You’ve probably heard MDMA more often with a mention of one of its other names: ecstasy or “Molly.” While this synthetic drug has been gaining popularity in recent years, it carries serious risks and potential long-term consequences. Let’s explore the questions “Is MDMA Dangerous?” and the options available for treating MDMA abuse.
MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy, is a popular recreational drug in America and other countries. Its popularity may overshadow questions over its safety and potential harm. What makes MDMA dangerous is experiencing severe dehydration, seizures, and high body temperature from taking more than one dose or suffering damage to the kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system when taking it regularly. Gender-specific treatment for women with a history of MDMA abuse is available at Hannah’s House.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It’s a powerful psychostimulant drug and a synthetic amphetamine. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing energy and decreasing feelings of tiredness. It has been reported to produce feelings of euphoria, joy, and happiness in users.
Street Names of MDMA
MDMA has many different street names, depending on the region and context in which it is being sold and used. We’ve already mentioned ecstasy and Molly. You may hear it also referred to as X, E, Adam, XTC, Beans, Clarity, Hug Drug, Love Drug, and Roll.
Effects of MDMA Use on Women
The most common physical effects of ecstasy include euphoria, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, feeling hot or cold, sweating, dehydration, and nausea. As the drug is a stimulant, it can also cause people who take it to feel wide awake for extended periods of time. Women using Molly may experience its mental health effects, too. They include confusion, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. They may become more talkative and outgoing under the influence of the drug. High interest in activities involving physical contact may become apparent as well. Signs of MDMA use are visible in a woman’s loss of appetite, dry mouth, restlessness, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, and jaw clenching.
Is MDMA Dangerous?
The risks tied to using MDMA can come with occasional use or regular use. Some of what makes ecstasy dangerous are short-term effects, including anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, overheating, high blood pressure, and impaired judgment. Taking more than one dose of MDMA at a time can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, increased body temperature, seizures, and even death. What makes MDMA dangerous during long-term use comes from potential damage to the kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system, the risk of developing mental health disorders, the risk of disease from unprotected sex while under the influence, and the risk of injury if driving. The dangers women may experience grow exponentially if contaminants exist in a batch of Molly, like fentanyl, commonly popping up and can include overdose and death.
What Do We Know About MDMA Use Among Women?
According to study results reported by the National Library of Medicine, psychoactive effects of MDMA are more intense in women than in men. Among some of the study’s key categories—MDMA-induced perceptual changes, thought disturbances, and fear of loss of body control—women scored higher than men. The study found acute adverse effects and chronic complications of acute conditions were also more frequent in women, while men showed higher increases in blood pressure.
MDMA Abuse Treatment
You can look for signs of a loved one abusing MDMA and help them find the necessary treatment. Some indicators a woman is using the drug are changes in mood, increased energy, changes in sleep patterns, decreased interest in social activities, and obsessive behavior. Treatment should be matched to a person’s individual needs, and dual diagnosis treatment is recommended for women whose use of MDMA coincides with untreated depression, anxiety, or trauma.
Medically-supervised detox is an optimum first step at a treatment center and can be followed up with individual counseling, group therapy, and evidence-based therapies. Family and friends can play a valuable role in providing emotional support, assistance, and help with day-to-day tasks as a person with a history of MDMA abuse is in recovery.
Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For more information about the stages of alcoholism in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 561.841.1272.
