Sad teenager sitting outside thinking about the side effects of ecstasy addiction
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Side Effects of Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy is considered a “party drug,” often found at music festivals, raves, and nightclubs. However, it has made its way into other settings, such as college campuses, high school campuses, and private homes. 

The people who use ecstasy are most commonly adolescents and young adults. A recent Monitoring the Future study revealed that past year use of ecstasy remained relatively consistent for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, with a slight decrease from 2020. Overall, approximately 22.1 million Americans have used ecstasy in their lifetime. 

It is possible to form a psychological dependence on ecstasy. If you are concerned about ecstasy use in yourself or a loved one, recognizing the side effects of ecstasy addiction allows you to get ahead of the problem. Wolf Creek Recovery in Prescott, AZ offers comprehensive treatment services that can help make the recovery process more tolerable and manageable. With the right support, you can break the cycle of substance use and prevent future harm. 

Ecstasy Side Effects Over Time

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a psychoactive substance with both hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. It’s often associated with nightclubs and raves because it is used recreationally to induce feelings of euphoria, empathy, and heightened sensory perception. It also increases energy, giving individuals the stamina needed to dance the night away. 

While many associate ecstasy with short-term euphoria and heightened social experiences, the substance carries significant risks when used repeatedly or over a long period. Prolonged ecstasy use can affect both physical and mental health, leading to lasting side effects that may persist even after stopping. 

Ecstasy primarily affects the central nervous system by flooding the brain with neurotransmitters. However, this also depletes serotonin stores, leading to comedown or emotional crash once the substance wears off. Let’s explore the short-term and long-term effects of ecstasy consumption. 

Short-Term Side Effects of Ecstasy Use

Shortly after consuming ecstasy, it’s possible to experience the following symptoms:

  • Euphoria and emotional warmth 
  • Increased body temperature 
  • Excessive sweating and dehydration 
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Teeth grinding and jaw clenching 
  • Dilated pupils and blurred vision 
  • Nausea and dizziness 
  • Anxiety and paranoia 
  • Overstimulation and restlessness
  • Appetite suppression  

Long-Term Side Effects of Ecstasy Use

Using ecstasy for a prolonged period can cause serious effects, such as: 

  • Serotonin system damage
  • Memory problems and cognitive decline
  • Emotional flatness 
  • Chronic anxiety and depression 
  • Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
  • Psychological dependence 
  • Cardiovascular issues 
  • Kidney and liver damage 
  • Immune system suppression 

Young woman sitting on public transportation

How Ecstasy Affects the Mind and Body

Ecstasy is a psychoactive stimulant that impacts both the mind and body by releasing large amounts of neurotransmitters, primarily serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. While people seek out ecstasy to experience the positive effects of euphoria, empathy, and energy, the substance has profound effects on mental and physical health. 

When it comes to the mind, ecstasy boosts mood and euphoria by triggering the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, resulting in feelings of intense happiness. It also alters perception, making colors brighter and sounds more vivid. However, there are also negative effects that can happen to the mind, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, paranoia, agitation, and memory problems. 

MDMA has a stimulant effect on the body, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, raising body temperature, and causing the jaw to clench. After the high fades, people experience a serotonin crash, often leading to depression, anxiety, or irritability. Individuals may also feel mentally and physically exhausted and have cravings for the substance. 

Behavioral Signs of Ecstasy Use

Ecstasy affects mood, behavior, and physical energy, often causing noticeable changes in how a person behaves. You may notice that the person is more outgoing and affectionate during social events, is drawn to clubs, festivals, or raves, and is withdrawing from hobbies or responsibilities. They may also engage in risky behaviors, such as mixing substances or driving under the influence. Paraphernalia related to ecstasy use does exist and includes glow sticks, pacifiers, chewing gum, rave clothing, and small pills or powder in baggies or capsules. 

Physical Signs of Ecstasy Use

Ecstasy produces obvious physical changes due to its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. The physical signs can appear during use, immediately after, or over time with repeated consumption. Recognizing these symptoms can help identify if someone is using ecstasy and may need support. Physical signs include dilated pupils, jaw clenching, sweating, elevated heart rate, restlessness, and dry mouth. In extreme cases, MDMA can raise body temperature to dangerous levels, causing heatstroke. 

Psychological Signs of Ecstasy Use

The brain’s neurotransmitters are affected by ecstasy. As a result, its use leads to changes in a person’s emotions, thoughts, and psychological state. The substance triggers the release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, causing intense euphoria and a loss of social inhibitions. There may also be increased anxiety or panic during the comedown period. With repeated use of ecstasy, serotonin levels are depleted, causing depression and emotional flatness. These emotional lows increase the risk of psychological dependence, as people may turn to MDMA to avoid these negative feelings.  

Psychologist working with young woman

Treatment for Ecstasy Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ

Ecstasy use disorder is not associated with the same physical dependence as opioids or alcohol, but treatment is still necessary. The psychological effects of ecstasy use can cause psychological dependence, emotional instability and cognitive challenges. Effective treatment for ecstasy addiction focuses on detoxification, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support networks. 

While ecstasy withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, the emotional lows, fatigue, anxiety, and cravings can be distressing. Medical support during detox can help manage your symptoms and keep you more comfortable. Following detox, counseling and therapy can help address the psychological aspects of ecstasy use, including cravings, emotional instability, and mental health. Support groups, lifestyle changes, and relapse prevention techniques provide ongoing care as well. In some cases, antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, anxiety medications, and supplements may be prescribed to treat mental health symptoms. 

Wolf Creek Recovery provides comprehensive treatment services for individuals who are ready to rebuild their lives. We offer various evidence-based treatments and alternative therapies to help our clients better understand the underlying factors of their substance use and develop healthier ways to cope. With our holistic approach, we also teach clients how to build a life that brings them happiness. Recreation therapy provides an excellent opportunity for them to participate in sports and adventure while learning about themselves. Build a life you love. Contact Wolf Creek Recovery at 833-732-8202 to learn more. 

FAQs About the Side Effects of Ecstasy Addiction

What are the short-term side effects of ecstasy use? 

Shortly after consumption, MDMA can cause euphoria and emotional warmth, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, excessive sweating, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, dilated pupils, and nausea. 

What are the long-term side effects of ecstasy use? 

Using ecstasy for a prolonged period can cause lasting damage, such as memory problems, cognitive impairment, emotional flatness, kidney and liver damage, cardiovascular damage, and damage to the serotonin system. 

How does ecstasy affect the mind and body? 

Ecstasy releases a surge of neurotransmitters, mainly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. This is what creates a sense of euphoria. The substance acts as a stimulant on the body, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, restlessness. 

Is PAWS common with ecstasy addiction? 

PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) is a second set of longer lasting withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are mainly psychological in nature and are common with ecstasy withdrawal. Ongoing support is crucial for managing these symptoms. 

What paraphernalia is related to ecstasy use? 

Nothing is required to consume ecstasy, though you might find powder or pills in baggies or capsules. However, you can keep a lookout for paraphernalia related to ecstasy use, such as chewing gum, pacifiers, and glow sticks.