How Long Does Ecstasy Stay in Your System?

Ecstasy, medically known as 3,4-methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA), is a stimulant and hallucinogenic drug. It enhances emotions and sensory perception in people who take it. Many people who take ecstasy have the drug stay in the system even after the effects wear off. 

Health centers and government facilities use different types of drug tests to detect MDMA in the body. Rehab centers may also use these drug tests to determine a person’s progress in recovery. 

Understanding Ecstasy: What Is It?

Ecstasy is a stimulant drug that produces pleasurable effects when taken. It releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, increasing energy levels and euphoric feelings. 

The drug is sold in different forms, which makes it more accessible to users around the world. It’s usually taken in a pill or capsule form at parties, raves, nightclubs, and music festivals. 

While the drug offers pleasurable effects, long-term use can yield adverse consequences. People who don’t know the purity or potency of the drug they’re taking are also at a high risk of overdose. 

How Does Ecstasy Affect The Body And Mind?

Ecstasy releases a high level of serotonin and other feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain. This causes pleasurable effects like increased euphoria, empathy, and emotional warmth. However, these pleasurable effects don’t last forever.

When the initial high of ecstasy wears off, users may continue using the drug to sustain their positive emotions. Eventually, this affects the central nervous system and makes the brain and body dependent on the drug.

Without proper intervention, this dependency can become an addiction, a chronic relapsing disease that may require professional treatment to overcome. 

Some Common Street Names For Ecstasy

Common street names for ecstasy may vary regionally, but they usually include:

• Molly
• E
• X
• XTC 
• Hug Drug
• Lover’s Speed
• Disco Biscuit

How Long Does Ecstasy Stay In Your System?

Many people who take MDMA start to feel the effects of the drug after 30 minutes. The peak effects occur after 1 to 3 hours after taking the drug. 

Ecstasy has a half-life of around 8 hours. The half-life is the time it takes for half of a substance to leave the body or be reduced by 50%. In this case, it takes about 5 half-lives for over 95% of the drug to be cleared from the body.

Some Factors That Affect How Long MDMA Stays In Your System

There are different factors that affect how long MDMA is detectable in your system, such as the dosage and frequency of use. 

Metabolism

A person with a faster metabolism processes MDMA more quickly in their system. This means that the drug is more quickly eliminated from their bodies.

The rate of metabolism will look different for everyone since genetics, age, and overall health influence it. For example, older people and people with a higher body fat percentage may process MDMA slower in their bodies. 

Dosage

People who take higher doses of MDMA will have the drug linger in their system for longer. Many repeatedly take MDMA for prolonged effects.

Those who build a tolerance to the drug will also need to take more so that they experience the same effects. This frequent use may interfere with how the body can process and clear the drug. 

Interaction With Other Substances 

Some people who take MDMA may mix the drug with other substances, such as alcohol and other drugs, to enhance their effects. 

When this happens, the body needs to process multiple compounds just to eliminate them. This can slow down MDMA clearance and make the drug detectable in the body for a longer period. 

Hydration And Diet 

Proper hydration and diet are key to letting the body properly process MDMA. When a person doesn’t drink enough water or has a high-fat diet, they may retain drug traces in their body and test positive for MDMA for a longer time. 

How is Ecstasy Tested?

Different drug tests are used to determine whether there is MDMA in your system. The type of drug test used will depend on the purpose of the test and the specific requirements of the testing agency. 

What Types Of Drug Tests Are Used To Detect MDMA?

Here are some of the common types of drug tests to detect ecstasy in your system: 

Urine Tests

Urine tests involve collecting a urine sample from the person being tested. A person will usually be asked to urinate in a cup, and the urine sample is then analyzed in a lab. This is the most common type of drug testing used.

Blood Tests

Blood tests involve drawing blood from the vein of the person being tested. This blood sample is then collected and analyzed in a lab. 

Saliva Tests

During a saliva test, the inside of your mouth will be swabbed. The sample taken is then analyzed to detect traces of MDMA. Its quick testing method makes it ideal for on-site drug screenings. 

Hair Follicle Tests 

Hair follicle tests involve taking a small hair sample, usually from the scalp. This type of test is the best option for long-term detection. 

What Are The Timeframes For Detection?

Each testing method has its timeframe for detecting drug use:

• Urine: 1 to 5 days after use
• Blood: Up to 3 days after use 
• Saliva: Around 3 days after use
• Hair Follicle: Up to 90 days after use

Health Risks And Long-Term Effects Of Ecstasy Use

A person who takes ecstasy will experience side effects that can affect them physically and psychologically. Those who use the drug for a prolonged time are also likely to suffer from long-term consequences. 

The Short-Term Effects Of Using Ecstasy

Most people will feel the effects of MDMA shortly after they take it. Short-term effects of using ecstasy include:

• Heightened sense of euphoria and increased sociability
• Increased energy and alertness, which make a feel more agitated and active
• Enhanced sensory perception that makes colors, sounds, and touch more pleasurable
• Jaw clenching and muscle tension due to stimulation from the drug
• Feeling hot and dehydrated because of the increase in body temperature

Long-Term Consequences Of Ecstasy Use

People who use MDMA long-term are subject to the drug’s lasting impact on the brain and body. Long-term MDMA use will create more drastic changes in brain chemistry and physical health. This can result in:

• Being easily irritated or severely depressed because of damaged serotonin receptors
• Inability to find pleasure in day-to-day activities
• Memory and cognitive impairment that affects a person’s ability to learn and retain information
• Sleep disturbances and difficulty maintaining a regular sleep pattern
• Higher risk of damage to organs like the heart, liver, and brain
• Social consequences such as strained relationships with family and friends 

The Importance Of Knowing How Long Ecstasy Stays In Your System

Many rehab centers and healthcare facilities use the results of drug tests to know how the current state of the body. Knowing whether the body still has traces of MDMA in the system can determine whether a person is ready for other types of treatment. 

In some instances, the presence of MDMA in your system can also cause serious legal complications. Learning about the detection window can help you anticipate and prepare for these events accordingly. 

When To Get Treatment For Ecstasy Addiction

When a person starts to show signs of ecstasy addiction, it’s time to seek treatment. Proper addiction treatment provides you with the tools and guidance you need to achieve long-term recovery.

At Luxe Recovery, our team has the right experience and qualifications to ensure you receive the proper addiction treatment. We carefully craft each treatment plan so that it’s suited to your needs and situation. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.