What Is MDMA?

MDMA stands for methylenedioxymethamphetamine, an empathogen drug that is classified by its ability to make the user feel greater empathy or feelings of love and unity toward others.

This drug is more commonly referred to as ecstasy and is often taken at clubs, parties, raves, or other social settings.

MDMA is an illegal drug bought and sold on the streets—yet it’s important to note that some pills sold under the name of “ecstasy” may not actually contain MDMA or may only include a small amount. 

MDMA Street Names

MDMA is known by many different names on the street, including:

• Ecstasy
• Molly
• M&M
• E
• XTC
• Bikkies
• Eckies
• Caps
• Beans
• Love drug
• Adam
• Clarity
• Lover’s speed

How Is MDMA Consumed?

MDMA comes in several different forms, including capsules, tablets, powder, or crystal. Pills are one of the most common forms of MDMA, and they are sometimes imprinted with a logo or symbol. However, even two pills with the same symbol may not produce the same effects and may not come from the same source.

What Type of Drug Is MDMA?

MDMA is classified as an empathogen, along with PMA, mephedrone, and ethylone. These drugs cause a release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which usually produces feelings of love and empathy within the user. Empathogen drugs are illegal and can produce dangerous side effects. 

MDMA Short-Term Effects

Users of MDMA may feel short-term effects within about 45 minutes of consumption. The specific effects can vary depending on the size of the person, the strength of the drug, and whether or not the drug has been mixed with other drugs or alcohol.

Along with feelings of greater love and empathy for others, users may experience:

• Greater extroversion
• Emotional openness
• Increased sensory perception
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating and dehydration
• Increased blood pressure
• Rush of energy
• Muscle aches
• Reduced appetite

Once MDMA starts to wear off, users can feel restlessness, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, and exhaustion.

Those who take a large or extra-strong dose of MDMA may experience additional side effects, such as:

• Feeling of floating
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings, irritability, and paranoia
• Racing heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Anxiety

MDMA Long-Term Effects

Those who use MDMA frequently and over an extended period can experience long-term effects, including:

• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impulsiveness
• Depression
• Heart Disease
• Reduced cognitive function

Is MDMA Addictive?

Some users have reported MDMA addiction, but more research is needed to determine whether or not the drug is truly addictive. Most research shows that MDMA can cause some level of addiction, but not to the level of many other drugs.

Still, MDMA addiction is possible, and extended use presents several psychological and physical risks. MDMA addiction or use disorder is generally determined if a user wants to stop using the drug but feels they cannot. These users may have developed a dependence on the drug, causing various physical and emotional effects.

MDMA Withdrawal Symptoms

Whether a person takes MDMA once or is a frequent user, the drug can cause several withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can increase in intensity with higher or stronger doses. Some users may take MDMA more often to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which continues the cycle. 

Possible MDMA withdrawal symptoms include:

• Craving the drug (or other drugs)
• Depression
• Trouble focusing
• Memory difficulties
• Confusion
• Panic attacks
• Seizures
• Dehydration
• Kidney complications
• Anxiety

MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD

Dr. Stephen Ross, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine has been conducting clinical trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy, including MDMA. He says, “In the next three to five years, psychiatry is going to be profoundly altered” with the help of these drugs. 

Potentially, this is good news for people suffering from PTSD due to experiencing trauma from war or sexual abuse. The hypothesis being tested is that MDMA, with the assistance of a qualified psychotherapist, can bring relief to PTSD patients by bringing to light their intense emotional pain from deep within. Once-forgotten or upsetting memories and connections deep within the brain are brought to the surface, which is where the healing process begins. 

This intense psychotherapy approach is currently in its third stage of study and FDA approval, so PTSD patients may be able to access relief through MDMA-assisted therapy in the next couple of years.

Get Help with MDMA Drug Abuse

Though research about MDMA addiction is not definitive, many people may struggle with MDMA abuse and the long-term effects of the drug. If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for any type of drug abuse, Pinnacle Treatment Centers can help.

We understand that overcoming addiction can be challenging, and we offer an empathetic approach to help our patients create a new and vibrant future. Contact us today to learn more about our addiction treatment program. 

The post MDMA: Complete Guide to Drug Use and Recovery appeared first on Pinnacle Treatment Centers.

What Are Empathogens?

Empathogens are a type of psychoactive drug known to impact the emotional and social behavior of the user. They are often associated with party drugs because of their ability to increase feelings of love and friendliness in the user.

The term “empathogens” was first used in 1983 by American psychologist Ralph Metzner about the increased empathy and oneness many people feel when using these drugs.

These drugs come in a variety of forms, including pills, capsules, or crystals. They can be swallowed, snorted, or consumed rectally. The effects of the drug may kick in within 30-60 minutes after consumption, depending on the drug. Feelings of euphoria, energy, heightened senses, and oneness may last several hours.

The drug is often used recreationally at raves, clubs, and festivals. However, studies have been conducted to explore the potential uses for empathogens in healing, spirituality, and psychotherapy treatment. (More research is required to determine the viability of the drug in a clinical setting.)

Empathogens Drugs List

Ecstasy (MDMA) is one of the most commonly used drugs in this class, but there are many other types of empathogens. Other empathogenic drugs include:

• MDMA
• MDA
• MDEA
• Methylone
• Mephedrone
• MBDB
• MDAI
• Butylone
• 2C-B
• PMA
• And more

Today, the terms are used interchangeably to reference drugs that produce greater empathy and feelings of connection to others.

Street Names for Empathogens

Many empathogenic drugs are known by nicknames when sold on the streets for recreational use. Common street names for empathogens include:

• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Molly (MDMA)
• M&M (MDMA)
• Death (PMA or PMMA)
• Pink ecstasy (PMA or PMMA)
• Sally (MDA)
• Sass (MDA)
• Sassafras (MDA)
• Bath salts (ethylone)
• Plant food (ethylone)

How Do Empathogens Work?

Empathogens release dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters send signals to the brain relating to learning, motivation, pain processing, and more.

Dopamine is sometimes called the “feel-good” messenger because it plays a role in perceiving pleasure and interest. Serotonin is known as a mood stabilizer, which affects sleep, appetite, and digestion.

Empathogens also block serotonin reuptake transporter, which causes additional serotonin to build up between the neurons leading to the feeling of love and connectedness many people feel when taking the drugs.

Empathogens’ Effects

Empathogens affect users in different ways, depending on the dosage, strength of the particular drug, size of the user, how often they’ve taken the drug, and more.

High doses of empathogens can cause dopamine and serotonin levels to increase to a harmful level, causing serotonin syndrome (shivering, diarrhea, and more). Conversely, taking empathogens can also lead to low serotonin levels once the effects of the drug wear off. This can lead to hyperthermia, irritability, and sadness.

Here are some of the other common effects of taking empathogenic drugs:

• Feeling a greater connection to others
• Increased feelings of love and friendliness
• Increased feelings of loneliness
• Decreased ability to recognize facial fear
• Increased energy
• Boost in sexual desire
• Overheating
• Dehydration or overhydration
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
• Systolic hypertension
• Increased pupil size
• Increased oxytocin

Overall, empathogens like MDMA have been shown to boost empathogenic feelings like love and connectedness, but decrease other social cognition abilities.

For example, participants in one study felt greater love and friendliness toward others, yet had a more difficult time identifying threats and fear in the facial signals of others.

For this reason, recreational use of empathogens could affect social risk-taking decisions. 

Risks of Empathogens

Though some studies explore the clinical benefits of empathogens, recreational use of these drugs presents many risks. Empathogens should never be taken in combination with other types of drugs or alcohol. Combining can present risks for those who have mental health disorders or are engaging in intense physical activity.

Frequent and large doses of the drug can lead to dependency, tolerance, and conditions like serotonin syndrome. Users who have low serotonin levels for an extended period may experience depression, mood swings, and chronic pain. 

What Are Entactogens?

Entactogens or entactogenic drugs are other names for empathogens. American pharmacologist David Nichols created this term as an alternative reference to this drug class.

Nichols reasoned that the name “empathogens” was too limiting and may cause people to incorrectly associate the name with “pathogens,” which are bacteria or viruses that cause disease.

Entactogens and PTSD

In recent years, scientific research has shown promise for entactogenic drugs to treat PTSD, depression, and other psychological conditions. Though there are relatively few clinical studies to base evidence on, current studies show that MDMA can help minimize fear and anxiety and boost introspective thoughts.

MDMA is known to increase levels of serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and cortisol in the body. When used in conjunction with psychotherapy treatment, it can help patients find greater healing and boost trust between themselves and the therapist.

When prescribed in a clinical setting, MDMA does not create intense sensory changes or affect a patient’s ability to recall memories. Instead, it is used to help the user more fully engage in the therapy process and find inward healing.

Struggling with Drug Addiction? Pinnacle Treatment Centers Can Help

If you or a loved one are struggling with the effects of empathogens or any other type of drug addiction, Pinnacle Treatment Centers can help.

We understand that overcoming any addiction can be difficult, which is why we use the latest methods to combine medication, therapy, education, and support for those seeking recovery. Our customized treatment plans are made with each patient’s unique needs in mind.

Don’t wait to find healing and recovery from drug addiction. With the right tools and support, there is hope. Start the journey today by contacting Pinnacle Treatment Centers.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Empathogens appeared first on Pinnacle Treatment Centers.

PMA and PMMA are empathogens/hallucinogenic drugs. Though they are not as well-known as MDMA/ecstasy, many people take PMA or PMMA without realizing it.

So what is PMMA or PMA, and what are their effects? Check out our complete guide for the facts.

What Are PMA and PMMA?

PMA stands for paramethoxyamphetamine, while PMMA drug is short for paramethoxymethamphetamine. Both are considered “designer drugs,” and are commonly mistaken for MDMA, but possess no psychedelic effects. PMA was first produced in laboratories in Toronto, Canada, in the 1970s, as a potential alternative to LSD.

PMA and PMMA are Schedule I controlled substances, meaning they are illegal to buy or sell in the United States. The drugs have the potential to kill when taken in doses over 50 milligrams.

How Are PMA and PMMA Used?

PMA and PMMA are typically sold as branded, brightly colored pills that are swallowed and are similar in appearance to MDMA. The drug may also be sold as a beige, white, or pink crystalline powder that is snorted or injected.

Many users take PMA at raves or clubs under the impression they are taking MDMA.

Street Names for PMA and PMMA

PMA and PMMA are referred to by many different nicknames on the street, such as:

• Dr. Death
• Pink ecstasy
• Double Stacked Mitsubishi
• Death
• Killer
• Chicken yellow
• Chicken powder

PMA and PMMA Effects

The effects of PMA and PMMA vary depending on the dosage, size of the person taking the drug, and strength of the particular batch. It’s important to note that PMA and PMMA are more toxic than MDMA and can result in death. Some of the potential effects include:

• Mild to moderate levels of stimulation
• Increased sensory perception
• Visions of colors and shapes
• Feelings of excitement and well-being
• Dry mouth and dehydration
• Boosted heart rate
• Sweating
• Increased body temperature
• Muscle spasms
• Random and irregular eye movement
• Teeth grinding

Signs of PMA and PMMA Overdose

It is impossible for users of PMA and PMMA to know exactly what is in the drugs and how potent they are. Most users do not take PMA or PMMA intentionally, but believe they are taking MDMA.

Because the drug does not produce the same hallucinogenic and psychedelic effects as MDMA, some users may take more PMA or PMMA, which can have lethal effects.

Here are some of the signs of PMA and PMMA overdose:

• Extremely high body temperature
• Overheating
• Rapid heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Intense nausea or vomiting
• Increased blood pressure
• Kidney failure
• Coma
• Death

How Are PMA and PMMA Different from MDMA?

PMA and PMMA are often sold as MDMA, but users have no way of knowing exactly what is in the drugs they are taking. PMA and PMMA have different properties and effects in comparison to MDMA. The drugs are known to be more toxic and do not produce the same level of euphoria. It also takes longer for the effects of PMA and PMMA to kick in.

Like MDMA, PMA and PMMA are stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. They may produce hallucinations and feelings of anxiety, paranoia. 

Even low doses of the drug have the potential to kill. PMA and PMMA can be especially fatal when mixed with drugs like cocaine, cannabis, alcohol, or amphetamines.

Are PMA and PMMA Addictive?

There is not enough research to determine whether or not PMA and PMMA are addictive. However, users can build a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need to take a higher dosage to get the same effects. Users may also develop a psychological dependence on the drugs, feeling a greater need to take PMA or PMMA even though it comes at a risk.

No withdrawal symptoms have been identified in association with PMA and PMMA. Still, users can feel a sense of lethargy for several days after taking the drug.

Get Help with Drug Abuse

Are you or someone you know struggling with PMA or PMMA abuse? If so, Pinnacle Treatment Centers can help. Contact us today to learn more about our empathetic approach to lasting recovery.

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