Ecstasy (MDMA) dependence
Drug and Alcohol Dependence January 7, 1999 DOI: 10.1016/s0376-8716(98)00111-2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Individuals meeting criteria for MDMA dependence |
| Topics | Addiction MDMA |
| Keywords | Cocaine dependence |
| Citations | 127 |
| Key findings | MDMA can meet criteria for dependence in rare cases, and very heavy use may cause lasting neuronal changes. |
Abstract
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is generally described as non-addictive. However, this report describes three cases in which criteria for dependence were met. A wider understanding that MDMA can be addictive in rare cases is important as very heavy use may cause lasting neuronal changes. This risk could be reduced with effective identification and treatment of dependent persons. In one case dependence was linked with self-medication of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In the evidence
This study is part of the evidence base for a synthesis in the library. Here is how each one recorded it.
-
Three cases met criteria for MDMA dependence, and very heavy use may cause lasting neuronal changes; one case was linked to self-medication of PTSD.
Synthesized
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA for addiction, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potential Human Neurotoxicity of MDMA (‘Ecstasy’): Subjective Self-Reports, Evidence from an Italian Drug Addiction Centre and Clinical Case Studies Polydrug consumers attending a Public Health Addiction Treatment Unit in Italy | 2000 | Review and clinical case series | |
| MDMA, Internal Family Systems therapy, and the Minnesota model in the resolution of C-PTSD-induced alcohol and diazepam addiction—A retrospective case study Man in his forties with alcohol and diazepam addiction and complex PTSD from childhood... | 2023 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Happy water overdose: A trending but fatal street drug Patients admitted for reduced level of consciousness after a farewell party at a nightclub | 2026 | Case study | n = 2 |