What Drugs Are in Ecstasy and What Are Its Effects on the Body?

Ecstasy is a well-known illicit party drug, but many might not know what drugs are in ecstasy. Police confiscation in Florida discovered a number of other substances added to MDMA in various amounts, making ecstasy even more dangerous. The majority of ecstasy found on the streets is impure, and therefore, it is difficult to assume what effects and long-term consequences it will have on a person. 

When making a decision, it is important to be informed, so we would like to share what type of drugs are in ecstasy pills, what potential problems arise from consuming them, and how to help someone struggling with ecstasy misuse. If you need expert help for addiction recovery in Florida, We Level Up Lake Worth FL treatment center is the best choice.

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy, known on the streets as Molly, E, XTC, Adam, Disco Biscuit, MDMA, or the love drug, is a well-known synthetic party drug. It increases serotonin and produces happiness, empathetic feelings toward others, and high energy levels. The chemical structure of ecstasy is similar to that of amphetamine (a stimulant) and mescaline (a hallucinogen), so similar effects are expected with these drugs. 

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, ecstasy was patented in 1912 by a German pharmaceutical company; the idea was to help control bleeding. Its most notable use was in the 1970s, when it was a supplement to psychotherapy. A group of psychiatrists used it despite not having any formal clinical trials. Around that time, ecstasy started appearing on the streets as well. 

Ecstacy´s use was banned in Canada in 1976 and then in the United States in 1985. In the 1990s, the FDA approved the first human trial to help alleviate pain in terminally ill patients. Recently, ecstasy gained attention as a supplement for PTSD psychotherapy, but this concept is still under investigation. 

What Drugs Are in Ecstasy Pills?

The question of what drugs are in ecstasy pills that are illegally sold might be puzzling, as ecstasy´s chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA for short, meaning one would expect MDMA to be the only drug in ecstasy. However, what is sold as ecstasy often contains other drugs, most frequently caffeine, ephedrine, amphetamine, dextromethorphan, ketamine, and LSD. The DEA warns that ecstasy can also contain methamphetamine, cocaine, and cathinone.

Sometimes, ecstasy also contains the highly toxic drug aramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), which can be lethal even in low doses. PMA and MDA (a drug similar to MDMA) are sometimes sold as ecstasy but are related to accidental overdoses. 

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug, meaning it is laboratory-produced. As such, it can be altered. In theory, it should contain only MDMA, while in practice, it can happen that it doesn´t contain it at all. 

How Ecstasy Affects the Body

Ecstasy is both a hallucinogen and a stimulant, providing the body with a lot of energy. Other sensations include euphoria, disinhibition, enhanced enjoyment, distortion of time and perception. Users might also feel empathy and sexuality. These positive effects are what consumers strive to get, but negative effects on the body and mind are sure to happen as well. 

On a more physiological level, drugs that are in ecstasy, primarily MDMA, impact alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, tremors, and increased motor activity. People might also experience nausea, teeth clenching, severe dehydration, and sleep problems. In some cases, usually when taken at parties and combined with dancing, MDMA causes body temperature to rise significantly, leading to overheating and heat stroke. Additional danger comes from trying to cool down by drinking excessive amounts of water, resulting in brain swelling that can lead to a coma. 

Some animal studies show that ecstasy might damage specific neurons, although research on the human brain is not conclusive. What is confirmed is that long-term and heavy ecstasy consumption leads to cognitive deficits and problems with learning and memory. 

These are all known effects of MDMA, a substance expected to be the only ingredient in ecstasy. However, knowing what type of drugs are in ecstasy pills, we can expect more detrimental effects from those combinations. 

Dangers of Impurities in Ecstasy Pills

What drugs are in ecstasy becomes a question one cannot ignore, keeping in mind that additional substances have their effect on the body and can add to the effect of MDMA. For instance, a mixture of MDMA and cocaine or speed results in reduced brain functioning due to dopamine depletion. Also, the cardiovascular system will be strained, increasing the risk of a stroke. 

Another danger related to what drugs are in ecstasy pills comes in the form of PMA and PMMA, two substances similar to MDMA but more toxic and less potent. People who consume it, thinking it´s MDMA, can lack the sensation they expected (due to its lower potency), and opt for another pill to get the high, risking an accidental overdose (due to its high toxicity). 

The main issue with the whole problem of what type of drugs are in ecstasy pills comes down to the unpredictability of the effects. Mixtures available on the streets of Florida are unknown in terms of not only which substances a pill contains but also in what ratio. The risks are potentially deadly. 

Addressing Ecstasy Use and Addiction

Although there is not enough proof that MDMA can cause physical dependence, keeping in mind what drugs are in ecstasy pills, addiction to substances is still very much possible. It is also known that tolerance for ecstasy builds quickly, making people consume it more. Consequently, it is not unusual for ecstasy to become so important in one´s life that it produces signs of addiction. 

They occur due to the fact that chronic consumption results in massive releases of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. If the person stops consuming ecstasy, the levels of these neurotransmitters significantly drop, creating feelings of depression, apathy, and hopelessness, often triggering the desire to fix this state with new consumption.

Signs of addiction include strong cravings, taking more than intended, and continuous use despite knowing the negative effects of doing so. If any withdrawal symptoms are present, they are most likely psychological. 

Addiction or withdrawal symptoms are, therefore, difficult to spot, creating a potential problem of late discovery of substance abuse. It´s making it much more important to keep an eye on any early signs, such as a change in tolerance. Or the increased need for consumption. That can help you react on time before bigger issues occur. 

Resources for Help and Rehabilitation

Whether you are worried about what drugs are in ecstasy or struggling to stop using them, know there are professionals who can aid you. Lake Worth Rehab Center specializes in addiction problems and can assist with overcoming them. 

If you are experiencing some signs of dependence and you find yourself reaching for more pills to get the same sensation as before, it might be time for our drug detox in Florida. We rely on medicine-assisted programs to help you overcome any discomfort that comes with getting rid of illicit substances from your body. 

We Level Up Lake Worth FL offers comprehensive treatment, including evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Our holistic approach to taking care of the body, the mind, and the spirit is what makes us stand out among other drug rehab centers in Florida. 

Finally, our Alumni Program in Lake Worth, FL is ensuring you do not feel alone even after your recovery period within facilities is done. We understand that recovery is a life-long journey, and we strive to support you along the way with advice, follow-ups, and a sense of belonging. 

We invite you to take charge and regain control over your life. Contact us to find out how. 

Seek Expert Support Today

Finding out what drugs are in ecstasy will make you understand the dangers of its consumption.  The alterations of ecstasy can be very dangerous, producing serious health side effects and, in the worst-case scenario, causing permanent damage or death. 

Signs of one´s addiction to ecstasy are usually psychological and difficult to spot, making it even more important to pay attention to small changes in your behavior or the behavior of a loved one. Early recognition means early reaction and potential prevention of the detrimental consequences of drug use. 

Seek help from our expert team at We Level Up Lake Worth FL as soon as you notice the first signs of ecstasy or any other drug dependence or abuse. Don’t hesitate to contact us for professional help for long-term recovery and regaining control over your life.