En español
NIDA
Home » Drugs of Abuse » MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

Brief Description

3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. Learn more

Also more about:

Statistics and Trends

Swipe left or right to scroll.

Monitoring the Future Study: Trends in Prevalence of MDMA for 8th Graders, 10th Graders, and 12th Graders; 2016 (in percent)*
Drug Time Period 8th Graders 10th Graders 12th Graders
MDMA Lifetime [1.70] [2.80] [4.90]
Past Year [1.00] [1.80] [2.70]
Past Month 0.30 [0.50] 0.90

* Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year. Previous MTF Data

Swipe left or right to scroll.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Trends in Prevalence of MDMA for Ages 12 or Older, Ages 12 to 17, Ages 18 to 25, and Ages 26 or Older; 2015 (in percent)*
Drug Time Period Ages 12 or Older Ages 12 to 17 Ages 18 to 25 Ages 26 or Older
MDMA Lifetime 6.80 1.40 13.10 6.50
Past Year 1.00 0.80 4.10 0.50
Past Month 0.20 0.10 0.90 0.10

^ indicate low precision; no estimate reported.
Data in brackets indicate statistically significant change from the previous year. Previous NSDUH Data

Related Publications

Monitoring the Future Survey: High School and Youth Trends

Revised December 2016. Describes high school and youth trends for drug use and addiction, as presented in the annual Monitoring the Future survey. Includes emphasis on marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription drugs. En Español

Publication Cover

MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse

Published March 2006. Describes the science behind MDMA (ecstasy) abuse, including what it does to the brain, whether it is addictive, and the latest research regarding prevention and treatment of MDMA.

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

Revised October 2016. Provides basic facts about MDMA, also called Ecstasy or Molly, including how it affects the brain, other health effects, and its potential for addiction. En Español

Synthetic Cathinones ("Bath Salts")

Revised January 2016. Describes how synthetic cathinones, or “bath salts,” are abused, their effects on the brain, and other health effects. En Español

Publication Cover

The Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA)

Revised January 2007. The fourth in a 5-part series, explores the biology behind ecstasy use in the brain and discusses both short- and long-term effects of its use.

View all related publications

Related Resources

Other Resources

Past information on many drugs of abuse is available on our Archives site.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies in human volunteers conducted to answer specific health questions. Learn about the NIH-sponsored clinical trials available to you.

Other Clinical Trials information sources:

This page was last updated September 2013

Get this Publication

    Cite this article

    APA style citation

    NIDA (). MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly). Retrieved , from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/mdma-ecstasymolly

    press ctrl+c to copy
    Receive Emerging Trends and Alerts Articles in your Email!
    You will only receive messages related to Emerging Drug Trends

    Other Articles of Interest

    NIDA Notes

    Research Report

    Research Report Cover

    MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse

    Describes the science behind MDMA (ecstasy) abuse, including what it does to the brain, whether it is addictive, and the latest research regarding prevention and treatment of MDMA.

    Read more
    SAMHSA Treatment Locator
    Easy-to-read Drug Facts

    NIDA's Publication Series