Developing a MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly) Tolerance

Drug tolerance is a common phenomenon that makes you need to use more of a drug to feel the same effects as before. As you regularly take a drug, your brain and body become used to its presence and can sometimes become less responsive to small doses. MDMA is no exception, as tolerance can build up with this drug. If you or a loved one uses MDMA, it is important to understand what tolerance is and how it can impact you.

What Is a Drug Tolerance?

Drug tolerance occurs when a person takes a substance on a regular basis and their brain and body adapt to the substance’s presence. This means that the body often becomes less sensitive to small doses of the substance and requires higher doses to achieve the same effects that lower doses once achieved.

Is It Possible To Develop a Tolerance to MDMA?

Unfortunately, federal restrictions hamper research on the effects of MDMA, so few studies have been conducted. One study suggested that ecstasy tolerance (and probably MDMA tolerance) occurs with repeated use. However, it is unclear how long it takes for this tolerance to occur. Research into the effects of MDMA and tolerance associated with MDMA use remains ongoing.

For the purpose of clarity, it is important to differentiate between MDMA and ecstasy. Although the names are often used interchangeably, studies have shown that illicitly purchased ecstasy or “molly” often contains no MDMA at all. News stories that implicate MDMA in deaths or adverse health and social effects are almost always later found to be caused by methamphetamine, “bath salts,” heroin or other profoundly dangerous drugs. This complicates studies about ecstasy and how tolerance to it develops.

Symptoms of MDMA Tolerance

When someone has developed tolerance to a drug, their brain has become accustomed to its presence and no longer responds as strongly when it is administered. As a result, ever-increasing amounts of the drug are required to achieve the desired effect. Symptoms of MDMA tolerance include:

• Needing increasingly large doses of MDMA to achieve the same effect that lower doses once did
• Less effect when you take lower doses of MDMA

Factors That Determine MDMA Tolerance Development

Tolerance is the consequence of the brain becoming less responsive to a drug when it is administered regularly. Some drugs, including opioids and benzodiazepines, are notorious for causing tolerance with regular use. Although research on MDMA-specific tolerance is lacking, general factors that apply to most drugs exist. Factors that can influence the development of tolerance include:

• Dosage: Larger doses cause tolerance to set in rapidly.
• Frequency of use: Frequent use is associated with a rapid tolerance onset.
• Duration of use: Longer time spent using a drug is generally associated with a higher tolerance.
• Interactions with other drugs: The majority of drugs are metabolized using shared pathways in the body, and each drug can affect how other drugs are metabolized. The consequences of drug-drug interactions can range from mild to lethal.
• Other factors: Among the most interesting factors currently being studied is the role of genetics in drug metabolism, tolerance and addiction (“pharmacogenomics”). Other factors include age, metabolic rate and physical/mental health status.

It should be reiterated that MDMA and ecstasy are not equivalent drugs, and neither can be accurately described in terms of their likelihood to cause tolerance. MDMA is a pharmacologically distinct drug that lacks empirical data; ecstasy is composed of different dangerous chemicals that make a valid description impossible to provide.

Side Effects of Heavy MDMA Use

Heavy MDMA use can be extremely dangerous and can cause many side effects. These include:

• Alertness
• Euphoria
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Muscle tension
• Tremors
• Clenched teeth
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Chills
• Blurry vision
• Severe dehydration
• Fever

If severe, these symptoms can be linked to complications like liver failure, kidney failure, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Get Help for MDMA Abuse and Addiction

Although MDMA and ecstasy are pharmacologically different drugs, the names are often used interchangeably. People who regularly consume MDMA or ecstasy are likely to experience negative consequences, including the development of physical and psychological dependence and addiction.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know has an MDMA/ecstasy use disorder, help is available at The Recovery Village Ridgefield. Our addiction experts are equipped to address each stage of the recovery process, from medical detox and rehab to long-term aftercare. Contact us today to speak with a representative about how professional treatment can help you find lasting recovery from MDMA addiction.