Ecstasy or molly (MDMA) is a drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogenic.[1] When you consume ecstasy, it increases the activity of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. The effects of MDMA include increased energy, euphoria, distortions in sensory perception, and increased intimacy.

The side effects of ecstasy can be incredibly addictive. After regular use, the high will eventually stop being as intense, as your brain runs out of serotonin to release. If you suffer from ecstasy addiction, you are likely chasing a high that you might never experience again.

When you have a substance use disorder, that means your brain and body rely on the drug to function properly. If you suddenly stop using MDMA, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. The side effects could include fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more.

While the withdrawal symptoms associated with molly are not life-threatening, you should seek help from an addiction treatment center. Ecstasy withdrawal can last up to a week, making it important that you are receiving medical detox services. During the withdrawal process, these programs will provide medical treatments and medications that lessen your symptoms, increasing the likelihood of long-term recovery.

Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms

MDMA causes your brain to release a huge amount of serotonin at once. Once you stop consuming it, your brain’s serotonin levels will deplete. This leads to a variety of mental and physical symptoms that can be difficult to cope with.

If you have mental health issues, ecstasy withdrawal can be especially grueling. You will experience an increase in depression, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and more. Experiencing these symptoms on top of a mental health disorder is never easy, making it vital that you are under the care of an inpatient rehab program.

The common symptoms of MDMA withdrawal include:[2]

• Anxiety and irritability
• Agitation or confusion
• Severe depression and suicidal thoughts
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Insomnia
• Paranoia and distrust in others
• Trouble concentrating
• Loss of appetite
• Cravings to abuse ecstasy

Ecstasy detox centers provide the tools and treatments you need to overcome withdrawal. If you are thinking of quitting MDMA, the Charlotte Detox Center is here to help.

How Long Does Ecstasy Withdrawal Last?

Ecstasy withdrawal can begin within 12 hours and last for a week. Knowing how the withdrawal timeline works and when you will experience the most intense symptoms might motivate you to seek the help you need.

While everyone experiences withdrawal differently, most people follow the same timeline. The MDMA withdrawal timeline is as follows:

12 Hours

Withdrawal can begin as early as 12 hours after your last dose. The initial symptoms tend to be mild and easier to navigate. You might experience slight feelings of anxiety, depression, low mood, and a bit of fatigue.

1 to 3 Days

MDMA withdrawal will peak between the 1st and 3rd day after your last dose. This means your symptoms will be at their most severe, making it important that you are receiving care from a detox center. You will experience intense anxiety, severe depression, insomnia, paranoia, body discomfort, fatigue, and more.

It is also common to have intense cravings and urges to abuse MDMA. Without professional supervision, it is easy to relapse during this stage of withdrawal.

4 to 7 Days

By the 4th day of withdrawal, your symptoms should begin to taper off. You could experience slight symptoms until a week after your last dose. It is common to continue experiencing cravings for ecstasy for longer than a week, making it important that you receive services like individual counseling and group therapy.

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How is MDMA Withdrawal Treated?

Ecstasy addiction should always be treated professionally. The first step in recovery from a substance use disorder is medical detox. These programs offer 24/7 supervision, medical treatments like IV fluids, and medications that lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Detox centers for MDMA use a variety of evidence-based services to help you recover. First, you will undergo an in-depth assessment to determine your needs and how severe your withdrawal symptoms are. An addiction specialist will create an individualized detox plan based on the information gathered.

Next, you will begin medical stabilization. Doctors and nurses will monitor your vital signs to ensure you are tolerating withdrawal. You might receive treatments like IV fluids, blood pressure medications, and more.

While there is no FDA-approved medication for ecstasy withdrawal, you will be given something to help manage your symptoms. Because the most severe symptoms are psychological, you will receive an antidepressant that can manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Lastly, you will have constant access to a mental health professional throughout your stay in detox. They can give you advice when you are having a hard time or going through difficult symptoms. Additionally, you will be able to participate in individual therapy and group counseling.

Get Connected to an MDMA Detox Center

If you or a loved one suffers from MDMA addiction, it’s time to seek help. The Charlotte Detox Center offers evidence-based treatments to their clients to ensure that everyone gets the help they need. Our state-of-the-art facilities will help you feel comfortable while you are overcoming ecstasy withdrawal.

Contact us today to learn more about our MDMA detox program.

References:

1. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ecstasy/MDMA
2. Dove Medical Press: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): current perspectives