MDMA is a commonly known addictive substance, often referred to as ecstasy or Molly.
It is often associated with festivals, nightclubs and socialising. Many people view it as a recreational substance that can be used occasionally for fun, without any serious consequences.
However, this is simply not the case. In fact, repeated use of MDMA can lead to significant physical and mental problems. For some individuals who abuse MDMA regularly, they will experience addiction issues.
Although an MDMA addiction might not always look the same as an addiction to substances such as heroin or alcohol, it can still have a devastating impact on a person’s life, including their mental health, their relationships, their finances and the overall quality of their life.
Over time, what starts as occasional use can develop into a full blown addiction that is increasingly difficult to control.
At OK Rehab, our team of specialists regularly speak to individuals who never imagined they would require treatment for MDMA addiction.
Many people start using the drug socially, before finding themselves addicted to it. Fortunately, recovery from MDMA is possible through a range of recovery options, including a professional detox, therapy and ongoing support.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA stands for methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It is a synthetic drug that produces a hallucinogenic effect, with users often reporting feelings of extreme euphoria, increased sociability and heightened sensory experiences.
For some people, they enjoy taking this drug on a night out, in a party environment to strengthen and heighten their experience [1].
MDMA works by impacting a number of neurotransmitters in the brain. This includes the likes of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline.
The surge in these chemicals creates the pleasurable effects associated with the drug, which is why a lot of people become easily addicted [1].
However, it is important to understand that these effects are only temporary.
Once the drug and its effects wear off, many people experience unpleasant after-effects, which is often referred to as a “comedown”. These symptoms can include the likes of depression, anxiety, fatigue, irritation and sleep issues.
Repeated use of MDMA can actually alter the brain’s chemical balance, making it increasingly more difficult to feel pleasure without taking the drug.
Can You Become Addicted to MDMA?
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding MDMA is that it is not addictive. This is simply not the case, as it is possible to become addicted to MDMA [2].
Whilst MDMA may not cause severe physical addiction issues in the same way opioids do, it can create a strong mental and psychological addiction.
This is because individuals start to rely on the drug in order to socialise, relax, enjoy events or escape difficult situations or emotions.
Over time, users will develop an increased tolerance to the substance, meaning they require larger amounts to achieve the same effects. As their tolerance increases, the risk of addiction also rises [2].
Many people struggling with MDMA addiction find themselves trapped in a cycle of taking the addictive substance, experiencing a comedown, feeling anxious and then taking more of the substance to try and feel better.
This is the cycle of addiction and is one of the reasons why overcoming an addiction issue can be difficult without the help of professional treatment and support.
Why Is MDMA Addictive?
MDMA impacts the brain’s reward system by flooding it with the feel-good chemicals we mentioned above in this article.
When the brain is repeatedly exposed to these artificial surges of serotonin and dopamine, it can begin to depend on them.
This means that normal everyday activities can start to feel dull in comparison to when you are taking the substance.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to an MDMA addiction, including some of those listed below for you [2].
1. Mental Health Issues
Unfortunately, many individuals use MDMA as a way of coping with mental health issues including anxiety, depression, loneliness or low self-esteem.
Although the substance might provide temporary relief from these mental health issues, the underlying issues remain unresolved and often become worse over time.
2. Social Influences
As discussed above, MDMA is commonly linked with socialising, nightlife, festivals and clubbing.
Constant exposure to these environments means that the substance can become normalised, which will increase the likelihood of addiction developing.
3. Escapism
Some people use MDMA to avoid mental health issues, difficult situations, stress or emotional pain. This is because it brings with it a temporary sense of happiness which can make it difficult to face reality without using the drug.
4. Genetic Factors
There are a number of factors that suggest that genetics can influence a person’s susceptibility to becoming addicted to a substance.
This is because individuals with a family history of substance abuse may face a greater risk of becoming addicted to a substance themselves.
Signs and Symptoms of an MDMA Addiction
Recognising the signs and symptoms of an MDMA addiction early on can make a huge difference when it comes to their recovery outcome.
It is important to understand that these signs are not always obvious, especially because many users continue to hold down their jobs, continue in education and continue to attend social events during the early stages of their addiction [3].
However, there are a number of physical signs and symptoms that someone is suffering from an MDMA addiction [3].
Some of these are listed below:
- Grinding teeth
- Clenching your jaw
- Sweating excessively
- Heart palpitations
- Dehydration
- Sleep issues
- Nausea and sickness
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent headaches
- Weight loss
- Muscle issues
Frequent MDMA use can also place considerable strain on the body’s cardiovascular system and can increase the risk of experiencing some serious health complications.
Whilst the physical impact can be severe, it is also important to acknowledge that an MDMA addiction also often has a profound impact on an individual’s mental health.
There are a number of common psychological symptoms linked to an MDMA addiction, including some of those listed below:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Frequent mood swings
- Panic attacks and panic disorder
- Paranoia
- Memory issues
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Confusion
There are also a number of behavioural changes that are often more obvious to people around the individual who’s suffering from an addiction.
These may include some of the behavioural symptoms listed below:
- Using MDMA more frequently than you should
- Spending large amounts of money on addictive substances
- Neglecting your work or home responsibilities
- Continuing use addictive substances despite being aware of the negative consequences
- Trying but failing to attempt to stop consuming the drug
- Becoming secretive about drug use, or lying to loved ones
- Prioritising taking drugs or alcohol over relationships and hobbies
If any of these signs and symptoms are present, then professional addiction treatment, including detox and therapy might be necessary in order for you to overcome your addiction fully.
The Long Term Effects of Taking MDMA Frequently
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the long term consequences of taking MDMA on a regular basis.
Whilst some effects will likely improve after stopping taking the addictive substance, prolonged use can lead to long term and lasting health damage, some of which are explained below:
1. Cognitive Problems
There are a number of studies that have linked long term MDMA use with difficulties involving your memory, your attention, your learning and your decision making skills.
These issues can affect your love life, your family life, your employment, your education and day-to-day life.
2. Mental Health Issues
Unfortunately, an MDMA addiction is frequently associated with a range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, panic disorders, psychosis and frequent mood swings.
In some cases, mental health symptoms can continue long after the individual has stopped abusing the drug.
3. Relationship Issues
Likewise, addiction issues can create tension within families, friendships and romantic relationships. This is because addiction issues often mean that trust can be damaged, communication can break down and people often feel lonely or judged by loved ones.
4. Financial Problems
It is well known that people who suffer from drug and alcohol addictions suffer financially as a result. Regular MDMA use can become expensive, with many individuals accumulating debt or experiencing financial issues as a result of their addiction.
5. Legal Issues
MDMA is a Class A drug in the UK. This means that possession and supply of MDMA carry severe legal consequences. In fact, criminal convictions for possessing or supplying MDMA can have long lasting consequences for your future employment opportunities.
MDMA Withdrawal Symptoms
Although MDMA withdrawal is generally less physically dangerous than withdrawal from other addictive substances including alcohol or benzodiazepines, a withdrawal from MDMA can still be extremely difficult.
In fact, many people who withdraw from MDMA experience intense psychological symptoms when they stop using the drug for a period of time.
When it comes to MDMA, there are a number of common withdrawal symptoms, including some of those listed below.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Irritation
- Frequent Mood swings
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Experiencing severe cravings
- Loss of motivation for work or exercise
It is important to understand that the severity of your withdrawal symptoms often depend on how long you have been addicted to MDMA for, how often you use it and the general condition of your health.
Do You Need an MDMA Detox?
For many individuals suffering from a MDMA addiction, the medical detox represents the first step towards their recovery.
The medical detox involves removing MDMA from the body whilst managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe and controlled environment, such as a rehab clinic or home detox.
A structured detox programme within a rehab centre can help individuals to better manage their withdrawal symptoms, overcome their cravings, stabilise their sleeping patterns, address any mental health issues and reduce the risk of relapsing later down the line.
Attempting to detox from MDMA alone can be incredibly difficult, especially if you suffer from a severe addiction or for those experiencing severe mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety.
Therapy for an MDMA Addiction
Whilst the detox phase addresses the physical aspects of your addiction, therapy focuses on the psychological and behavioural factors that contribute to addiction issues.
Often, therapy aims to establish and interrogate the root causes of your addiction, which could include a mental health issue or some form of trauma.
Effective drug and alcohol rehab helps individuals to better understand why an addiction has developed and how to build a healthier life, without the use of alcohol or drugs.
Therapy usually begins with a thorough assessment of your drug history, your physical health, your mental health and your recovery goals.
This information will then inform which types of therapy techniques are best suited to you and your specific addiction issues and goals.
Below are just some of the most popular therapy techniques used throughout the UK for an MDMA addiction.
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to help you to understand the root causes of your addiction. It helps individuals to better identify harmful thought patterns and any trauma and replace them with healthier coping strategies:
2. Group Therapy
Group sessions provide an opportunity to connect with other likeminded individuals who are all facing similar challenges. It has been proven that sharing your experiences can reduce any feelings of isolation and can increase your motivation to recover.
3. Family Therapy
It is important to understand that addiction often impacts entire families, not just the individual suffering from the addiction.
Family therapy can help to repair any damaged relationships and improve your communication, so that your family are happier and can better support their loved ones through their addiction.
Inpatient Rehab vs Outpatient Rehab
Luckily, there are now a number of different treatment options available for individuals with an MDMA addiction. This includes both inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol rehab.
Inpatient rehab, often referred to as residential rehab involves living within a treatment facility for a number of weeks or even months whilst they undergo their addiction.
This provides people with 24 hour support, a structured routine and intensive therapy. This is a great option for anyone with a severe addiction who might not be able to recover alone at home.
Outpatient treatment works a bit differently, in that it allows individuals to continue living in the comfort of their own home whilst attending therapy sessions on a weekly basis.
This is best for anyone with a mild addiction who has work or family commitments with a calm environment at home to recover in.
Conclusion
As discussed above, an MDMA addiction can leave individuals feeling trapped, isolated and with a number of mental health issues.
However, it is important to understand that thousands of people across the country successfully overcome their addiction issues every year.
Recovery from an MDMA addiction often starts with a professional detox, followed by therapy treatment that addresses the underlying causes of the individual’s addiction.
Through therapy, support and aftercare, it is possible to recover from an addiction to MDMA.
At OK Rehab, our team of specialist advisers understand how overwhelming an addiction can be.
However, with the right detox and therapy treatment, long term recovery is within reach.
Start by contacting our team for free today by calling us on 0800 326 5559 or by visiting us online by searching for www.okrehab.org.
References
[1] https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ecstasy-or-mdma-also-known-molly
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10080038/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3931692/
