Ecstasy (MDMA) and Anxiety: How Does Ecstasy Affect People with Anxiety
Ecstasy, also referred to as 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or molly, is a synthetic drug known for its mood and perception-altering effects. MDMA mimics the effects of both stimulants and hallucinogens. While there has been limited research on the relationship between MDMA, and anxiety, some people have reported self-medicating for anxiety treatment using MDMA.
MDMA therapy for anxiety treatment is established in the belief that use of the drug may help someone to process difficult symptoms associated with anxiety. Some studies have found that using MDMA for anxiety treatment may be beneficial while other studies attempted to reproduce the same results and found little to no benefit of this type of treatment.
The question “can ecstasy cause anxiety?” may be answered clearly by the generalized and social anxiety after ecstasy use. Because anxiety induced from MDMA use typically resolves itself within a week, the question of “Can ecstasy cause permanent anxiety” depends on the duration of use. It appears that chronic use of MDMA is more likely to cause long-term negative mental health effects. Anxiety-producing side effects may be more intense and long-lasting for people who have a history of minor to severe anxiety.
- Living with Anxiety and a co-occurring substance use disorder can be challenging.
- Treatment professionals at The Recovery Village are experienced in treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- If you or a loved one struggles with addiction and a co-occurring mental health condition like anxiety, help is available at treatment centers across the country.
For more information about our care options, reach out to a representative today.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly). Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly
Wing, N. (2015, March 19). DEA Approves Study Of Psychedelic Drug MDMA In Treatment Of Seriously Ill Patients. Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/18/dea-mdma-study_n_6888972.html
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