MDMA Withdrawal

image depicting mdma withdrawal

Updated July 11, 2024

picture of Joe Gilmore
Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

picture of Joe Gilmore
Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

image depicting mdma withdrawal

Table of Contents

MDMA withdrawal can be tough for many people. When someone stops using this hallucinogenic stimulant, they may experience intense psychological withdrawal symptoms like depression, anxiety, and drug cravings.

This guide highlights what to expect from detox and how to get effective addiction treatment if you’re ready to stop using party drugs like MDMA.

What Is MDMA?

MDMA is a man-made drug that changes how people feel and perceive things. It has a chemical structure similar to both the stimulant meth and the hallucinogen mescaline.

MDMA is an illegal drug that acts as a stimulant and a psychedelic. It gives people more energy and changes how they experience time and touch. People may feel happy and enjoy touching things more when they use MDMA.

Classified as a Schedule I substance, MDMA has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The drug was first made by a German company in 1912, possibly as an appetite suppressant. It became a popular street drug in the 1980s and was widely used at parties and raves in the 1990s.

As rave and club scenes grew, so did the use of MDMA. People often use it along with alcohol and other drugs. Today, MDMA is still popular and known mostly by the names Molly and ecstasy.

MDMA Use Stats & Facts

2022 data from SAMHSA shows that:

  • 22 million U.S. adults report lifetime MDMA use.
  • 2.1 million U.S. adults used MDMA in 2022.
  • 389,000 U.S. adults report past-month use of MDMA, down from 600,000 in 2021.
  • Among these, 514, 000 U.S. adults had MDMA addiction (other hallucinogen use disorder).

MDMA was initially popular among white teens and young adults in the rave scene. However, its use has spread to many different groups since the 1980s. Ecstasy abuse is not limited to one gender, education level, or job type. That said, young adults have the highest rates of use.

image depicting mdma withdrawal symptoms

What Is MDMA Withdrawal?

Many people who use MDMA frequently will experience withdrawal when they stop using the drug. This happens because their brain has become dependent on ecstasy to feel good.

MDMA increases the activity of certain brain chemicals that make people feel happy and loving. This causes the euphoric high that people experience when taking the drug. However, ecstasy also quickly uses up these chemicals, leaving the brain low on what it needs to feel good naturally.

After using MDMA for a long time, the brain relies on the drug to function and feel positive. When someone stops taking ecstasy, their brain needs to relearn how to work without it. During withdrawal, people often feel the opposite of how they feel on the drug, experiencing depression, anxiety, and strong cravings for MDMA.

Most withdrawal symptoms are psychological, but some people may also have physical symptoms. The severity and length of withdrawal can vary depending on:

  • Duration of use
  • Frequency of use
  • Overall health 
  • Metabolism
  • Age and gender
  • Genetics

5 MDMA Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone stops using MDMA, they might feel different kinds of withdrawal symptoms. Here are five common ones.

1) Depression

People might feel very sad or hopeless. This is because their brain is not getting the happy chemicals they got from the drug.

2) Anxiety

Some people often feel worried or nervous when they stop taking MDMA. This can make it hard to relax or sleep.

3) Cravings

Many people will have strong urges to use MDMA again. These cravings can be intense and hard to resist.

4) Fatigue

Feeling very tired is common during MDMA withdrawal. People might feel exhausted even after getting enough sleep.

5) Trouble concentrating

It can be hard to focus or think clearly. People struggle with concentration and memory.

These symptoms can be tough, but they are a normal part of the withdrawal process. With support and time, people can overcome them and feel better.

How Long Does MDMA Withdrawal Last?

MDMA withdrawal has not been studied as much as other drug withdrawals, but it is similar to a mild stimulant withdrawal. Symptoms can start 24 hours after the last use and normally last 3 to 5 days.

How long and how intense the symptoms are can depend on how much and how often the drug is used. Using other substances like alcohol and marijuana with MDMA can make withdrawal longer and more complicated. Health problems and mental health issues can also affect the withdrawal process.

What is the Best MDMA Withdrawal Treatment?

Right now, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating MDMA addiction. However, medical detox can help you manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Detox is usually the first step in recovery but is not enough on its own for long-term success. After detox, treatment continues in different settings.

Ecstasy addiction is often treated with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). CBT helps you change thoughts and behaviors that lead to drug use and teaches healthier ways to deal with stress. You can get CBT in individual or group sessions. Joining mutual help groups can also be helpful, as you get support from others who are recovering too.

Inpatient rehab centers provide high-level care, which can be helpful if you use multiple substances or have other mental health conditions. You’ll live at the center and get different therapies and 24/7 support.

Outpatient rehab lets you live at home or in a sober living home while attending treatment sessions one or more times a week. This might be a good choice if you have a supportive home environment or need less intensive care. Here’s how you can connect with effective outpatient treatment covered by health insurance.

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Get Compassionate, Insurance-Covered Withdrawal Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you need help for yourself or a loved one with an addiction, reach out to Renaissance Recovery. We have luxury rehabs by the beach in California and Florida dedicated to your recovery. We are happy to work with major health insurers, so everyone gets effective addiction treatment.

After detoxing from MDMA, you can continue with outpatient treatment at Renaissance. This lets you remain at home while dealing with the psychological side of party drug addiction.

All addictions are unique, so all treatment programs at Renaissance are personalized. Therapies may include:

Call our recovery experts today at 866-330-9449.

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