What Is MDMA (Ecstasy)?
MDMA, 3,4-Mehtylenedioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen. MDMA is widely known as ecstasy, producing an energetic effect, time and perception distortions, and enhanced enjoyment from sensory experiences.1
The drug is available in tablet form and powdered or crystallized MDMA (Molly). A very pure form of crystallized MDMA is popularly called Moon Rocks.2
How Is MDMA Taken?
MDMA is often taken orally or snorted. MDMA snorting is linked to a more intense intoxication as the drug gets to the brain quicker. How you take MDMA might be more important than you think. One of the dangers of MDMA snorting is that the duration of action can be short-lived, causing users to “redose” more frequently.3
Duration of MDMA Effects
MDMA duration of action typically lasts 3-6 hours, followed by a comedown or hangover. The dosage, purity, and frequency of MDMA usage all influence the likelihood and severity of a comedown. Some people claim to have found a way to extend MDMA’s duration of effects. This usually involves mixing the drug with other substances like alcohol.
However, drinking MDMA is dangerous because it can lead to serotonin syndrome. This condition is characterized by excess serotonin in the brain, leading to low moods and depression when the MDMA high wanes. This, in turn, can further abuse or cause an overdose in worst-case scenarios.
What Is MDMA Used For?
MDMA may be administered as a therapeutic intervention for mental disorders like PTSD. The required MDMA dosage depends on several factors, best prescribed by a doctor. Abuse begins when users take the drug more than the prescribed dose or for recreation.4
The standard MDMA dose is between 75 to 125 mg. Anything above the standard MDMA dose verges on toxicity.5 A survey of the frequency of MDMA usage indicated that MDMA was a common drug of abuse among high schoolers and college students. It is frequently taken at parties and nightclub scenes for its euphoric and tactile effects.6
Best Way to Take MDMA
If you or a loved one is adamant about consuming MDMA, it is important to do so as safely as possible. The best way to take MDMA is without mixing it with other drugs and with plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated, especially when doing an intense activity like dancing. Also, for added precaution, it is best to reagent test your MDMA to ensure other harmful drugs are not present in the mix.
MDMA Half-Life
MDMA half-life is about eight hours. This means that the body takes approximately eight hours to reduce the initial concentration of MDMA in the bloodstream by 50%. It can take up to 5 half-lives to remove 95% of MDMA in the system.6
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?
As mentioned earlier, the high of MDMA lasts for around 3-6 hours.7 However, the drug can stay in the body for days and even months. MDMA stays in your system for the following time spans:8
- Blood: MDMA in the blood has a detection window of 1-2 days after ingestion.
- Urine: MDMA in urine may be noticeable around a half hour after ingestion and can remain detectable for up to three days.
- Hair: MDMA hair tests are a nightmare for anyone who abuses MDMA and must pass a drug test because MDMA is detectable in hair follicles for several months.
Side Effects Of MDMA
Some of the side effects of taking MDMA include:
- Dry mouth
- Muscle cramping or tension
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Vision problems
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
Factors That Affect the Detection Time Of MDMA
Factors that affect how long MDMA stays in the system are the amount of MDMA taken and the time of the last dose. This has a direct relationship with the detection time. Other factors that influence MDMA detection time are:
- Age
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Metabolism
- Kidney function
- Liver function
- Genes
What Are the Risks of Taking MDMA?
Developing MDMA addiction is one of the risks of taking MDMA. It is not uncommon for users to “redose” after the effects of the initial MDMA dosage wear out. You can also develop a tolerance to MDMA over regular use. You notice this when your regular MDMA dosage does not give the desired level of intoxication. At this point, you may feel the need to take higher/more frequent doses or mix with other harmful drugs to get the desired high. Note that MDMA toxicity may be influenced by the presence of other harmful drugs.
People diagnosed with MDMA addiction are also at risk of an overdose, especially when they continue to build a tolerance to the drugs. To prevent worse cases like MDMA overdose, people struggling with addiction should seek help as soon as possible.
What Drug Tests Can Be Used to Detect MDMA?
MDMA in urine tests is a common drug test used to detect MDMA in the system. However, other MDMA drug tests can detect MDMA in the hair and blood. The MDMA Drug Test normally takes 2-3 business days to complete, but it may take longer if confirmatory testing is required.
MDMA urine tests are now required for federal workplace drug testing programs. A person addicted to MDMA may always come out positive on such tests, posing the risk of getting fired. Athletes in sports may also be required to carry MDMA drug screen (urine) tests.
How to Get MDMA Out of Your System
MDMA-positive results indicate there are traces of MDMA in your system. However, not all MDMA-positive results are true because they can be false positives. This means having a positive result even when you don’t use MDMA. In this case, you can speak to your physician. But if you take MDMA, the only way to get rid of it is to let it leave naturally.
Symptoms of Overdose
MDMA overdose can be fatal, leading to death or coma. If you notice any MDMA overdose symptoms, call 911 immediately or take the victim to the nearest emergency room for MDMA overdose management. Some MDMA overdose symptoms include:
- Feeling faint
- High blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
Symptoms of MDMA Withdrawal
MDMA withdrawal symptoms are effects of MDMA dependence. These symptoms spring up when a person tries to stop using the drug. They include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Poor memory
- Fatigue
Get MDMA Detox and Addiction Treatment at San Diego Detox
Supplements for MDMA can reduce or prevent neurotoxicity. But rather than taking supplements for MDMA to safely deal with MDMA addiction, it is advised that you get addiction treatment. If you or your loved one need help from MDMA abuse, San Diego detox is ever ready to lend a helping hand. Here are the ways we can help:
Detox
A person who abuses MDMA may develop a dependence on the drug. This makes it difficult to stop usage because the person is usually faced with withdrawal symptoms that encourage relapse. Hence, a clinically supervised MDMA detox at our center is crucial to help you go through this process smoothly.
Inpatient Rehab
Our homely inpatient facility is also available with qualified healthcare providers to provide round-the-clock individualized care for you or your loved one.
Outpatient Treatment
Our outpatient treatment is a great option for you to get top-notch behavioral therapy services from our mental health providers. We use evidence-based treatments to help you begin a healthy journey, starting from your mind. Contact San Diego Detox today!
Resources
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly#:~:text=3%2C4%2Dmethylenedioxy%2Dmethamphetamine,distorted%20sensory%20and%20time%20perception
https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3494/3494p.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC81503/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6170116/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459334/
