Snorting MDMA: Side Effects and Risks

What you will learn

• MDMA is a synthetic party drug that has amphetamine and stimulant properties and hallucinogenic effects.
• MDMA is often taken in pill form (ecstasy) or capsule form (molly), but these pills may be crushed and snorted to bring on the effects faster.
• There are serious risks to snorting MDMA, such as damage to the nasal passages, sinuses, mouth and throat, and more.
• Snorting MDMA delivers the drug to the brain much faster, which may increase the risk of abuse and addiction.

MDMA is a synthetic party drug that has both amphetamine and stimulant properties and hallucinogenic effects. MDMA is also the main psychoactive agent found in ecstasy tablets, which may also contain caffeine, cocaine, amphetamines, or opioids, and “molly,” the crystallized powder form.[1]

Ecstasy is often found in pill form, which is used in party environments for its euphoric, energizing high. Some people crush ecstasy pills into a powder and snort it to feel the effects sooner, but this method comes with significant risks.

What Is MDMA?

MDMA stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a synthetic party drug that’s used to get effects similar to stimulants and hallucinogens. It’s commonly referred to as “ecstasy” and “molly, though these two names refer to different substances that contain MDMA. Molly is often found in capsules, while ecstasy is available as a tablet.

MDMA can be taken in different ways, affecting the body differently. The faster the drug reaches the brain, the faster the effects are felt, increasing the risk of misuse and dependence. Taken orally, the effects of ecstasy occur within 30 to 45 minutes.

Snorting ecstasy causes the effects to come on much faster and more intensely, increasing the risks. In addition, snorting ecstasy can cause similar damage as snorting other drugs like cocaine, including damage to the nasal passages, sinuses, airways, mouth, and throat.[2]

Side Effects of Snorting Molly

The high that comes from ecstasy can be pleasurable, leading to feelings of empathic feelings toward other people, high energy, happiness, and increased sensory perception. However, there are negative effects that can occur with ecstasy, including:[3]

• Heavy sweating
• Increased body temperature
• Clenching jaw
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Dilated pupils
• Nausea

When you snort ecstasy, there are additional negative effects like:

• Nosebleeds
• Hoarse voice
• Impaired sense of smell
• Irritation of the nasal mucosa
• Swallowing difficulties
• Septal perforation (hole in the nasal septum)

Risk of Overdose

Ecstasy is often used in party environments because it’s energizing and gives people fuel to dance and party for hours, sometimes to the point of forgetting to drink water or eat. The potency of MDMA sources can vary, so it’s difficult to know exactly how much you’re getting in one dose.

Overdoses don’t usually occur from drug toxicity but rather as a result of physiological responses that impact bodily functions.[4] Often, the heart rate and body temperature rise to dangerous levels, especially in people who have already gone without food or water due to the effects of the drug.

These risks are compounded by other substances that may be found in ecstasy pills, such as caffeine or cocaine. Depending on what substance is in ecstasy, the effects can be unpredictable and possibly life-threatening. Some of these effects include:

• Dangerously elevated body temperature
• Swelling in the brain
• Overconsumption of water
• Cardiovascular failure
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Liver or kidney failure

Though uncommon, ecstasy use can cause serotonin syndrome, a condition in which the body floods with serotonin, leading to:[5]

• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Overactive reflexes
• Poor coordination
• Fast heart rate
• High blood pressure

These are all risks that can happen when you take ecstasy, but the risks are higher if you snort MDMA, which delivers the drug to the brain faster and has a rapid onset of effects.

MDMA Abuse and Addiction

Abusing MDMA or developing dependence on MDMA is considered a substance use disorder, or specifically an ‘other hallucinogen use disorder,’ in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The criteria include:[6]

• Taking MDMA in larger amounts over a longer period than intended
• A persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down on or control MDMA use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of MDMA
• Experiencing cravings for MDMA
• Recurrent MDMA use that affects responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Continued MDMA use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems
• Giving up activities for MDMA use
• Recurrent MDMA use in dangerous situations
• Continued MDMA use despite recurrent physical or psychological problems

Treating MDMA Addiction

MDMA and other hallucinogenic drugs don’t typically cause a level of physical dependence comparable to opioids or alcohol. However, it is possible to experience dependence and withdrawal from long-term MDMA use. While not life-threatening, it can be challenging to overcome and may cause relapse.

Because of this, MDMA addiction treatment may begin with medical detox to manage any withdrawal symptoms and provide supervision to prevent relapse. This is especially important during the “crash” that often occurs with quitting MDMA after a long period of abuse.

Once detox is complete, the next step is an addiction treatment program in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient is often recommended because it removes distractions and influences that can be triggering. However, treatment can be successful in outpatient programs that allow you to balance your recovery with other responsibilities to work, home, or school.

Addiction treatment is individualized regardless of the setting. It may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, support groups, and behavioral therapy.

Seek Help for MDMA Abuse and Addiction

MDMA is not a “harmless” party drug. It can have serious health consequences, especially if it’s snorted. This not only delivers the drug to the brain much faster but introduces potentially dangerous additives. If you’re struggling with MDMA abuse or addiction, it’s important to get help before you experience adverse health effects.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more