Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. It became popular in the 1980s as a club drug, and many people in the United States still use it.
People who abuse ecstasy may develop physical dependence. People who become addicted to ecstasy may require professional treatment to safely stop using it and avoid relapse.
This article will explore how long ecstasy remains in your system after you stop taking it. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of ecstasy
- What to expect during ecstasy withdrawal
- How long ecstasy may show up on a drug test
- How to recognize and treat ecstasy addiction
- Where to find comprehensive substance abuse treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with ecstasy abuse or another form of substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the The Living Room specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a street name for a drug called 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA).[1] It is a synthetic psychoactive drug that produces hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Users experience pleasurable side effects while taking ecstasy, including:[2]
- Increased energy
- Distorted perception of time
- Deeper empathy
- A sense of closeness to others
- Increased emotional openness or awareness
- Heightened pleasure
- Euphoria
In addition to these desirable effects of ecstasy, users may experience unwanted or dangerous side effects. These include:
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Chills
- Muscle cramping
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Cognitive impairment
- Tremors
People often use ecstasy in large, crowded venues, including parties, clubs, and music festivals. The effects of the drugs and hot, overcrowded conditions can lead to dangerous overheating.
Elevated body temperatures can cause kidney, liver, and heart failure. People may also experience dehydration, fainting, and seizures if they do not receive immediate medical treatment.
What to Expect During Ecstasy Withdrawal
Frequently using ecstasy can lead to physical dependence. Once someone has developed dependence, it can be very challenging to stop using it without professional treatment. They are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms that make them very uncomfortable, which increases the likelihood of relapse.
Here is an overview of what to expect during ecstasy withdrawal.[3,4]
First 24 hours
People typically begin experiencing ecstasy withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of their last dose. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation
- Confusion
People may also experience intense cravings that make it difficult to avoid relapse.
1-3 days
Withdrawal symptoms may peak during the first three days of detox. Symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and the risk of relapse is high. People must receive treatment and support during detox to avoid relapse.
3-5 days
Most people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms after the third day of detox, and symptoms may resolve completely by the fifth day.
Many factors can affect the duration of withdrawal symptoms. The length of time it takes for MDMA to leave the body can depend on several factors, including:
- Other substances a person uses at the same time
- The amount of time someone has used ecstasy
- The dose of ecstasy they used
- Their general health
- Age
- Mental health conditions
- Weight and body composition
Drug screening tests can detect controlled substances and their metabolites. However, withdrawal symptoms may linger longer than MDMA stays in the body.
How Long Will Ecstasy Show Up on a Drug Test?
Many factors can affect how long MDMA stays in the body. Here is an overview of general detection windows for several drug screening tests.[5,6]
Urine test
Urine testing is the most common type of drug screening for employment purposes. This type of testing may detect ecstasy in urine for up to five days after your last dose.
Blood test
The detection time for a blood test is typically around three days after your last use.
Saliva test
Ecstasy may appear on a saliva test for up to three days after your last use.
Hair follicle test
Hair follicle testing is uncommon but has the longest detection window. A hair test may detect ecstasy for up to 90 days after your last dose.
If you are concerned about testing positive for ecstasy or other substances on a drug test, you may require professional substance abuse treatment. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs consist of evidence-based and holistic therapies, including:
- Medications
- Behavioral therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, acupuncture, mindfulness, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Find Treatment Now
The Living Room offers holistic, effective treatment for substance abuse and addiction. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us today.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ecstasy Or MDMA (also Known As Molly)
- Science Direct: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) impairs cognitive function during withdrawal via activation of the arachidonic acid cascade in the hippocampus
- National Institute of Health (NIH): The effect of the ecstasy ‘come-down’ on the diagnosis of ecstasy dependence
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Urinary MDMA, MDA, HMMA, and HMA Excretion Following Controlled MDMA Administration to Humans
- Science Direct: Stereoselective urinary MDMA (ecstasy) and metabolites excretion kinetics following controlled MDMA administration to humans