You might have heard the term “recreational drug use” at one point or another. What exactly makes drug use recreational? Is recreational use safer than drug abuse – and what differentiates the two? Simply put, recreational drug use is using a chemical substance to produce some degree of altered consciousness. There is no significant difference between drug abuse and recreational drug use – both can easily develop into physical and psychological dependence. If any illicit substance is being used “recreationally,” it is technically being abused. For example, recreational cocaine use – using cocaine in a social setting to increase energy levels and sociability – is cocaine abuse. Using MDMA (also known as molly) at a party is both recreational use and drug abuse. If you have ever used a club drug like MDMA, you might be wondering whether or not this drug can be used recreationally and in moderation. First of all, let us take a closer look at what MDMA is. 
What is MDMA?
MDMA is the abbreviated version of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and it is an illicit and synthetic drug that was designed to alter perception and “enhance” mood by increasing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. MDMA is most commonly taken in a club setting, and over the past decade, the drug has become a staple of the “rave” scene (large gatherings centered around electronic dance music). MDMA is most commonly taken in tablet form and ingested orally. However, it might also be ingested in the form of a clear, crystalline powder, and users might swallow or snort the substance.
Recreational MDMA Use Leads to Abuse and Addiction
The effects take hold rather quickly and can last for several hours. The “comedown” is often quite unpleasant – and for people to avoid it, they end up taking more MDMA than they originally intended. This leads to the development of tolerance and even more withdrawal symptoms. Because MDMA works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and dopamine present within the brain and ultimately leads to a depletion of these two chemicals when the drug is no longer present in the system, men and women who are experiencing withdrawal often report feeling extremely sad and depressed, unmotivated to do anything and generally fatigued. If you have experimented with MDMA recreationally and you feel this way, it is best to ride the comedown out no matter how unpleasant it is to avoid eventual physical and psychological dependence.
Recreational and Moderate MDMA Use is Not Possible
So can MDMA be used recreationally and in moderation? The consensus is no, it can not. If you begin using a chemical substance recreationally such as MDMA or ecstasy, you run the risk of developing a physical and psychological addiction. Because MDMA can be psychologically addictive, there is a good chance that you will begin developing a tolerance if you use it more than once, and soon you will be using it regularly. Using MDMA regularly can severely damage neurological functioning, and it is crucial that if you are using this drug on a regular or even somewhat regular basis, you seek professional help right away. Fortunately, Evoke Wellness is available to help in any and every way possible.
Evoke Wellness and MDMA Addiction Recovery
Many people mistakenly believe that party or club drugs like MDMA and ecstasy are not addictive and that they can safely be taken when use is spread out and when the drug is being taken “responsibly.” When it comes to illicit chemical substances of any kind there is truly no such thing as responsible use. Additionally, repetitively using any chemical substance can eventually lead to dependence. If you have been struggling with MDMA abuse or addiction, feel free to call Evoke Wellness today for more information on our comprehensive program of recovery.
