MDMA Effects and Health Risks
MDMA is a mood-altering party drug that is commonly known as Ecstasy and Molly. It is most often distributed at late-night parties called raves, nightclubs, and rock concerts.
MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) has a structure similar to the stimulants methamphetamine and the hallucinogen Mescaline and is a synthetic, psychoactive drug. There are conflicting studies on use of MDMA and its effects on memory and cognition.
Effects of MDMA
Effects of MDMA typically last between 3 to 6 hours. The users usually take a second dose as soon as they notice the effects of first dose fading. MDMA is known to increase the activity of three chemicals in the brain. They are
Norepinephrine
Consumption of MDMA results in increased activity of the chemical Norepinephrine in the brain which in turn increases blood pressure and heart rate in users and is particularly unadvisable for people with heart issues and blood vessel problems.
Dopamine
Increased Dopamine levels in the brain of the users tend to rev up the mood and produce increased energy/activity that acts in the reward system to reinforce undesirable behaviours in them.
Serotonin
Use of MDMA influences the chemical Serotonin in the brain of the user. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. Serotonin also triggers hormones that enhance sexual arousal and enable trust. Release of larger amounts of serotonin causes psychedelic effects including feelings of emotional closeness, peacefulness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.
The effect of MDMA is variable based on the physical abilities of the users. The drug’s rewarding effects vary with the amount of the dose taken, purity of the chemical, and the environment in which it is administered.
Side-effects
There is evidence suggesting that some users may develop a rash that looks like acne after using MDMA. These people are deemed to be at a risk of severe liver damage if they continue to use the drug.
The dangerous health outcomes of using MDMA can be classified into long term and short terms effects.
Short term effects
- Involuntary teeth clenching
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Muscle cramping
- Sweating
- Increase in body temperature
- Increase in blood pressure
- Chills
Long term effects
Due to the empathy and closeness caused by the effect of MDMA, there could be a high risk of unsafe sexual practices due to enhanced sexual urges. Long term effects of MDMA include exposure to fatal diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, or other sexually transmitted diseases. Also prolonged use of MDMA could result in permanent liver damage or fatalities caused by heart failure.
Is MDMA addictive? How can rehabs help?
There are contradicting research reports on whether MDMA is addictive. However, some people exhibit signs of addiction. Acute withdrawal symptoms including fatigue, loss of appetite, trouble focusing and depression were seen in at least 60% of users who chose to refrain from the use. Because there are no specific treatments for MDMA Addiction, Rehabs can help by directing the treatment to substance use therapy and offering supportive care and involving behaviour group therapy.
