MDMA, also called Ecstasy or Molly, is known as being a party drug. Due to their psychoactive effects, party drugs like MDMA are often taken at clubs, house parties, and underground music festivals called raves. Many use these substances to amplify their party experience. While MDMA is often viewed as safe, there are risks associated with its use, especially if you find yourself using MDMA compulsively.

Why are Party Drugs Dangerous?

Party drugs are oftentimes produced illicitly. This leads to them commonly being mixed, or cut, with other harmful substances. MDMA commonly includes substances such as methamphetamine, caffeine, ephedrine, cocaine, ketamine, heroin, phencyclidine (PCP), cathinones (bath salts), or dextromethorphan (DXM). In fact, many “MDMA” or “Ecstasy” tablets may not even include any MDMA at all. Since the aforementioned drugs mimic the effects of ecstasy, and are much cheaper, they are often used as a substitute. So it’s entirely possible that your average MDMA pill contains no MDMA.

To make matters worse, the concentration of MDMA or other drugs in an ecstasy tablet can vary widely. You can’t be sure of exactly what drugs or how much of each is in each tablet, making it difficult to predict how it will affect you. In opposition to pharmaceutically produced pills, which can be assumed to have a consistent amount of drugs; MDMA can have all different types and amounts of drugs. If you don’t feel the effects as strongly as desired, you may take additional doses. This puts you at increased risk for experiencing harmful or dangerous side effects like an MDMA overdose. Some of these effects can prove fatal.

Party Drug Overdose

It is possible to experience an MDMA overdose, especially if you take other drugs at the same time. If you experience any signs of an overdose, it’s important to seek medical attention. Signs of an MDMA overdose can include:

• Feeling faint.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Panic attacks.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Seizures.

Taking too much MDMA can also make it difficult for your body to maintain a proper body temperature. Dangerously high body temperatures can cause swelling in the brain and failure of the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system. Body temperature and dehydration are two common issues associated with MDMA and overdose.

Dangers Associated with MDMA Use

Aside from the looming risk of overdose, there are many other negative health effects of MDMA use. These side effects can manifest physically, emotionally, or behaviorally, and could result in addiction. While MDMA addiction, from a medical perspective, is rare, compulsive MDMA use can be more common. Compulsive use of substances with overdose potential can leave you at risk for hospitalization and even death. In fact, at least one study has shown that heavy long-term use of ecstasy may induce an alteration in the brain balance between serotonin and dopamine causing an obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s important to be diligently aware of your MDMA use, and to seek help if you find yourself compulsively using party drugs.

Where To Find Treatment for MDMA Usage

While compulsive MDMA use may be rare, it is possible to stop. Therapy is often the best way to beat compulsive MDMA usage, and that can start by contacting your medical professional. They can help connect you with counselors or treatment facilities that can help you curb your MDMA usage. Even if things seem hopeless, know that you’re not alone and there are people out there that understand, have been there and can help.