things may seem to slow down or speed up. This can lead to accidental overdose by taking repeated doses close together while thinking it’s been longer between doses.

• Anxiety and paranoia, which can occur with larger or repeated doses or when in a stressful environment. This could lead to altercations in a social setting.

Symptoms of an MDMA overdose can include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Panic attacks
• Faintness or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Death

Young adults and adolescents were surveyed, and it was found that 43% who reported using MDMA met the accepted criteria for dependence or continued use despite knowing there was a possibility of physical or psychological harm, withdrawal, and tolerance. The criteria for drug abuse was met by 34%, and almost 60% reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and trouble concentrating.

Withdrawing from MDMA can be challenging. Some common withdrawal symptoms can linger for a week or longer and can include:

• Depression – when the euphoric sensations wear off, cravings can set in, which can lead to relapse; depression can last for days after taking MDMA

• Fatigue and lack of energy – the exact opposite of the effects of the drug, which can linger for days

• Irritability and anxiety – withdrawal can lead to frequent mood swings

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty concentrating and problems with memory – repeated and prolonged use of MDMA can cause cognitive impairment

• Lack of interest and decreased pleasure from sex

• Aggression

MDMA affects the brain by increasing the activity of at least three neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine). MDMA causes increased activity of these neurotransmitters. Serotonin is vital in regulating sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and other behaviors. Because MDMA causes excess serotonin release, the brain becomes depleted of this neurotransmitter, leading to negative behavioral aftereffects that can last for several days after taking MDMA. Animal studies have shown that MDMA can do long-term damage to serotonin-containing neurons. Measuring serotonin in humans is more difficult, but studies suggest that human serotine levels can also be damaged.

MDMA also poses other dangers to females of reproductive age. Tests on animals have shown adverse effects on tests of learning and memory from MDMA exposure while in utero. A pregnant female who takes MDMA may be causing damage to the unborn baby.

Tracking the statistics of MDMA-related drug events can be challenging because MDMA is often used in conjunction with other substances like marijuana and alcohol. Adding to that difficulty is the fact that MDMA is often combined with other drugs during manufacture such as methamphetamines, dextromethorphan, ephedrine, and cocaine. There are insufficient data to determine the number of MDMA-related medical incidents and when combining with other substances because it isn’t something that is tracked.

Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a 2004 survey estimated that 11 million individuals over the age of 12 had reported using MDMA at least once in their life. The number of individuals currently using it (had used it in the past month) was estimated at 450,000.

Although MDMA gained its initial popularity in the club scene, there are data to show that its use has spread outside of that culture. MDMA was originally mainly used by younger white people, but more current data suggest that its use is now spreading to other ethnic groups and older age groups.

The Ecstasy of the 1980s is a far cry from the chemically complicated mixture of today. As with most substances, the allure of creating a better high leads to combinations that can prove to have long-lasting negative effects and can even cause death.

Substances don’t solve problems; they only mask them for a period of time, and when an individual sobers up, the problems are still there. Sometimes the problems become worse because of the substance that was meant to be an escape.

The only way to escape the destruction of using substances is to stop using them. Narconon can help you regain a life free of substances. If you, a loved one, or a friend is battling addiction, please reach out. Help is available. Let us show you how to live a substance-free life.

Sources:

https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/rrmdma_0.pdf