GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mdma Statistics

MDMA therapy shows strong potential for PTSD while recreational use carries significant health risks.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Hyperthermia occurs in 40-50% of MDMA-related hyperthermia cases leading to hospitalization

Statistic 2

MDMA-associated serotonin syndrome has a mortality rate of up to 11% in severe cases

Statistic 3

Chronic MDMA use is linked to 20-50% reduction in serotonin transporter density via PET imaging

Statistic 4

Acute MDMA overdose mortality in US averages 100 deaths annually per CDC WONDER

Statistic 5

Hyponatremia from MDMA occurs in 25% of female users due to excessive water intake

Statistic 6

Cardiovascular events like arrhythmias are reported in 15% of MDMA ED visits

Statistic 7

Neurocognitive deficits in memory persist in 30% of heavy MDMA users after abstinence

Statistic 8

Rhabdomyolysis incidence is 10-20% in MDMA-induced hyperthermia cases

Statistic 9

Depression risk increases 2.5-fold in past-year MDMA users per NESARC data

Statistic 10

Liver toxicity from MDMA shows ALT elevations in 5-10% of users per case series

Statistic 11

MDMA hepatotoxicity case fatality 2-5% in reported series

Statistic 12

Jaw clenching reported in 70% of MDMA users per user surveys

Statistic 13

Anxiety disorders 1.8x higher in MDMA ever-users per meta-analysis

Statistic 14

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in 5% of severe MDMA cases

Statistic 15

Sleep disturbances persist 3 months in 40% abstinent users

Statistic 16

Stroke risk from MDMA vasospasm in young adults <1%

Statistic 17

Impulsivity scores elevated 25% in chronic users

Statistic 18

Acute psychosis in 1-2% of high-dose users

Statistic 19

MDMA is classified as Schedule I under US Controlled Substances Act since 1985

Statistic 20

Global MDMA production estimated at 200-300 tons annually by UNODC 2023

Statistic 21

Australia rescheduled MDMA for PTSD therapy to Schedule 8 in 2023

Statistic 22

DEA reports 95% purity in street MDMA samples seized in 2022

Statistic 23

Portugal decriminalized MDMA possession in 2001, reducing HIV rates among users by 95%

Statistic 24

EU early warning system flagged 150 new MDMA NPS variants since 1997

Statistic 25

US federal penalty for MDMA trafficking starts at 5 years for 1g pure equivalent

Statistic 26

Canada authorized MDMA for psychotherapy under Special Access in 2022

Statistic 27

Netherlands tolerates MDMA smartshops under gedoogbeleid policy

Statistic 28

Switzerland approved MDMA psychotherapy compassionate use 2014

Statistic 29

EU MDMA precursor PMK seizures 50 tons in 2022

Statistic 30

US state-level MDMA analog bans cover 50+ compounds

Statistic 31

Israel permits MDMA import for PTSD research since 2018

Statistic 32

MDMA trafficking sentences average 5-10 years US federal

Statistic 33

FDA breakthrough designation for MDMA PTSD 2017

Statistic 34

MDMA, chemically known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has a molecular formula of C11H15NO2 and a molecular weight of 193.25 g/mol

Statistic 35

MDMA's half-life in humans averages 8-9 hours following oral administration of 1.5 mg/kg

Statistic 36

MDMA reversibly inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT) with an IC50 of approximately 244 nM

Statistic 37

At therapeutic doses of 75-125 mg, MDMA produces peak plasma concentrations of 150-350 ng/mL within 2 hours

Statistic 38

MDMA metabolism primarily occurs via CYP2D6, accounting for 60-80% of demethylenation to MDA

Statistic 39

MDMA enhances oxytocin release by up to 300% in plasma levels post-administration

Statistic 40

The LD50 of MDMA in rats is 17.5 mg/kg intravenously, indicating moderate acute toxicity

Statistic 41

MDMA binds to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) with high affinity, Ki=108 nM

Statistic 42

Oral bioavailability of MDMA is nearly 100% due to first-pass avoidance

Statistic 43

MDMA induces hyperthermia by increasing metabolic rate by 20-30% in humans

Statistic 44

MDMA increases serotonin release by 900% at 1.7 mg/kg dose in rats

Statistic 45

MDMA volume of distribution is 5.8 L/kg in humans

Statistic 46

MDMA plasma protein binding is low at 38%

Statistic 47

MDMA induces prolactin release peaking at 500% above baseline

Statistic 48

Renal clearance of MDMA metabolites is 10-20% of total

Statistic 49

MDMA Ki for dopamine transporter is 1,430 nM

Statistic 50

MDMA dopamine release 300% vs serotonin 1000% peak

Statistic 51

MDMA urine detection window 3-4 days post-use

Statistic 52

CYP2D6 poor metabolizers have 2x MDMA exposure

Statistic 53

MDMA use among US 12th graders was 2.7% in the past year according to 2022 Monitoring the Future survey

Statistic 54

Lifetime MDMA use prevalence among US adults aged 18-25 is 10.2% per NSDUH 2021 data

Statistic 55

In Europe, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) reported past-year ecstasy use in 2022 EMCDDA report

Statistic 56

Global MDMA seizures totaled 180 tons in 2021 according to UNODC World Drug Report

Statistic 57

Past-month MDMA use among US college students is 1.1% from 2021 Core Institute survey

Statistic 58

In Australia, 3.4% of population aged 14+ used ecstasy in lifetime per 2022 NDSHS

Statistic 59

UK lifetime ecstasy use among 16-59 year olds is 11.8% from 2019/20 CSEW

Statistic 60

MDMA-related emergency department visits in US peaked at 22,498 in 2011 per DAWN

Statistic 61

0.9% of US high school students reported past-year MDMA use in 2021 YRBS

Statistic 62

Netherlands reports 2.6% past-year MDMA use among 18-24 year olds per 2022 Trimbos survey

Statistic 63

Past-year MDMA use in US 18+ is 0.9% per 2021 NSDUH

Statistic 64

Brazil reports 1.2% lifetime MDMA use among university students

Statistic 65

ED visits for MDMA in US fell to 10,000 annually by 2011 post-peak

Statistic 66

2.1% of Israeli soldiers used MDMA lifetime post-service

Statistic 67

France past-month ecstasy use 0.4% in general population 18-64

Statistic 68

Lifetime use among US EDM festival attendees is 75%

Statistic 69

Mexico lifetime MDMA use 1.5% urban youth 2021

Statistic 70

In MAPS Phase 3 trials, 67% of PTSD patients no longer met diagnostic criteria after 3 MDMA sessions

Statistic 71

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces PTSD symptoms by 88% on CAPS scale in Phase 2 trials

Statistic 72

83% response rate in social anxiety for autistic adults in MAPS pilot study with MDMA

Statistic 73

MDMA increases empathy scores by 44% on RMET in healthy volunteers

Statistic 74

Phase 2b trial showed 68% remission in PTSD vs 32% placebo with MDMA therapy

Statistic 75

MDMA enhances fear extinction in rats by 200% via amygdala modulation

Statistic 76

In alcohol use disorder pilot, 80% abstinence at 6 months post MDMA therapy

Statistic 77

MDMA reduces couple's distress by 50% in relationship therapy studies

Statistic 78

fMRI shows MDMA decreases amygdala activity by 40% during trauma recall

Statistic 79

71% of patients in end-of-life anxiety trial had sustained anxiety reduction at 12 months

Statistic 80

MAPS MDMA-PTSD trial had 100% retention rate vs 48% therapy alone

Statistic 81

MDMA therapy for PTSD CAPS reduction mean -37.3 points

Statistic 82

76% of MDMA-treated PTSD patients functional independent at 12 months

Statistic 83

MDMA boosts prosocial behavior 50% in economic games

Statistic 84

Phase 1 safety trial showed no serious AEs in 100+ MDMA doses

Statistic 85

MDMA reduces blood alcohol craving by 40% in pilot

Statistic 86

Single MDMA session equals 8-10 therapy sessions in effect size

Statistic 87

Insomnia improved 60% in autism anxiety MDMA trial

1/87

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While its chemistry and effects are precisely measured, from a molecular weight of 193.25 to a 300% oxytocin surge, the story of MDMA is a potent paradox of profound therapeutic potential shadowed by significant public health risks.

Key Takeaways

MDMA, chemically known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has a molecular formula of C11H15NO2 and a molecular weight of 193.25 g/mol
MDMA's half-life in humans averages 8-9 hours following oral administration of 1.5 mg/kg
MDMA reversibly inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT) with an IC50 of approximately 244 nM
MDMA use among US 12th graders was 2.7% in the past year according to 2022 Monitoring the Future survey
Lifetime MDMA use prevalence among US adults aged 18-25 is 10.2% per NSDUH 2021 data
In Europe, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) reported past-year ecstasy use in 2022 EMCDDA report
Hyperthermia occurs in 40-50% of MDMA-related hyperthermia cases leading to hospitalization
MDMA-associated serotonin syndrome has a mortality rate of up to 11% in severe cases
Chronic MDMA use is linked to 20-50% reduction in serotonin transporter density via PET imaging
In MAPS Phase 3 trials, 67% of PTSD patients no longer met diagnostic criteria after 3 MDMA sessions
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces PTSD symptoms by 88% on CAPS scale in Phase 2 trials
83% response rate in social anxiety for autistic adults in MAPS pilot study with MDMA
MDMA is classified as Schedule I under US Controlled Substances Act since 1985
Global MDMA production estimated at 200-300 tons annually by UNODC 2023
Australia rescheduled MDMA for PTSD therapy to Schedule 8 in 2023

MDMA therapy shows strong potential for PTSD while recreational use carries significant health risks.

Health Risks

Hyperthermia occurs in 40-50% of MDMA-related hyperthermia cases leading to hospitalization
MDMA-associated serotonin syndrome has a mortality rate of up to 11% in severe cases
Chronic MDMA use is linked to 20-50% reduction in serotonin transporter density via PET imaging
Acute MDMA overdose mortality in US averages 100 deaths annually per CDC WONDER
Hyponatremia from MDMA occurs in 25% of female users due to excessive water intake
Cardiovascular events like arrhythmias are reported in 15% of MDMA ED visits
Neurocognitive deficits in memory persist in 30% of heavy MDMA users after abstinence
Rhabdomyolysis incidence is 10-20% in MDMA-induced hyperthermia cases
Depression risk increases 2.5-fold in past-year MDMA users per NESARC data
Liver toxicity from MDMA shows ALT elevations in 5-10% of users per case series
MDMA hepatotoxicity case fatality 2-5% in reported series
Jaw clenching reported in 70% of MDMA users per user surveys
Anxiety disorders 1.8x higher in MDMA ever-users per meta-analysis
Disseminated intravascular coagulation in 5% of severe MDMA cases
Sleep disturbances persist 3 months in 40% abstinent users
Stroke risk from MDMA vasospasm in young adults <1%
Impulsivity scores elevated 25% in chronic users
Acute psychosis in 1-2% of high-dose users

Health Risks Interpretation

These statistics starkly illustrate that while MDMA might promise a night of synthetic bliss, your body keeps a detailed invoice, and the bill can include anything from a sore jaw to a failing liver, a broken mind, or even a funeral.

Legal and Policy

MDMA is classified as Schedule I under US Controlled Substances Act since 1985
Global MDMA production estimated at 200-300 tons annually by UNODC 2023
Australia rescheduled MDMA for PTSD therapy to Schedule 8 in 2023
DEA reports 95% purity in street MDMA samples seized in 2022
Portugal decriminalized MDMA possession in 2001, reducing HIV rates among users by 95%
EU early warning system flagged 150 new MDMA NPS variants since 1997
US federal penalty for MDMA trafficking starts at 5 years for 1g pure equivalent
Canada authorized MDMA for psychotherapy under Special Access in 2022
Netherlands tolerates MDMA smartshops under gedoogbeleid policy
Switzerland approved MDMA psychotherapy compassionate use 2014
EU MDMA precursor PMK seizures 50 tons in 2022
US state-level MDMA analog bans cover 50+ compounds
Israel permits MDMA import for PTSD research since 2018
MDMA trafficking sentences average 5-10 years US federal
FDA breakthrough designation for MDMA PTSD 2017

Legal and Policy Interpretation

The world seems locked in a bewildering dance where MDMA is simultaneously a Schedule I villain with draconian penalties, a breakthrough therapy saving minds, a public health boon where decriminalized, and a relentlessly evolving chemical chameleon produced by the ton.

Pharmacology

MDMA, chemically known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, has a molecular formula of C11H15NO2 and a molecular weight of 193.25 g/mol
MDMA's half-life in humans averages 8-9 hours following oral administration of 1.5 mg/kg
MDMA reversibly inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT) with an IC50 of approximately 244 nM
At therapeutic doses of 75-125 mg, MDMA produces peak plasma concentrations of 150-350 ng/mL within 2 hours
MDMA metabolism primarily occurs via CYP2D6, accounting for 60-80% of demethylenation to MDA
MDMA enhances oxytocin release by up to 300% in plasma levels post-administration
The LD50 of MDMA in rats is 17.5 mg/kg intravenously, indicating moderate acute toxicity
MDMA binds to the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) with high affinity, Ki=108 nM
Oral bioavailability of MDMA is nearly 100% due to first-pass avoidance
MDMA induces hyperthermia by increasing metabolic rate by 20-30% in humans
MDMA increases serotonin release by 900% at 1.7 mg/kg dose in rats
MDMA volume of distribution is 5.8 L/kg in humans
MDMA plasma protein binding is low at 38%
MDMA induces prolactin release peaking at 500% above baseline
Renal clearance of MDMA metabolites is 10-20% of total
MDMA Ki for dopamine transporter is 1,430 nM
MDMA dopamine release 300% vs serotonin 1000% peak
MDMA urine detection window 3-4 days post-use
CYP2D6 poor metabolizers have 2x MDMA exposure

Pharmacology Interpretation

This compound, with its surgical precision for flooding synapses with serotonin and oxytocin, is a pharmacologically eloquent but biologically taxing love letter to your nervous system that takes nearly a full day to write and several more to erase.

Prevalence and Use

MDMA use among US 12th graders was 2.7% in the past year according to 2022 Monitoring the Future survey
Lifetime MDMA use prevalence among US adults aged 18-25 is 10.2% per NSDUH 2021 data
In Europe, 1.3% of young adults (15-34) reported past-year ecstasy use in 2022 EMCDDA report
Global MDMA seizures totaled 180 tons in 2021 according to UNODC World Drug Report
Past-month MDMA use among US college students is 1.1% from 2021 Core Institute survey
In Australia, 3.4% of population aged 14+ used ecstasy in lifetime per 2022 NDSHS
UK lifetime ecstasy use among 16-59 year olds is 11.8% from 2019/20 CSEW
MDMA-related emergency department visits in US peaked at 22,498 in 2011 per DAWN
0.9% of US high school students reported past-year MDMA use in 2021 YRBS
Netherlands reports 2.6% past-year MDMA use among 18-24 year olds per 2022 Trimbos survey
Past-year MDMA use in US 18+ is 0.9% per 2021 NSDUH
Brazil reports 1.2% lifetime MDMA use among university students
ED visits for MDMA in US fell to 10,000 annually by 2011 post-peak
2.1% of Israeli soldiers used MDMA lifetime post-service
France past-month ecstasy use 0.4% in general population 18-64
Lifetime use among US EDM festival attendees is 75%
Mexico lifetime MDMA use 1.5% urban youth 2021

Prevalence and Use Interpretation

While the statistics reveal MDMA is far from a universal experience, with most surveys reporting single-digit use, its concentrated prevalence at festivals and among youth suggests it remains a stubbornly persistent subcultural ritual rather than a mainstream epidemic.

Therapeutic Research

In MAPS Phase 3 trials, 67% of PTSD patients no longer met diagnostic criteria after 3 MDMA sessions
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy reduces PTSD symptoms by 88% on CAPS scale in Phase 2 trials
83% response rate in social anxiety for autistic adults in MAPS pilot study with MDMA
MDMA increases empathy scores by 44% on RMET in healthy volunteers
Phase 2b trial showed 68% remission in PTSD vs 32% placebo with MDMA therapy
MDMA enhances fear extinction in rats by 200% via amygdala modulation
In alcohol use disorder pilot, 80% abstinence at 6 months post MDMA therapy
MDMA reduces couple's distress by 50% in relationship therapy studies
fMRI shows MDMA decreases amygdala activity by 40% during trauma recall
71% of patients in end-of-life anxiety trial had sustained anxiety reduction at 12 months
MAPS MDMA-PTSD trial had 100% retention rate vs 48% therapy alone
MDMA therapy for PTSD CAPS reduction mean -37.3 points
76% of MDMA-treated PTSD patients functional independent at 12 months
MDMA boosts prosocial behavior 50% in economic games
Phase 1 safety trial showed no serious AEs in 100+ MDMA doses
MDMA reduces blood alcohol craving by 40% in pilot
Single MDMA session equals 8-10 therapy sessions in effect size
Insomnia improved 60% in autism anxiety MDMA trial

Therapeutic Research Interpretation

The data suggests MDMA-assisted therapy isn't just flipping a light switch on trauma, but rather rewiring the entire circuit board of fear and connection with a startling, yet rigorously documented, efficiency.

Sources & References

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