Ecstasy/MDMA Rehabilitation and Treatment

As a Schedule I drug, ecstasy has no legal medical use. Additionally, while it’s considered less addictive than substances such as heroin or prescription pain relievers, use of ecstasy can still lead to dependence. Some people may also rely on ecstasy to help deal with negative situations or emotions and, in turn, develop a psychological dependency. Plus, the fact that ecstasy is often cut with other, more addictive drugs can put someone at greater risk for a drug addiction.

This guide was written to provide an overview of the ecstasy rehabilitation process, as well as to offer helpful resources for individuals recovering from ecstasy addiction.

Rehabilitation for ecstasy addiction may begin in an inpatient or outpatient environment, depending on your needs and the recommendations of professionals. You’ll begin with an orientation and evaluation and then work with your providers to create a treatment plan that addresses your individual goals for a drug-free life. While some individuals report withdrawal symptoms after stopping ecstasy abuse, they aren’t typically as severe as those experienced with opioids and some other drugs. As a result, detoxification is not typically a major portion of treatment for ecstasy addiction.

As you move through the levels of treatment for an ecstasy use disorder, you’ll likely engage in behavioral interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. These interventions teach you more about triggers for drug abuse and how to cope with those triggers in a healthier way. At this time, no FDA-approved medication exists for treating ecstasy via a medically-assisted program. Following inpatient or outpatient treatment, continued aftercare and support via individual and group therapy may be recommended.

One of the first hurdles for ecstasy rehab is that many people don’t think they need it. They’re not in denial about using ecstasy, but they view ecstasy as a safe drug that comes with limited negative consequences. This isn’t the case, but as long as someone takes this less-than-serious approach to his or her drug use, it can be difficult to properly engage in the therapy and treatments that are best practices for treating an MDMA use disorder.

Another challenge is that there aren’t specific treatment methods for ecstasy rehab, and no pharmacological options that can help ease users into the process or support them during it. As such, individuals may have to deal with any ecstasy withdrawal symptoms without specific medications that reduce them. That doesn’t mean there aren’t options; cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be a best practice for treating all types of addictions, and MDMA addiction is no exception, for example.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated in 2018:

• 19,740,000 individuals 18 years of age and older had used ecstasy at least once in their lifetime.
• 2,386,000 individuals 18 years of age and older had used ecstasy within the past year.
• 636,000 individuals 18 years of age and older had used ecstasy within the past month.
• Only 595,000 people age 12 and up sought rehab for MDMA abuse disorders in 2017.

The effects of ecstasy typically last for up to six hours, but MDMA breaks down in the body as a secondary chemical. The impacts of that secondary chemical can last much longer, and it also enhances the effects of continued doses of ecstasy. This can lead people to stack the drug, taking several doses in one day or night, which can cause serious health complications.

The lingering effects of ecstasy can also impact detoxification from the drug. First, users will feel a let down as they come off the energy high that MDMA affords. Next, they may deal with side effects, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulty, and changes to sleep or appetite. While specific medications don’t exist for MDMA detox, professional support in an inpatient or outpatient rehab during detox may be able to help someone cope better with the withdrawal process and move on to the next phase of rehab.

As of late 2019, there are no FDA-approved medications for ecstasy detoxification. Clinicians may treat withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle cramping or nausea, with medications specific to those purposes or over-the-counter remedies, such as ibuprofen.

For more information about withdrawal, read our guide on ecstasy addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and other therapeutic interventions are currently the most common approaches to ecstasy or MDMA addiction. These treatments are performed in inpatient or residential settings, as well as outpatient settings. After completing rehab, many individuals find that continued individual counseling and/or participation in support groups increases their chances of long-term success with recovery.

Within either an inpatient or outpatient setting, options such as detoxification services, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments are offered for varying lengths of time.

Inpatient treatment involves living full time (including overnight) at a treatment facility for a set period of time. Outpatient treatment involves scheduled appointments at a facility in which you are free to come and go. Within each category, there are several distinctions.

Behavioral therapy for substance addiction seeks to identify and manage addictive behaviors that lead to use and prevent relapse. Behavioral therapy is based on the concept that all behavior is learned, and, thus, unhealthy behavior can be changed through learning coping skills and increasing awareness of negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to substance abuse.

When looking for a rehab center for ecstasy addiction, you might consider looking for professionals who are experienced in treating MDMA and stimulant disorders. This is because they may need to rely on different tools than those used to treat opioid addictions, and you won’t begin with the same type of medically-assisted treatment that is relevant with other drugs.

Rehabs that offer strong aftercare planning or offer numerous opportunities for continued outpatient support may help you remain free of drugs as you move into long-term recovery after inpatient or structured outpatient treatments.

Our directory of rehab programs includes a comprehensive list of available treatment centers and programs as provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In the directory, you will find tools to filter the programs by setting, price, and location.