Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy (or E) is a party or ‘club’ drug. It is associated with vigorous partying, music and the rave scene. Ecstasy is named after the feeling it supposedly creates: a positive, carefree and happy state that borders on euphoria.

Despite its associations, ecstasy can carry genuine risk. Whilst the substance is often linked to social contexts, repeat use can lead to dependence. This can lead to the drug being taken in other recreational contexts outside of the social setting.

But what are the specific risks linked with ecstasy? What does addiction do to the body and the brain, and how serious can ecstasy use become?

Ecstasy: Key statistics

Of those surveyed,

• 0.7% of adults (aged 16 to 59) and
• 1.1% of young adults (aged between 16 and 24)

living in England and Wales reported using ecstasy in 2022. This suggests a general downward trend in the use of the drug, with general use decreasing by 47% since 2020. Ecstasy use has also seemingly lost popularity among young adults, with a 72% decrease in reported use.

The Office of National Statistics reported that ecstasy use is currently at its lowest level since data collection began. This decline is possibly linked to social and party culture changes, particularly after the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some studies suggest a general decrease in drug use in 2020, possibly due to restricted access during lockdowns.

Despite the easing of restrictions, ecstasy use has continued to decline. Analysis of the data shows a consistent decrease, and previous research has indicated a waning popularity of ecstasy in party culture, with binge drinking taking its place.

Nevertheless, 1.1% of young adults in England and Wales still report using ecstasy. It’s important to note that self-reporting techniques have limitations, as individuals may not always provide fully candid responses, especially regarding private activities like drug use, suggesting the actual number of ecstasy users is potentially higher.

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is both a stimulant and a psychedelic. A stimulant is a type of drug that speeds up the messages travelling from and through the brain. A psychedelic drug is a substance that produces hallucinations and an ‘apparent expansion of consciousness.’

This means that ecstasy works by altering perception and impacting the typical function of the central nervous system.
Ecstasy is also known as a ‘party drug;’ these types of substances are associated with nightlife and are typically used for ‘its energising effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.’

One lesser-known quality of ecstasy is its empathogenic qualities; the drug creates feelings of emotional connection, openness and empathy. Some researchers define empathogens as a specific class of psychostimulants.

Street names

Drugs often have street names. These are other colloquial terms for a specific drug.

Ecstasy is also known as:

• E
• Crystal
• Drizzle
• MD
• MDMA
• Mandy Molly
• Pills
• XTC

What Is ecstasy made from?

Ecstasy is a synthetic or manufactured drug. That means that it is created in a lab, in contrast to other drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, which are made from the dried and treated plant matter of specific types of flora.

Ecstasy: The law

Ecstasy is a Class A drug. This means that in the UK, involvement with either the

• possession.
• supply,
• or production

of ecstasy carries the risk of legal consequences.

The maximum penalties for possessing Class A drugs include unlimited fines and up to seven years in prison.

The maximum penalties for supply and production of Class As include unlimited fines and up to life in prison.

How long does MDMA stay in your system?

Chemicals and substances stay in our bodies for some time after they have been introduced to our system. This is because substances have different half-lives, meaning it takes a range of time for chemicals to be processed by the body.

MDMA has a half-life of between 8 and 9 hours. This means that 50% of the MDMA in the body will have been removed after this duration.

However, substances can be detected in the body for much longer. Different types of tests have different detection windows:

• MDMA can be identified in your blood for between 24 and 48 hours after use
• MDMA can be identified in your saliva for between 24 and 48 hours after use
• MDMA can be identified in your urine for anywhere up to 72 hours after use
• MDMA can be identified in your hair for up to 90 days after use

Signs of ecstasy addiction: What to look for

Addiction is a chronic, complex condition. This means that, by its very nature, addiction is a multifaceted experience that has a range of effects. It is a powerful, indiscriminate disorder that can affect any of us.

Addiction is also a very individual experience. This means that we can experience its effects in various ways. It also means that it can be tricky to identify; however, there are key signs of addiction you can keep an eye out for. These can manifest in three key categories: social, physical and psychological signs of addiction.

How serious is ecstasy addiction?

One of the key risks associated with MDMA/ecstasy use is the mortality rate. Whilst the number of ecstasy-related deaths is perhaps not as high as the number of deaths linked with other substances, MDMA use does still carry genuine risk.

In 2021, England and Wales recorded 67 deaths related to MDMA. However, MDMA-related fatalities extend beyond the UK and are a global concern. Notably, Norway has experienced a high number of ecstasy-related deaths, with 142 reported between 2000 and 2019.

One meta-analysis looked at the ‘rends in MDMA-related mortality across four countries,’ finding that:

• Turkey reported 1400 deaths related to MDMA use between 2007 and 2017.
• In Australia, 507 individuals died after using MDMA from 2001 to 2019.
• Finland recorded 100 MDMA-related deaths from 2001 to 2017.
• Portugal reported 45 deaths associated with MDMA use between 2008 and 2019.

This data indicates that the risk of serious health complications related to ecstasy is widespread. Whilst many see ecstasy as a ‘harmless’ part drug, these statistics are a stark reminder of the dangerous nature of psychostimulants.

There are particular ‘trends’ in the methods of MDMA/ecstasy use that can increase these risks. These include candy flipping and piggybacking.

Candy flipping

Piggybacking and Stacking

Piggybacking refers to the use of ecstasy tablets one after another in quick succession. Stacking is when a user takes three or more tablets at once.

The risk with these styles of use is that they can create an overlapping high; this means the effects of the drug can be more intense and last for longer. Whilst this may sound desirable to some users, it poses a genuine risk to personal safety, as powers of perception can be reduced for longer periods.

It can also lead to the development of tolerance, which can subsequently catalyse increased use. This increased usage then similarly heightens the health risks linked with taking MDMA.

How does ecstasy affect the brain?

Impacting neurotransmitter activity

MDMA’s stimulant properties mean that the feeling of a high is achieved as the drug acts on the brain. By speeding up the activity of neurotransmitters (specifically serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine), ecstasy has the power to positively change our moods as well as reduce pain and appetite.

Whilst these may be desirable in the short term, MDMA’s effects are not always so positive. By stimulating the brain to release a rush of serotonin – the neurotransmitter related to happiness – the brain is effectively low on serotonin following the high. This can lead to people feeling especially low after use. This is dangerous for two key reasons:

• it can lead to the development (or worsening) of depression
• it can position MDMA as the ‘answer’ to low moods, therefore risking the development of dependency

Reduced levels of serotonin do not only mean low mood. It can also lead to a reduction in memory and an increase in confusion.

Reduction in brain activity

Research using brain imaging technology indicates that long-term MDMA use can lead to a reduction in brain activity. Scans investigating the brain activity of those who had recovered from MDMA addiction found that brain activity was reduced in comparison to control groups. This reduction occurs in several areas of the brain, including:

• the motor cortex
• the somatosensory cortex
• the amygdala
• the cingulate cortex
• the insula
• the thalamus

This suggests that MDMA’s impact on the brain – and therefore, cognitive function – is particularly widespread.

How does ecstasy affect society?

Treating ecstasy addiction

With the right help and support, chronic ecstasy use can be tackled. There are ways to break away from the shackles of addiction and move towards a life of sobriety.
One of the key areas of support for addiction lies in the realm of therapy. Evidence-based, research-driven therapies are at the forefront of addiction treatment. There are a range of different types of support, all of which approach addiction from a different angle. These include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
• Experiential Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Twelve Step Facilitation Therapy (TSF)
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Whether it is a more traditional talking therapy, a support group or a holistic treatment, there is a kind of therapeutic intervention out there for everyone. Engaging with these sources of support can increase the likelihood of recovery and reduce risk of relapse. They can give you the skills to form the foundation of a brighter life, as well as the coping mechanisms to keep moving forward if things get tough.

If you’re prepared to address your ecstasy addiction, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider or contacting a rehabilitation centre. They can guide you in determining a treatment approach tailored to your needs.

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