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.
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Describes three cases meeting dependence criteria, arguing MDMA can be addictive in rare cases and that 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 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 46
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Chronic tolerance to recreational MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or Ecstasy Journal of Psychopharmacology 2005
- Human psychobiology of MDMA or ‘Ecstasy’: an overview of 25 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2013
- Acute, sub‐acute and long‐term subjective consequences of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) consumption in 430 regular users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental October 1, 2003
- MDMA in humans: factors which affect the neuropsychobiological profiles of recreational ecstasy users, the integrative role of bioenergetic stress Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
and 41 more in the library
Cites 4
- (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Selectively Damages Central Serotonergic Neurons in Nonhuman Primates JAMA July 1, 1988
- Chronic paranoid psychosis after misuse of MDMA ("ecstasy") BMJ March 23, 1991
- Adverse reactions with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'). Drug safety August 1996
- Self-injection of d,1-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in the baboon. Psychopharmacology 1987