Can you Snort Ecstasy?
Ecstasy, the hallucinogenic drug, is very popular on the party scene. It is normally taken orally. But, can you snort ecstasy? Yes. You can snort the substance, but it is not a very common method of administration of the drug. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a synthetic central nervous stimulant drug with psychedelic properties that can result in feelings of distorted time and perception of reality.
The drug is most often taken in the form of a pill or tablet called molly. However, in some cases, users will snort the MDMA powder in an attempt to achieve a more intense high. Snorting any type of drug will allow the substances to penetrate the bloodstream more quickly and more intensely compared to oral ingestion.
With oral ingestion, the drug will need to pass through the digestive system before it can reach the bloodstream into the central nervous system. When snorting, the drug is directly absorbed through the nasal mucosa into the bloodstream and into the brain. With snorting ecstasy, there is a very quick onset of effects that also wear off just as quickly. Snorting ecstasy can lead to a higher risk of dependence and addiction due to the intensity of the high and how quickly you can get high. The feeling will become addictive, urging you to use more and more.
What is MDMA/Ecstasy?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 2.23 million people reported using MDMA in 2021. MDMA is highly addictive and a Schedule I controlled substance with no medical use. It is an illegal drug that is unregulated and often cut with other substances such as opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine and ketamine.
Common street names for the drug include Adam, Beans, Biscuit, Clarity, E, Go, Hug Drug, Lovers Speed, X, XTC and Peace. The synthetic drug was originally used in the late 1970s to the 1980s in therapy sessions to help improve communication. It was then banned in 1985 after it became popularly linked to dangerous recreational drug use.
MDMA works by increasing the activity of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. High levels of dopamine can make a person experience feelings of euphoria and high energy. High levels of norepinephrine can stimulate effects such as elevated heart rate and high blood pressure. High levels of serotonin can make a person experience more empathy, increased sensory perception and create feelings of closeness with another person.
The euphoric feelings of ecstasy usually take effect at around 45 minutes and can last between 5-6 hours. It is most often used in party environments like clubs or raves because it enhances sensory perceptions and creates feelings of connectedness with others. These feelings are heightened in environments with lots of people, dancing and drinking. Ecstasy or molly usually comes in brightly colored pills or tablets.
Common Side Effects of Ecstasy
- Enhanced sense of well-being
- Rush of euphoria
- Increased energy
- Increased empathy
- Extroversion
- Emotional warmth
- Enhanced sensory perception
- High blood pressure
- Feelings of faintness
- Dehydration
- Panic attacks
Can you Snort Ecstasy?
It is possible to snort Ecstasy. However, it is generally not recommended to snort the drug or any drug for that matter. Snorting substances comes with serious health risks, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences.
Snorting ecstasy leads to quicker onset of effects, more intense effects, as well as quicker comedown from the effects. Compared to orally ingested MDMA in which effects can last from 5-6 hours, the effects of snorting only last between 1-2 hours. The rapid absorption of snorting through the nasal passageways amplifies the experiences but shortens the euphoric high.
When snorting the drug, it can enter the bloodstream directly through the nasal mucosa and reach the brain much faster. Making the peak of the drug effect more intense. However, because of the shorter window time of experiencing these effects, it leads users to binge and keep using more in order to maintain the high.
Snorting ecstasy also increases the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, overdose and developing an addiction.
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Common Side Effects of Snorting Ecstasy
- Heavy sweating
- Dehydration
- Elevated body temperature
- Clenching of the jaw and teeth grinding
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Nosebleeds from nasal irritation
- Hoarseness of voice
- Loss of sense of smell
- Damage to the nasal passageway
- Difficulty swallowing due to inflammation of the nasal passage and throat
- Chills
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
Dangers and Risks of Snorting Ecstasy
- Frequent nosebleeds – The abrasiveness of the MDMA crystals can make small cuts in the nasal lining and these cuts can lead to bleeding.
- Infections – Having constant open cuts due to snorting can lead to infections such as sinus infections and respiratory infections.
- Degradation of nasal tissue – Constant snorting leads to breakdown of the nasal tissues in the lining of the nose. In extreme cases, it can lead to a risk of perforation in the nasal septum and total nose collapse. The user can also lose the ability to smell.
- Serotonin syndrome – MDMA creates high levels of serotonin in the brain. When there is too much serotonin, it can cause issues such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, fever, sweating, controlled muscle movements and mental confusion.
- High risk of addiction – Snorting often leads to binging and binging often leads to dependence and addiction.
- High risk of overdose – Users often go a long time without hydration, resulting in low body temperature, which can ultimately affect the cardiovascular system.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Aggression and irritability
- Cognitive issues
- Decreased appetite
- Cerebral Edema – Swelling of the brain.
- Cardiovascular issues – Seizure and stroke.
- Respiratory and lung issues – Lung infections can occur due to inflammation of the nasal lining that blocks the nasal airways and respiratory tract.
- Drug impurities can run the risk of infection with other substances – Party drugs such as ecstasy are usually not tested before using so there is no way of knowing what or if your drugs have been cut with other substances. It can be especially dangerous when you are snorting the drug.
MDMA Addiction
MDMA is a highly addictive substance. Addiction can be characterized by many different factors. Not going to be able to stop using ecstasy. Taking more of the drug over a longer period of time than planned. Craving and urges to use ecstasy. Development or worsening of anxiety and depression. Experiencing cognitive deficit and memory issues. All of these factors can indicate an addiction to MDMA.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Ecstasy is a popular party drug and is often mixed with other drugs like alcohol. It is usually taken orally, but in some cases, users opt for snorting the drug. Snorting ecstasy allows the drug to be absorbed more quickly into the brain with a quick onset of effects as well as a heightened sense of the effects. It is most often used recreationally in those attempting to experience increased energy and distortion of time and perception. It is a highly addictive drug.
Professional behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea, provide individualized treatment plans for all clients with substance use disorder. We treat people at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, family therapy and group therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://npaddictionclinic.com/blog/snorting-molly
https://mandalahealingcenter.net/dangers-of-snorting-molly
https://www.addictionresource.net/ecstasy/insufflation/
https://www.rehabcenter.net/mdma/insufflation/
https://hopeharborwellness.com/snorting-mdma/