Ecstasy Abuse and Depression

What Is Ecstasy?

MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, X, XTC or Molly, is a popular club drug that produces feelings of energy, warmth and empathy. In use since the 1980s, it saw a surge in popularity around 2000 as a multicolored tablet called Ecstasy and again recently as a powder or capsule under the name of Molly.

Although Ecstasyis purported to be a pure form of MDMA, it can be mixed with amphetamines, cocaine, bath salts and other dangerous drugs. The number of emergency room visits related to Ecstasy or Molly in patients under the age of 21 rose from 4,460 visits in 2005 to 10,176 visits in 2011.1

How Does Ecstasy Work?

Partygoer on ecstasyThe effects of a dose of MDMA last for about three to six hours. It has both stimulant effects similar to amphetamines and hallucinogenic effects similar to psychedelic drugs. MDMA boosts the brain’s levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as the body’s levels of the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin. Together, this chemical cocktail causes euphoria and pro-social feelings. It can also cause other, less-desired effects such as the following:

MDMA’s main mechanism of action is on serotonin. Overtime, the abuse of serotonin in the brain causes deeper problems taking days for cells to recover.In order to defend against the onslaught of too much serotonin after repeated MDMA use, the nerve cells eventually begin to produce less serotonin on their own as they try to compensate. This can lead to long-term problems, including the following:

  • Reduced levels of serotonin
  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Drug craving
  • Impairments in cognition, attention and memory

Researchers are not sure yet how addictive MDMA really is, but many users show clear signs of dependence, including continuing to use the drug despite knowing it is causing harm, tolerance to the drug, and withdrawal effects after discontinuing use.

How Does MDMA Interact With Depression?

Because of the effects of serotonin in the brain from Ecstasy, depression can follow use; however, these effects usually diminish quickly. But like any other addiction, depression can be a related issue to the drug use—either as a result of ongoing drug use or as a catalyst toward use through self-medication to feel better.

Although studies are not conclusive to causality with Ecstasy use and depression, a strong link does exist. Of over 3000 teens studied in Quebec, those who used Ecstasy in tenth grade were 70% more likely to experience symptoms of depression the following year.3

Therapeutic Use of MDMA

Another possible link between MDMA use and depression is that the single biggest cause of depression is a life history of stress and trauma. Many people may try to use Ecstasy as a way to heal from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and this idea has gained some popularity in recent years.4 However, combining mental illness with illicit drugs does not lead to health. If you are looking to treat your depression, MDMA isn’t the answer.

Working closely with a psychotherapist is a much better way to address the life stresses that cause your depression and give you the tools you need to take on life in a healthy and drug-free manner.Here at The Oaks at La Paloma, we offer specialized treatment in co-occurring disorders, which tackles mental illness and drug abuse at the same time. We understand the vicious cycle between depression and ecstasy abuse, and our expert therapists are ready to help. Please call our 24-hour, toll-free helpline now to speak with an admissions coordinator about how our ecstasy abuse and depression treatment program can help you or your loved one start a new healthy life in recovery.


1Ecstasy-Related Emergency Department Visits by Young People Increased between 2005 and 2011; Alcohol Involvement Remains a Concern.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, December 3, 2013.

1What is MDMA?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, October 2016.

1Speed, Ecstasy Use Tied to Teen Depression.” Health.com, April 18, 2012.

1 Wan, William, “Ecstasy could be ‘breakthrough’ therapy for soldiers, others suffering from PTSD.” The Washington Post,August 26, 2017.