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MDMA Addiction

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MDMA

MDMA, or 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, also known as Molly, is a synthetic drug that has hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. It usually comes in a crystalline white powder or capsule form that can be ingested, snorted or swallowed by users. Molly is considered to be the “pure” form of MDMA, as compared to its ecstasy counterpart. However, even powder and capsules sold as pure MDMA can contain cheaper substitutes, such as bath salts and other drugs, which can have additional negative consequences on a person’s health.

Once MDMA enters the body, it increases the activity of three main neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals:

  • Dopamine plays a major role in the reward system; it is responsible for producing increased energy and euphoria in MDMA users.
  • Norepinephrine is associated with the fight-or-flight response; MDMA users may experience increase in their heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Studies show that MDMA increases serotonin, or 5-HT, release and inhibits its reuptake. Serotonin is associated with mood, appetite and sleep; increased activity of serotonin helps to explain why MDMA users report feeling elevated mood, empathy and emotionally close to other people around them.

Effects of MDMA abuse

MDMA begins to affect an individual’s mood, memory and perceptions typically within 15 minutes to an hour after it enters the body. These effects last for about three to six hours. However, when this drug is taken at low doses, MDMA can lead to pleasant and euphoric effects. People may feel an enhanced sense of well-being, emotional warmth and empathy toward other people. Sensory and time distortions are also common in low to moderate doses of MDMA.

Some of the other short-term effects of MDMA include the following:

  • Dehydration
  • Muscle cramping
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Fast or irregular heart beat
  • Kidney or liver damage
  • Heart failure
  • Problems with temperature regulation
  • Hyperthermia (heat-related illness)
  • Vision problems (blurred)
  • Involuntary jaw clenching
  • Teeth grinding
  • Sweating and/or chills
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Faintness
  • Paranoia

When taken for a longer duration, MDMA can disrupt the activity of important chemicals in the human brain, which, in turn, causes several short- and long-term changes in a person’s cognitive abilities, behavior and mood. In the hours, days and weeks after taking MDMA, users can experience significant reductions in memory, information processing and other cognitive abilities.

One of the dangers of taking MDMA for long periods of time is the depletion of serotonin, which can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression. The following symptoms can last even for a week or longer after a person takes the drug:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Aggression
  • Sleep problems
  • Restlessness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Decreased appetite

Apart from these short- and long-term effects, MDMA abuse can also lead to a number of other serious health consequences. Some of these are mentioned below:

  • Neuronal damage
  • Brain lesions
  • Hemorrhages
  • Kidney, liver and heart damage
  • Liver failure
  • Impaired thinking, information processing and memory
  • Death due to dehydration, exhaustion or heart attacks
  • Convulsions
  • Kidney failure
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Psychosis

Therefore, it becomes essential to seek help from one of the best MDMA detox centers and attain recovery to begin leading a healthy life again.

MDMA overdose

People who take high doses of MDMA can affect their body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can result in overheating and other heat-related problems, including muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches and increased heart rate. One of the biggest dangers of taking drugs containing MDMA is the risk for overdose, which can lead to dangerously high body temperature and organ damage to the brain, heart, kidney or liver.

People who take too much MDMA may experience the following symptoms:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heat stroke
  • Dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia)
  • Seizures
  • Fainting
  • Panic attacks
  • Losing consciousness
  • Coma
  • Death

To avoid physical exertion and overeating, hydration is often recommended for MDMA users. On the flip side, drinking too much water, or hyponatremia, can also be a problem for MDMA users as it can dilute sodium in the body.

MDMA addiction treatment

Sovereign Health of California’s holistic approach for MDMA addiction includes detoxification treatment, administration of psychotherapies and relapse prevention plans. Our MDMA detox is done using a well-planned detox program, which is highly beneficial for relieving symptoms such as depression, anxiety as well as improving mental clarity.

After a thorough MDMA detox treatment, Sovereign Health’s MDMA treatment program consists of comprehensive evidence-based, complementary and experiential treatments.

During the admission process, patients receive thorough medical and biopsychosocial assessments to diagnose and individualize each patient’s treatment program according to his or her specific needs. Some of our evidence-based approaches that benefit patients who have MDMA addiction include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), psychoeducation and neurofeedback.

For more information about Sovereign Health’s MDMA treatment program, contact our 24/7 helpline to speak to a member of our team. We can start you on the path to MDMA recovery.

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