GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ecstacy Statistics

MDMA use remains a global concern with significant health and social risks.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Hyperthermia cases: body temp >40°C in 10% of emergency visits.

Statistic 2

Serotonin syndrome risk increases 5x when combined with SSRIs.

Statistic 3

Acute hyponatremia reported in 20% of female users due to excessive water intake.

Statistic 4

Cardiovascular events: 15% of MDMA-related ER visits involve arrhythmias.

Statistic 5

Neurotoxicity: rat studies show 50-70% striatal dopamine depletion after binge dosing.

Statistic 6

Human fMRI: chronic users have 20% reduced serotonin transporter density.

Statistic 7

Depression risk post-use: 30% report "suicide Tuesday" symptoms.

Statistic 8

Liver toxicity: elevated ALT/AST in 25% after high-dose use.

Statistic 9

Seizures in 5% of overdose cases per DAWN reports 2020.

Statistic 10

Rhabdomyolysis incidence 8% in hyperthermic MDMA emergencies.

Statistic 11

Cognitive deficits: verbal memory impaired 10-20% in heavy users >100 uses.

Statistic 12

Anxiety disorders elevated 2.5x in lifetime MDMA users per NESARC.

Statistic 13

Acute psychosis in 2-3% of high-dose users.

Statistic 14

Renal failure from hyponatremia: 1-2 deaths annually in US.

Statistic 15

Bruxism leads to TMJ disorders in 15% chronic users.

Statistic 16

Sleep disruption: REM rebound delayed 48 hours, insomnia 70% night after.

Statistic 17

Adulterants like PMA cause 80% of MDMA-related fatalities.

Statistic 18

Long-term: impulsivity increased 25% in ex-users per neurocognitive tests.

Statistic 19

Stroke risk: hemorrhagic cases 3x higher in young MDMA users.

Statistic 20

US DEA Schedule I since 1985, no accepted medical use, high abuse potential.

Statistic 21

Global production estimated 1,000-2,000 tons annually, mainly Netherlands/Belgium.

Statistic 22

FDA breakthrough therapy designation for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy 2017.

Statistic 23

EU new psychoactive substances regulation banned 50 MDMA analogs since 2005.

Statistic 24

Australia rescheduled MDMA for PTSD therapy trials in 2023, prescription access.

Statistic 25

US MAPS trials: Phase 3 success rate 67% remission in PTSD patients.

Statistic 26

Street price US: $10-20 per 100mg pill, wholesale $2-5/g pure.

Statistic 27

Canada Schedule III, possession up to 30g personal use decriminalized 2023 pilots.

Statistic 28

Precursors like safrole controlled under 1988 UN Convention.

Statistic 29

UK Class A drug, max penalty life imprisonment for supply.

Statistic 30

MDMA is the prototypical entactogen, chemically 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, with molecular formula C11H15NO2 and molecular weight 193.25 g/mol.

Statistic 31

MDMA has a pKa of 9.9 for its amine group, influencing its lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier penetration.

Statistic 32

Half-life of MDMA in plasma is approximately 8-9 hours after oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg.

Statistic 33

MDMA is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 enzyme, with poor metabolizers showing 2-fold higher plasma concentrations.

Statistic 34

Peak plasma concentration of MDMA after 100mg oral dose is about 240 ng/mL at 2 hours post-ingestion.

Statistic 35

MDMA binds to serotonin transporter (SERT) with Ki=245 nM, causing reverse transport and massive serotonin release.

Statistic 36

Dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity for MDMA is Ki=1,800 nM, less potent than for serotonin.

Statistic 37

MDMA increases oxytocin release by 20-50% above baseline in humans after 1.5 mg/kg dose.

Statistic 38

Volume of distribution for MDMA is 5.2 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution.

Statistic 39

MDMA undergoes O-demethylenation to MDA via CYP2D6, accounting for 10-20% of metabolism.

Statistic 40

Bioavailability of oral MDMA is nearly 100% due to first-pass avoidance in low doses.

Statistic 41

MDMA's chiral forms: S-(+)-MDMA is more potent, with 2-3x higher neurotoxicity than R-(-).

Statistic 42

Plasma protein binding of MDMA is low at 38%, allowing free fraction for CNS effects.

Statistic 43

MDMA inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) weakly, Ki>100 μM for MAO-A.

Statistic 44

Urinary excretion of MDMA and metabolites is 65% unchanged or conjugated within 3 days.

Statistic 45

MDMA EC50 for 5-HT release is 152 nM in rat synaptosomes.

Statistic 46

Active metabolite HHMA has similar potency to MDMA at SERT.

Statistic 47

MDMA logP (octanol-water) is 2.12, contributing to CNS penetration.

Statistic 48

Typical recreational dose of MDMA is 75-125 mg, with purity averaging 60-80% in street samples.

Statistic 49

MDMA synthesis primarily via safrole or PMK precursors, with PMK-glycidate rising post-2010 bans.

Statistic 50

Melting point of MDMA HCl is 148-150°C, used for purity identification.

Statistic 51

MDMA elevates mood via 5-HT2A receptor agonism secondary to serotonin flood.

Statistic 52

Acute MDMA administration increases heart rate by 20-30 bpm at 1.5 mg/kg.

Statistic 53

Users report peak empathy and openness 1-2 hours post-dose, lasting 3-4 hours.

Statistic 54

MDMA increases skin temperature by 0.5-1°C due to serotonergic vasodilation.

Statistic 55

Self-reported euphoria intensity on VAS scales averages 70/100 during MDMA sessions.

Statistic 56

MDMA enhances emotional recognition accuracy by 15-20% in controlled studies.

Statistic 57

Jaw clenching/bruxism occurs in 70% of users, mitigated by gum chewing.

Statistic 58

MDMA decreases amygdala response to fearful faces by 50% fMRI-measured.

Statistic 59

Systolic blood pressure rises 25-35 mmHg peak at 90 min post 125mg dose.

Statistic 60

Enhanced tactile sensitivity reported by 85% of users in surveys.

Statistic 61

MDMA increases eye pupil dilation to 5-7mm diameter.

Statistic 62

Music appreciation and chills response heightened 40% in MDMA state.

Statistic 63

Nystagmus (eye wobble) observed in 60% at higher doses >150mg.

Statistic 64

Increased talkativeness and prosocial behavior in 90% of clinical trial participants.

Statistic 65

MDMA boosts energy/motivation, reducing perceived fatigue by 50%.

Statistic 66

Decreased appetite suppression lasts 4-6 hours post-dose.

Statistic 67

Heightened sexual arousal in 65% but impaired performance in males.

Statistic 68

Time perception distortion: minutes feel like seconds during peak.

Statistic 69

Increased sweating and dehydration risk from hyperthermia onset.

Statistic 70

Positive mood afterglow persists 24-48 hours in 75% of users.

Statistic 71

MDMA facilitates psychotherapy by increasing therapeutic alliance scores by 25%.

Statistic 72

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.46 million people aged 12 or older in the US reported past-year MDMA use, representing 0.9% of the population.

Statistic 73

The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported that in 2021, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) in the EU had used MDMA in the last year.

Statistic 74

A 2023 Global Drug Survey found that 5.2% of respondents worldwide reported using ecstasy/MDMA in the past year, with higher rates among festival attendees at 28%.

Statistic 75

In Australia, the 2022 National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicated 2.1% of people aged 14+ used ecstasy in the past 12 months.

Statistic 76

UK Crime Survey for England and Wales 2022/23 showed 1.4% of adults aged 16-59 reported MDMA use in the last year.

Statistic 77

Among US college students, the 2022 Monitoring the Future survey reported 4.1% past-year MDMA use among those 19-30 years old.

Statistic 78

The 2023 UNODC World Drug Report noted global MDMA seizures reached 210 tonnes in 2021, indicating high production and trafficking.

Statistic 79

In the Netherlands, 4.5% of young adults (18-24) reported past-year ecstasy use per 2022 Trimbos Institute data.

Statistic 80

Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey 2019 showed 1.5% past-year MDMA use among those 15+.

Statistic 81

South African Community Epidemiology Network 2022 reported rising MDMA use in treatment admissions, up 15% from prior year.

Statistic 82

In Israel, 2021 national survey indicated 2.3% past-year ecstasy use among 18-40 year olds.

Statistic 83

New Zealand 2019/20 Health Survey found 1.9% past-year MDMA use in population 15-64.

Statistic 84

Spanish OBSERVA survey 2021: 1.1% of general population 15-64 used ecstasy last year.

Statistic 85

US 2021 NSDUH: past-month MDMA use was 0.2% (577,000 people aged 12+).

Statistic 86

Festival Drug Use Study 2022: 22% of EDM festival attendees in US used MDMA weekend of event.

Statistic 87

Lifetime prevalence of MDMA use among US high school seniors was 3.3% in 2022 per Monitoring the Future.

Statistic 88

In Germany, 2021 ESA survey: 1.4% of 18-25 year olds used ecstasy past year.

Statistic 89

Russian Federal Service 2022: MDMA use prevalence 0.5% among 15-64 urban youth.

Statistic 90

Mexico 2021 ENCODAT: 0.4% past-year MDMA use nationally.

Statistic 91

In Japan, 2022 survey by National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry: 0.3% lifetime MDMA use.

Statistic 92

Sweden 2021 CAN survey: 1.0% past-year ecstasy use among 17-year-olds.

Statistic 93

Ireland 2022 ESPAD: 2.8% lifetime MDMA use among 16-year-olds.

Statistic 94

Turkey 2021 national survey: 0.6% past-year MDMA use 15-64.

Statistic 95

Argentina 2020 SEDRONAR: 1.2% past-year ecstasy use urban 12-65.

Sources
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While Ecstasy may paint a temporary picture of universal connection, its surprisingly widespread global reach—from 5.2% of surveyed festival-goers to millions of documented users—conceals a complex chemical reality with profound and potentially dangerous consequences for both brain and body.

Key Takeaways

  • According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.46 million people aged 12 or older in the US reported past-year MDMA use, representing 0.9% of the population.
  • The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported that in 2021, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) in the EU had used MDMA in the last year.
  • A 2023 Global Drug Survey found that 5.2% of respondents worldwide reported using ecstasy/MDMA in the past year, with higher rates among festival attendees at 28%.
  • MDMA is the prototypical entactogen, chemically 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, with molecular formula C11H15NO2 and molecular weight 193.25 g/mol.
  • MDMA has a pKa of 9.9 for its amine group, influencing its lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier penetration.
  • Half-life of MDMA in plasma is approximately 8-9 hours after oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
  • Acute MDMA administration increases heart rate by 20-30 bpm at 1.5 mg/kg.
  • Users report peak empathy and openness 1-2 hours post-dose, lasting 3-4 hours.
  • MDMA increases skin temperature by 0.5-1°C due to serotonergic vasodilation.
  • Hyperthermia cases: body temp >40°C in 10% of emergency visits.
  • Serotonin syndrome risk increases 5x when combined with SSRIs.
  • Acute hyponatremia reported in 20% of female users due to excessive water intake.
  • US DEA Schedule I since 1985, no accepted medical use, high abuse potential.
  • Global production estimated 1,000-2,000 tons annually, mainly Netherlands/Belgium.
  • FDA breakthrough therapy designation for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy 2017.

MDMA use remains a global concern with significant health and social risks.

Health Risks and Adverse Outcomes

  • Hyperthermia cases: body temp >40°C in 10% of emergency visits.
  • Serotonin syndrome risk increases 5x when combined with SSRIs.
  • Acute hyponatremia reported in 20% of female users due to excessive water intake.
  • Cardiovascular events: 15% of MDMA-related ER visits involve arrhythmias.
  • Neurotoxicity: rat studies show 50-70% striatal dopamine depletion after binge dosing.
  • Human fMRI: chronic users have 20% reduced serotonin transporter density.
  • Depression risk post-use: 30% report "suicide Tuesday" symptoms.
  • Liver toxicity: elevated ALT/AST in 25% after high-dose use.
  • Seizures in 5% of overdose cases per DAWN reports 2020.
  • Rhabdomyolysis incidence 8% in hyperthermic MDMA emergencies.
  • Cognitive deficits: verbal memory impaired 10-20% in heavy users >100 uses.
  • Anxiety disorders elevated 2.5x in lifetime MDMA users per NESARC.
  • Acute psychosis in 2-3% of high-dose users.
  • Renal failure from hyponatremia: 1-2 deaths annually in US.
  • Bruxism leads to TMJ disorders in 15% chronic users.
  • Sleep disruption: REM rebound delayed 48 hours, insomnia 70% night after.
  • Adulterants like PMA cause 80% of MDMA-related fatalities.
  • Long-term: impulsivity increased 25% in ex-users per neurocognitive tests.
  • Stroke risk: hemorrhagic cases 3x higher in young MDMA users.

Health Risks and Adverse Outcomes Interpretation

That delightful-sounding little pill is basically a pharmaceutical heist artist, stealing your brain's neurotransmitters while simultaneously staging a coup in your body, leaving behind a crime scene of spiking fevers, scrambled electrolytes, and a long-term hangover of depression and scrambled thoughts.

Legal Status, Production, and Policy

  • US DEA Schedule I since 1985, no accepted medical use, high abuse potential.
  • Global production estimated 1,000-2,000 tons annually, mainly Netherlands/Belgium.
  • FDA breakthrough therapy designation for MDMA-assisted PTSD therapy 2017.
  • EU new psychoactive substances regulation banned 50 MDMA analogs since 2005.
  • Australia rescheduled MDMA for PTSD therapy trials in 2023, prescription access.
  • US MAPS trials: Phase 3 success rate 67% remission in PTSD patients.
  • Street price US: $10-20 per 100mg pill, wholesale $2-5/g pure.
  • Canada Schedule III, possession up to 30g personal use decriminalized 2023 pilots.
  • Precursors like safrole controlled under 1988 UN Convention.
  • UK Class A drug, max penalty life imprisonment for supply.

Legal Status, Production, and Policy Interpretation

The DEA insists it's a party drug with no medical value, while a growing pile of international research and policy quietly tucks it into the doctor's toolkit, creating a global patchwork where one country's breakthrough therapy is another's life sentence.

Pharmacological and Chemical Properties

  • MDMA is the prototypical entactogen, chemically 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, with molecular formula C11H15NO2 and molecular weight 193.25 g/mol.
  • MDMA has a pKa of 9.9 for its amine group, influencing its lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier penetration.
  • Half-life of MDMA in plasma is approximately 8-9 hours after oral dose of 1.5 mg/kg.
  • MDMA is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6 enzyme, with poor metabolizers showing 2-fold higher plasma concentrations.
  • Peak plasma concentration of MDMA after 100mg oral dose is about 240 ng/mL at 2 hours post-ingestion.
  • MDMA binds to serotonin transporter (SERT) with Ki=245 nM, causing reverse transport and massive serotonin release.
  • Dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity for MDMA is Ki=1,800 nM, less potent than for serotonin.
  • MDMA increases oxytocin release by 20-50% above baseline in humans after 1.5 mg/kg dose.
  • Volume of distribution for MDMA is 5.2 L/kg, indicating extensive tissue distribution.
  • MDMA undergoes O-demethylenation to MDA via CYP2D6, accounting for 10-20% of metabolism.
  • Bioavailability of oral MDMA is nearly 100% due to first-pass avoidance in low doses.
  • MDMA's chiral forms: S-(+)-MDMA is more potent, with 2-3x higher neurotoxicity than R-(-).
  • Plasma protein binding of MDMA is low at 38%, allowing free fraction for CNS effects.
  • MDMA inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) weakly, Ki>100 μM for MAO-A.
  • Urinary excretion of MDMA and metabolites is 65% unchanged or conjugated within 3 days.
  • MDMA EC50 for 5-HT release is 152 nM in rat synaptosomes.
  • Active metabolite HHMA has similar potency to MDMA at SERT.
  • MDMA logP (octanol-water) is 2.12, contributing to CNS penetration.
  • Typical recreational dose of MDMA is 75-125 mg, with purity averaging 60-80% in street samples.
  • MDMA synthesis primarily via safrole or PMK precursors, with PMK-glycidate rising post-2010 bans.
  • Melting point of MDMA HCl is 148-150°C, used for purity identification.
  • MDMA elevates mood via 5-HT2A receptor agonism secondary to serotonin flood.

Pharmacological and Chemical Properties Interpretation

MDMA is a molecular key masterfully crafted to unlock our brain's serotonin vault, flooding us with euphoria and empathy while leaving behind a detailed pharmacological paper trail.

Physiological and Psychological Effects

  • Acute MDMA administration increases heart rate by 20-30 bpm at 1.5 mg/kg.
  • Users report peak empathy and openness 1-2 hours post-dose, lasting 3-4 hours.
  • MDMA increases skin temperature by 0.5-1°C due to serotonergic vasodilation.
  • Self-reported euphoria intensity on VAS scales averages 70/100 during MDMA sessions.
  • MDMA enhances emotional recognition accuracy by 15-20% in controlled studies.
  • Jaw clenching/bruxism occurs in 70% of users, mitigated by gum chewing.
  • MDMA decreases amygdala response to fearful faces by 50% fMRI-measured.
  • Systolic blood pressure rises 25-35 mmHg peak at 90 min post 125mg dose.
  • Enhanced tactile sensitivity reported by 85% of users in surveys.
  • MDMA increases eye pupil dilation to 5-7mm diameter.
  • Music appreciation and chills response heightened 40% in MDMA state.
  • Nystagmus (eye wobble) observed in 60% at higher doses >150mg.
  • Increased talkativeness and prosocial behavior in 90% of clinical trial participants.
  • MDMA boosts energy/motivation, reducing perceived fatigue by 50%.
  • Decreased appetite suppression lasts 4-6 hours post-dose.
  • Heightened sexual arousal in 65% but impaired performance in males.
  • Time perception distortion: minutes feel like seconds during peak.
  • Increased sweating and dehydration risk from hyperthermia onset.
  • Positive mood afterglow persists 24-48 hours in 75% of users.
  • MDMA facilitates psychotherapy by increasing therapeutic alliance scores by 25%.

Physiological and Psychological Effects Interpretation

MDMA seems to be a potent social and emotional lubricant, turning up the body's dials to the point of strain while convincingly dialing down the brain's fear and suspicion, making a temporary but profound peace treaty between a person and the world.

Prevalence and Usage

  • According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 2.46 million people aged 12 or older in the US reported past-year MDMA use, representing 0.9% of the population.
  • The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) reported that in 2021, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) in the EU had used MDMA in the last year.
  • A 2023 Global Drug Survey found that 5.2% of respondents worldwide reported using ecstasy/MDMA in the past year, with higher rates among festival attendees at 28%.
  • In Australia, the 2022 National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicated 2.1% of people aged 14+ used ecstasy in the past 12 months.
  • UK Crime Survey for England and Wales 2022/23 showed 1.4% of adults aged 16-59 reported MDMA use in the last year.
  • Among US college students, the 2022 Monitoring the Future survey reported 4.1% past-year MDMA use among those 19-30 years old.
  • The 2023 UNODC World Drug Report noted global MDMA seizures reached 210 tonnes in 2021, indicating high production and trafficking.
  • In the Netherlands, 4.5% of young adults (18-24) reported past-year ecstasy use per 2022 Trimbos Institute data.
  • Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey 2019 showed 1.5% past-year MDMA use among those 15+.
  • South African Community Epidemiology Network 2022 reported rising MDMA use in treatment admissions, up 15% from prior year.
  • In Israel, 2021 national survey indicated 2.3% past-year ecstasy use among 18-40 year olds.
  • New Zealand 2019/20 Health Survey found 1.9% past-year MDMA use in population 15-64.
  • Spanish OBSERVA survey 2021: 1.1% of general population 15-64 used ecstasy last year.
  • US 2021 NSDUH: past-month MDMA use was 0.2% (577,000 people aged 12+).
  • Festival Drug Use Study 2022: 22% of EDM festival attendees in US used MDMA weekend of event.
  • Lifetime prevalence of MDMA use among US high school seniors was 3.3% in 2022 per Monitoring the Future.
  • In Germany, 2021 ESA survey: 1.4% of 18-25 year olds used ecstasy past year.
  • Russian Federal Service 2022: MDMA use prevalence 0.5% among 15-64 urban youth.
  • Mexico 2021 ENCODAT: 0.4% past-year MDMA use nationally.
  • In Japan, 2022 survey by National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry: 0.3% lifetime MDMA use.
  • Sweden 2021 CAN survey: 1.0% past-year ecstasy use among 17-year-olds.
  • Ireland 2022 ESPAD: 2.8% lifetime MDMA use among 16-year-olds.
  • Turkey 2021 national survey: 0.6% past-year MDMA use 15-64.
  • Argentina 2020 SEDRONAR: 1.2% past-year ecstasy use urban 12-65.

Prevalence and Usage Interpretation

While these statistics reveal that MDMA use remains a minority pursuit globally, with most populations hovering around 1-2%, its concentrated popularity at festivals—where a quarter of attendees might partake—proves that some people really do believe the solution to a good time is a chemically-induced group hug.