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What are the risks of mixing MDMA and Alcohol?

Written by Renee Deveney

& Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Dash, PHD

Medically Reviewed

Up to Date

This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.

Last Updated - 6/17/2022

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Article at a Glance

  • MDMA, often referred to as Ecstasy or Molly, is a popular party drug that induces feelings of euphoria and increased empathy. It is frequently consumed with alcohol in social settings.
  • Combining MDMA and alcohol can lead to serious risks and side effects, such as impaired judgment, dehydration, and a heightened risk of overdose.
  • Mixing MDMA and alcohol can result in severe dehydration, overheating, and organ damage, which can potentially be fatal.
  • Signs of overdose from the combination of MDMA and alcohol include a high temperature, increased heart rate, clenched jaw, and confusion. Immediate medical attention is necessary in these situations.
  • Addiction to MDMA and alcohol can have long-lasting consequences on one’s health and well-being. It is crucial to seek help for addiction to support recovery.

Ecstasy, also called molly, is a common party drug that causes feelings of euphoria. It is also an empathogen, which means it can increase positive feelings and empathy toward other people.

Ecstasy is made of a substance known as MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), but it is difficult to monitor exactly what is contained in an ecstasy tablet or powder. Ecstasy can contain other “filler” drugs that make it unknown and risky to use.

As a party drug, ecstasy is often combined with alcohol, which is so common that it is often overlooked as a drug. People may not recognize that combining molly and alcohol can have long-term and serious consequences.

Should You Drink on Ecstasy?

Ecstasy can make you feel energetic, confident and more willing to take risks. Both ecstasy and alcohol are commonly available at music festivals, raves or parties, and are often combined. People may drink to enhance the effects of ecstasy or they might combine the substances without realizing the risks.

While drinking on ecstasy can make the drug hit harder, it can also have serious risks and side effects. Drinking on ecstasy can make it more difficult to tell when you’ve had too much to drink and can also cause you to feel disoriented.

Drinking on ecstasy is dangerous and the substances should not be combined. While the combination of molly and alcohol can increase the substances’ effects, it can also increase the risks of overdose and death.

Side Effects of Mixing Ecstasy and Alcohol

Ecstasy, which makes you feel energized, and alcohol, a depressant, have opposite effects on the body. However, taking them together can make it difficult to tell the effect they are having. People who have taken both substances may also be in an environment (i.e., somewhere hot with a lot of dancing) that can make the risks greater. Some of the side effects of mixing these drugs include:

  • Impaired judgment
  • Severe dehydration
  • Sweating
  • Dehydration
  • Clenched jaw
  • Disregard for important body signals (i.e., thirst, urination)

The side effects of mixing these substances can also last long after they wear off. Many people experience a “come-down” after mixing these substances, which can include feeling low, restless or irritable and can last several days.

Risks of Mixing Ecstasy and Alcohol

Mixing ecstasy and alcohol is risky, but many people don’t realize that the combination can be dangerous or fatal. Abusing ecstasy and alcohol together can be disorienting and can make it difficult to tell if you’ve had too much of either, which can increase the risk of overdose for both substances. Additionally, ecstasy often contains other drugs or unknown substances and people may not be sure exactly the type or dose of drug they are taking.

Taking ecstasy is also associated with dehydration, and as a diuretic, alcohol can make this worse. People who mix ecstasy and alcohol are at risk for severe dehydration, which can make it difficult for the body to perform basic functions and increases the risk of overheating. Overheating, combined with some other side effects of ecstasy, can lead to severe organ damage, coma or death.

Due to the euphoric effect of combining ecstasy and alcohol, using these substances can become addictive. Addiction can be disruptive to healthy functioning, and repeated abuse increases the chances of long-term consequences or death.

Can You Die From Mixing Ecstasy and Alcohol?

Because ecstasy and alcohol are fairly common in some environments, many people don’t realize that you can die from combining molly and alcohol. Signs of an overdose can include a very high temperature, increased heart rate, clenched jaw and confusion. Anyone suspected of overdosing on a mix of ecstasy and alcohol should seek urgent medical care.

Getting Help for Ecstasy and Alcohol Addiction

If you are experiencing an addiction, it can be difficult to stop on your own. Ecstasy and alcohol addiction treatment can help you stop using ecstasy and alcohol and teach you strategies to maintain long-term recovery.

Treatment can include medical detox, as well as inpatient or outpatient treatment. There are many different treatment locations, lengths and types to support you in your recovery. Staff at The Recovery Village Ridgefield can provide information to help you find the treatment program that is right for you. If you or someone you love are abusing ecstasy and alcohol, contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield today to discuss options.

Sources

Alcohol and Drug Foundation. “MDMA.” June 26, 2019. Accessed August 18, 2019.

National Institute of Health. “MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly).” June 2018. Accessed August 18, 2019.

A. P. Hall, J. A. Henry. “Acute toxic effects of ‘Ecstasy’ (MDMA) and related compounds: overview of pathophysiology and clinical management.”British Journal of Anaesthesia, June 2006. Accessed August 18, 2019.

View Sources

Alcohol and Drug Foundation. “MDMA.” June 26, 2019. Accessed August 18, 2019.

National Institute of Health. “MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly).” June 2018. Accessed August 18, 2019.

A. P. Hall, J. A. Henry. “Acute toxic effects of ‘Ecstasy’ (MDMA) and related compounds: overview of pathophysiology and clinical management.”British Journal of Anaesthesia, June 2006. Accessed August 18, 2019.

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