Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), otherwise known as molly or ecstasy, is a common party drug used by individuals to experience an intense high or sense of euphoria. However, MDMA effects may lead to long-term damage to the brain and body over time.
In addition to health effects, MDMA can lead to intense addiction with consistent recreational use. But even mild use can eventually lead to addiction and serious health problems. So what should parents, friends, or family members understand about the effects of MDMA on the body? What does a person go through physically and mentally when they start to use ecstasy recreationally?
What are the Acute Effects of MDMA?
The effects of recreational MDMA range from some acute symptoms during use. Acute symptoms are sudden and short-term but can lead to longer-term issues. Even though the drug may present feelings of a sudden high, elation, or euphoria, harmful acute MDMA effects The immediate effects of MDMA include:
- High blood pressure
- Faintness
- Panic attacks
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
MDMA’s acute effects already present a number of high medical risks for individuals that use the drug recreationally. A few sub-acute effects from consistent MDMA use include arrhythmia, heart damage, depression, anxiety, and impaired memory. These effects are usually in part of MDMA’s impact as a high-grade stimulant.
However, the longer effects of MDMA can lead to lethal medical emergencies.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of MDMA use?
Long-term MDMA effects are especially dangerous for those who struggle with MDMA use or suffer from addiction. A few of the most common long-term effects include:
- Sleeping difficulty
- Depression
- Concentration difficulty
- Heart disease
- Impulsivity
Additionally, individuals may be more likely to experiment with other drugs while on MDMA. Using MDMA in conjunction with other drugs can increase the frequency of health complications.
What Are the Mental Health MDMA Effects?
Consistent recreational use of MDMA also leads to a variety of harmful mental health impacts on the addicted individual. Just a few of the mental health impacts of long-term MDMA use include the following, some of which were mentioned earlier in this post:
- Depression and lowered mood
- Anxiety or intense feelings of nervousness
- Impulsivity and lowered judgment related to decision making
- Lowered cognitive function including memory difficulty
- Increased intensity or difficulty with emotions
MDMA use can be especially dangerous among patients who currently struggle with other mental health disorders. The use of MDMA may increase imbalances of key chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin or dopamine, which exacerbates common mental health issues.
If you know someone that struggles with MDMA addiction, then you may want to consider MDMA addiction recovery specialists who can help.
Where Can Patients Go for Effective MDMA Addiction Recovery?
If you or someone you love is struggling with MDMA addiction and the effects of long-term MDMA use, then you may want to try our recovery treatment options at Crestview Recovery.
Our specialists are here to ensure you get the best treatment possible and learn how to cope with addiction withdrawal, behavioral issues, and medical problems related to your MDMA addiction. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 866.262.0531!
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
