Drug and alcohol abuse can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Using addictive substances can lead to short and long-term complications and seriously harm many aspects of your life.

Mixing drugs and alcohol is even more dangerous and may lead to life-threatening complications. Some common combinations of substances, including alcohol and ecstasy, can be especially dangerous.

This article will explore the potential dangers of using ecstasy and alcohol at the same time. You will learn:

• The effects and risks of ecstasy
• The effects and risks of alcohol
• The dangers of mixing alcohol and ecstasy
• Where to find substance abuse treatment

If you or someone you love combines MDMA and alcohol or lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Reach out to the Moving Mountains Recovery specialists to explore our treatment programs and recovery support.

Ecstasy: The Effects and Risks

Ecstasy (also known as MDMA) is a popular club drug. Pills are the most common form of ecstasy. Pills come in various colors and may have a picture or logo printed on the side of the tablet. You can also find ecstasy in liquid or powder form.

Ecstasy produces stimulant and hallucinogenic side effects.[1] Users may take ecstasy while partying in clubs or music festivals. Other side effects of MDMA include:[1,2]

• Increased sense of well-being
• Increased sociability
• Deeper empathy
• Feelings of connection with others
• Heightened senses

Users may perceive these side effects as pleasurable and positive. However, MDMA can also have unwanted side effects, including:[1]

• Anxiety
• Muscle tension
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Raised body temperature
• Clenched teeth or jaw
• Involuntary eye movements
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Sweating
• Rapid breathing
• Disturbing hallucinations
• Increased heart rate
• Paranoia

People may be more likely to use MDMA in crowded clubs or other social settings. The combination of MDMA side effects and a hot, crowded environment puts users at risk of overheating. Heatstroke from MDMA can be life-threatening.

Some of the long-term effects of MDMA use include:[2,3]

• Difficulty with focus
• Brain cell damage
• Depression
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
• Liver damage
• Poor concentration
• Serotonin imbalance

People who abuse MDMA may be more likely to misuse other substances, including benzodiazepines, cocaine, and alcohol.

It is essential to recognize ecstasy abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.

The Effects and Risks of Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances on the planet. Most adults in the United States report drinking at least occasionally.[4] Alcohol can cause many short and long-term side effects, including dependence and addiction.

Some common effects of alcohol include:

• Drowsiness
• Relaxation
• Changes in mood
• Loss of coordination
• Difficulty maintaining focus
• Impulsive behaviors
• Memory loss or gaps
• Lowered inhibitions
• Slurred speech
• Changes in vision, hearing, and perception

Alcohol is legal and widely available in many settings, including clubs and music festivals. Drinking heavily or binge drinking can have dangerous side effects, including:[5]

• Accidents
• Injuries
• Being the victim of a crime
• Overdose
• Increased risk of chronic diseases, including cancer
• Liver and kidney damage
• New or worsening mental health symptoms

It is essential to seek treatment for alcohol abuse as soon as possible to avoid worsening or life-threatening complications.

What are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a popular club drug. People may be more likely to use it at parties, festivals, and other places where alcohol is available. This makes it more likely for people to drink alcohol with MDMA.

Combining alcohol and ecstasy can increase the risk of harmful side effects of both substances. This can increase the risk of poor decision-making and accidents.

This drug combination can also be harmful to one’s health. Here are some of the most dangerous effects of mixing MDMA and alcohol.

Hyperthermia

The combination of ecstasy and alcohol can increase the risk of developing hyperthermia. Hyperthermia occurs when a person’s body temperature becomes too high. Drinking while using MDMA can lead to reduced fluid intake and increased physical activity. These can lead to dangerous, sometimes life-threatening dehydration and overheating.[6]

Hyponatremia

In some cases, people may consume large amounts of water while taking ecstasy. Drinking too much water can flush sodium from the system, resulting in a dangerous sodium imbalance.

Too little sodium in the body can lead to swelling in the brain. Other signs of hyponatremia include:[6]

• Muscle weakness
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Coma

Alcohol use may make it more challenging to recognize the symptoms of hyponatremia. Without treatment, hyponatremia can be fatal.

Depression

Ecstasy produces its pleasurable effects by causing increased dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) related to pleasure and reward. After using ecstasy, users typically experience a “crash.” During this crash, they may experience:

• Severe depression
• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Lethargy

Heavy alcohol use can worsen mental health conditions, including depression. People who use ecstasy and alcohol may be at increased risk of developing severe depression or suicidal thoughts.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the Moving Mountains Recovery specialist to learn more about the risk of mixing MDMA and alcohol or explore our treatment programs.