Feeling Low After MDMA? What You Need to Know About Withdrawal

MDMA, often referred to as ecstasy or Molly, is known for producing intense feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and heightened sensory perception. It’s commonly used in social settings like music festivals and raves, where it can create a temporary sense of connection and bliss. However, once the effects subside, MDMA withdrawal may lead to an unexpected emotional downturn, feeling drained both physically and mentally, as well as irritable, anxious, or even depressed.

Those who have faced this emotional dip after using MDMA are not alone; they may be encountering what is referred to as withdrawal. Unlike substances that create strong physical dependencies, like opioids and benzodiazepines, MDMA withdrawal is primarily psychological.

The use of MDMA significantly alters the brain’s chemistry, particularly affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial for mood regulation. Once the drug is out of the system, it can take days or even weeks for the brain to restore its balance, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, mood fluctuations, difficulty concentrating, and in some cases, profound emotional lows.

These severe crashes can sometimes prompt individuals to use MDMA again to regain a sense of normalcy, potentially leading to cycles of dependence and addiction. Gaining insight into the processes that occur during and after MDMA use is vital for preventing or breaking this cycle.

Being aware of what to anticipate to manage drug withdrawal symptoms can empower individuals to comprehend their experiences better and recognize when to seek professional assistance.

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Why Do You Feel So Low After Taking MDMA?

Many people report feeling both emotionally and physically exhausted the day after using MDMA. This experience, commonly referred to as the ‘comedown’, is a natural result of the drug’s impact on the brain and body.

MDMA triggers a significant release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter crucial in regulating mood, sleep, and emotional health. Once the effects of the drug diminish, the brain experiences a temporary drop in serotonin levels, which can lead to feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or emptiness for several days.

Furthermore, MDMA also influences dopamine and norepinephrine, other neurotransmitters that affect motivation, energy, and pleasure. Following such intense stimulation, the brain requires time to restore balance, which may result in fatigue, trouble concentrating, or emotional numbness. The use of MDMA is often linked to high-energy environments like parties or raves, where factors such as sleep, nutrition, and hydration are frequently overlooked, exacerbating the subsequent crash.

A study published in Psychopharmacology revealed that ecstasy users reported feeling more emotionally distressed, including increased depression, reduced sociability, and heightened unpleasantness, two days post-use, compared to a control group.

Additionally, the research indicated that regular ecstasy users exhibited poorer memory performance than non-users, suggesting potential damage to the brain’s memory regions, such as the hippocampus, and the possibility of long-term cognitive impairment.

 

feeling low after mdma

 

Can You Become Addicted to MDMA?

While MDMA is not considered as physically addictive as other substances like opioids or alcohol, it can be psychologically addictive. Some people may develop a psychological dependence to the feelings of euphoria, emotional closeness, and increased energy that MDMA provides and may even feel they can’t enjoy social situations or connect with others without it.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some people who use MDMA do report symptoms of MDMA-related substance use disorder, such as continued use despite negative side effects, tolerance, drug withdrawal side effects, and cravings.

Repeated MDMA use can lead to tolerance, where more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects and can increase the risk of harmful patterns of use. Additionally, users who experience MDMA withdrawal, which can lead to repeated use to offset these negative feelings, resulting in a pattern of abuse. Individuals may use MDMA repeatedly over several hours or days, known as binge use, which further complicates withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction can be defined as a problematic relationship with a substance, including MDMA, where individuals have a strong and often uncontrollable desire to consume the drug, despite consequences to their health, relationships, and work. Individuals who develop an addiction to MDMA may neglect responsibilities in favor of using the drug and use MDMA as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or mental health challenges.

What Are the Common Symptoms of MDMA Withdrawal?

The effects of ecstasy generally persist for 3 to 6 hours, but users often consume multiple doses as the initial effects diminish. Even a single dose can lead to MDMA comedown symptoms, but those who engage in binge use or have been using it for a week may face a range of withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on the duration and intensity of use. While MDMA is not usually linked to severe physical dependence like opioids or alcohol, it can still result in notable psychological and some physical withdrawal effects.

Common symptoms of withdrawal from MDMA include:

  • Depression, which can be severe in the first few days after use
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Lack of motivation or apathy
  • Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
  • Cravings for MDMA
  • Insomnia or disturbed sleep, such as vivid dreams or nightmares
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle aches or stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
  • Chills or sweating

 

recovery from mdma withdrawal

 

How Long Does MDMA Withdrawal Last?

The withdrawal from MDMA generally lasts between one and two weeks. Still, the severity and length of symptoms can differ based on various factors such as how often and how long the drug was used, the amount consumed, individual body chemistry, mental health status, and any concurrent substance use.

Some users may go through what is known as an ecstasy ‘comedown,’ which is distinct from the withdrawal and dependence associated with ecstasy. Similar to a hangover, some individuals may feel after a night of drinking; ecstasy can produce a comedown that some may feel one to three days after use. These comedown symptoms and timeline mimic ecstasy withdrawal symptoms, which can make it difficult to differentiate between the two.

Withdrawal symptoms can emerge when someone suddenly stops using the drug after prolonged use. In the initial one to three days of cessation, individuals may face low mood, irritability, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. By days four to seven, symptoms like depression, memory problems, cravings, and lack of focus may arise. After two weeks, there is typically a gradual improvement, although some may still experience mood fluctuations or fatigue.

Furthermore, chronic ecstasy use can lead to long-term effects that mimic withdrawal symptoms. Research indicates that MDMA can adversely impact the brain’s serotonergic systems, leading to reduced serotonin levels and potential damage to serotonin neurons, which can result in ongoing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, along with memory issues, cognitive challenges, and sleep problems. These situations may require professional help or therapy.

Reach Out to WhiteSands Treatment to Discover How Medical Detox Can Help Manage MDMA Withdrawal

If you or someone you care about is struggling with MDMA withdrawal, it’s essential to know that help is available and recovery is possible. At WhiteSands Treatment’s Florida drug rehab center, we provide medically supervised detox programs designed to offer the necessary support, safety, and care to navigate the difficult symptoms of withdrawal from MDMA.

Our recovery programs address the underlying causes of addiction through evidence-based therapies, equipping individuals with effective coping mechanisms for sustainable recovery. Furthermore, we offer dual diagnosis programs that address any mental health issues that may arise after ceasing MDMA use, ensuring individuals can reconstruct a meaningful and productive life in recovery.

Don’t face drug withdrawal and recovery alone. Contact WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877-855-3470 to learn more about our medical detox and rehab services.

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If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jaclyn

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.