Certain drugs, such as MDMA or ecstasy, have become increasingly popular and are commonly referred to as club drugs. They’re mostly used at bars, parties and dance clubs and cause a high state of euphoria. Despite the widespread use of MDMA among young adults, it’s not a safe drug to take and can lead to MDMA poisoning or abuse.
MDMA has many addictive qualities and a high level of toxicity, which makes it dangerous and prone to drug abuse. There’s been an increase in emergency room visits since its appearance on the party scene because of MDMA toxicity and overdoses. Learn more about what the drug is and what to do if someone you know overdoses.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA or 3,4 – methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a synthetic drug more commonly known as ecstasy or molly. These psychoactive drugs were first developed in 1914 as appetite suppressants and are known for having similarities to other drugs, such as mescaline and amphetamines. However, potential substance abuse was recognized right away, causing government agencies to enforce tight restrictions.
People who use pure MDMA typically take it in pill form or use ecstasy tablets. Molly is usually consumed as a liquid or comes as a powder that can be snorted. Some people combine ecstasy use with other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamines or even bath salts. The drug is mostly found at dance parties, festivals, concerts, parties and raves.
Effects of MDMA
Street drug purity levels and the dosage people take vary widely, but most users consume about 50 to 100 mg of MDMA. Effects typically begin 20 to 60 minutes later and usually peak after about 90 minutes. After four to five hours, the effects start to wear off. Because MDMA use causes intense stimulating effects on brain chemicals, such as the neurotransmitter serotonin, the high usually masks alcohol intoxication, which can have damaging effects and result in emergency room visits.
While individuals are high on MDMA intoxication, they may experience a range of side effects, including:
- Increased energy and euphoria
- Wakefulness
- Sexual arousal
- Excitement
- Time distortion
- Enhanced feelings of empathy
- Altered sensory perception
Signs and Symptoms of MDMA Overdose
When used in excess, MDMA toxicity can produce serious side effects that may escalate into a medical emergency. Once the drug effects begin to wear off, individuals may take an additional dose to keep the high going. Many users who take more than one tablet of the recreational drug in a short period of time are at an increased risk of ecstasy overdose. Other acute effects a poisoned patient may experience from MDMA drug use include:
- Headache and blurred vision
- Clenched jaw
- Elevated body temperature, excessive sweating and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Urinary retention
- Delayed orgasm
- Anxiety, restlessness and paranoia
Continuous use of the drug may also result in decreased sexual pleasure, aggression, impulsiveness and an overall altered mental status that can cause memory problems and difficulty concentrating. If these symptoms escalate in intensity, they can lead to overdosing and other severe conditions, such as acute renal failure, serotonin syndrome and acute liver failure. Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Extremely high blood pressure
- Hyperthermia (dangerous overheating of the body)
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Panic attacks
- Fainting spells
A serious risk factor for overdose is significant polydrug use. Molly is already often contaminated with other drugs, which can make it particularly dangerous. The “crashing” effect associated with MDMA is also harmful. Feelings of low energy, depression and extreme loss of appetite can occur for several days after the drug has worn off, which could push users to consume additional drugs for relief.
What to Do If Someone Is Overdosing
If you suspect someone has overdosed on MDMA, seek treatment right away by calling 911. CPR may be necessary if there’s an undetectable pulse or the person stops breathing. You should also try laying them down and turning them on their side to prevent aspiration. Remove any nearby dangerous objects in case they have a seizure and make sure they have a clear airway. Try to remain calm until medical professionals arrive.
Once at the hospital, personnel will run diagnostic tests and gather relevant information pertaining to the individual’s medical and drug history. Physicians may administer activated charcoal, which neutralizes drugs still in the stomach. If there are any additional medical concerns, such as increased blood pressure, high body temperatures or cardiac dysrhythmias, those will be addressed to stabilize the person.
Depending on the situation and the person’s medical history, they may be transferred to a treatment center for further assistance, including drug detox.
Treatment for MDMA Drug Abuse
An MDMA substance use disorder is most likely to affect ecstasy-using college students or young people because of the party scene associated with the drug. An inpatient treatment program would probably be best to combat MDMA addiction and keep users away from other bad influences. The addiction treatment process helps individuals overcome the dreaded “crash” and provide medically assisted detox programs to cope with withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Anxiety
- Hostility
- Loss of concentration
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Depersonalization
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Psychosis
- Panic or anxiety attacks
Treatment centers also have mental health services administration that provide various types of therapy to help individuals identify and change destructive behaviors that may have led to drug use in the first place. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy, helps people change their thinking and expectations and equips them with healthy coping skills to navigate challenges without turning to drugs.
Other treatment options for a successful recovery include addiction support groups or group therapy with family members. Currently, there’s no medication approved by the FDA that can be used to treat MDMA abuse, but there are medications that can help manage symptoms when you receive treatment.
Seek Addiction Treatment for MDMA and Other Drugs
If you’re worried about the drug use and health of yourself or a loved one, there are ways to get help for addiction and prevent an overdose. Learning important drug information about the dangers of taking MDMA and what treatment options are available for those with a substance problem can be life-changing.
Contact us today at Transformations Treatment Center via email or by calling (800) 270-4315 to speak to a licensed professional. Find out what coverage you have through your insurance provider and take the first steps toward recovery.
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