Dangers of MDMA and Club Drugs in Chapel Hill (877) 804-1531

What is MDMA/Molly/Ecstasy?

MDMA is short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Other words for this drug are ecstasy or molly. When used, MDMA has both stimulant and psychedelic effects. MDMA is associated with rave and dance club uses because the pulsing lights, music and packed nature of a nightclub.

A German company first created MDMA is 1912, originally intending for it to serve as an appetite suppressant. The drug increasingly became a street drug in the 1980s, and has increased since due to the expansion of the rave and club drug scene, according to Drugs.com.

The chemicals are made in Chinese laboratories and sold in the United States. The formulas for making MDMA are often changed as law enforcement uncovers new chemicals used in the substance and cracks down on the trading of these compounds.

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What Are the Effects of MDMA Use?

MDMA causes the brain to release neurotransmitters known as serotonin. These effects can give off a burst of energy, increased self-confidence and pleasure. People report feeling as if the world is clearer. The drug also causes the brain to release norepinephrine, a chemical that increases blood pressure and heart rate.

Because MDMA is associated with being a "club drug," it is often used alongside alcohol. However, some users say drinking alcohol lessens MDMA's effects. Mixing these two together can be dangerous because it can cause dehydration as can drinking alcohol.

It is also commonly used with marijuana, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

How Are The Drugs Commonly Abused?

It is taken in either pill form or as a powdered substance that is snorted or swallowed. Molly can also be injected.

What are the Health Effects?

MDMA can cause several adverse health effects, even after just one use. This includes hyperthermia or highly elevated body temperature. This can cause a person to sweat and potentially lose consciousness.

Additional effects include confusion, depression, anxiety, dehydration, heart failure, kidney failure or blurred vision. In some cases, people can experience panic attacks, seizures and psychosis.

How Common is MDMA Use in NC?

Between 2004 and 2009, the incidence of hospitalizations related to MDMA use has increased by 123 percent, according to the "Daily Tarheel." According to the Chapel Hill Police Department, the drug is classified under the amphetamine/methamphetamine category. As of April 2014, the Chapel Hill Police Department has not reported any arrests associated with use of MDMA or molly.

How Does Overdose Occur?

A common misconception surrounding MDMA and Club Drugs abuse is that a person cannot overdose on these substances. This is untrue. Use of these types of drugs has been associated with deaths due to severe dehydration and hyperthermia that can lead to heart or kidney failure.

People always run the risk of purchasing or using MDMA and club drugs that have been mixed with other substances. Examples include cocaine, caffeine, methamphetamine, ephedrine, and ketamine. Taking these drugs mixed with MDMA could lead to deadly effects.

The possibility that a person could take an impure or harmful drug means a person is at risk each time he or she takes MDMA. According to CNN.com, Molly seizures in the past four years in New York have only contained 13 percent of actual molly drug.

Treatment for Abuse

Currently there are no FDA-approved medications to treat abuse or reduce MDMA and Club Drugs withdrawal symptoms. Rehabilitation and recovery from abuse typically is treated with cognitive-behavioral techniques. These focus on helping a person identify the behaviors and addiction patterns that are potentially harming the person abusing MDMA and Club Drugs. Treatments also include helping a person learn coping skills and responses to help people prevent a relapse.

If you or a loved one needs drug rehab treatment or detoxification for abuse, and need help finding options for treatment centers, call Drug Treatment Centers Chapel Hill at (877) 804-1531.