Addictive Drugs - Ecstasy

by: Mike Miller
10/15/2016

In our series on addictive drugs we next look at ecstasy. Ecstasy, scientifically known as MDMA, can induce euphoria, a sense of intimacy with others, and diminished anxiety. Did you know of all the major addictive drugs, ecstasy is the least addictive? On a scale from 0 to 3, with 3 being the most addictive (heroin), MDMA rated a 1.2 for psychological dependence and a 0.7 for physical dependence.

Can Ecstasy Be Good for You?

Many studies, particularly in the fields of psychology and cognitive therapy, have suggested that MDMA has therapeutic benefits and facilitates therapy sessions in certain individuals, a practice for which it had formally been used in the past. Clinical trials are now testing the therapeutic potential of MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety associated with terminal cancer.

Most recently, studies have shown that psilocybin, often found in “magic mushrooms” can have a positive effect on personality with as little as one use.

MDMA is criminalized in most countries under a United Nations (UN) agreement, and its possession, manufacture, or sale may result in criminal prosecution, although some limited exceptions exist for scientific and medical research.

MDMA is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world and is taken in a variety of contexts far removed from its roots in psychotherapeutic settings.

As a counselor for both in class and online drug classes my advice is that there is no medical benefit from doing ecstasy.