How Long Does MDMA Stay In Your System?

The amount of time MDMA stays in your system depends on the quantity you consume, your metabolism, and other personal characteristics. In general, blood, saliva, and urine drug tests can detect MDMA between one and three days after ingestion, while hair tests may be positive for up to three months.

Read on to find out more about MDMA, its effects on the body, and the different detection windows.

What Is MDMA?

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug with hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. It may also be described as an empathogenic, a substance that increases experiences of empathy and self-awareness. Often referred to as a party drug or club drug, MDMA is typically used for its recreational effects to stay out late, enjoy music, or connect with friends.

What Does MDMA Look Like?

MDMA often comes in tablets or pills known as ‘ecstasy’. Ecstasy pills are rarely pure MDMA and are frequently ‘cut’ with unknown and unsafe substances.

You can also find MDMA as an off-white crystal or powder (sometimes in a capsule) that users crush and swallow or snort. While many people believe powder forms of the drug to be ‘purer’, analyses suggest that all forms of MDMA often contain multiple substances.

Street names for MDMA include mandy, molly, and E.

Is MDMA an Illicit Drug?

MDMA is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and currently no accepted medical use.

What Is the Scope of MDMA Use in the United States?

According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use, 0.9% of people over the age of 12 used MDMA in the past year (approximately 2.6 million people).

How Long Can a Drug Test Detect MDMA in Your System?

MDMA is detectable in your body from anywhere between one and ninety days. The detection windows vary according to the type of drug testing, frequency of use, and individual characteristics such as a person’s metabolism and body mass.

Urine Tests

When you take MDMA, your body metabolizes the substance, breaking it down into smaller chemical compounds called metabolites that it absorbs into the bloodstream or excretes in urine.

Drug tests can detect MDMA in urine within one to two hours after ingestion, for a duration of one to three days.

Blood Tests

MDMA is a fast-acting substance, meaning it quickly reaches your bloodstream and travels to your brain. Blood tests can detect MDMA in your blood within 15-30 minutes of consumption until one to two days after ingestion.

Saliva Tests

MDMA may show up in saliva tests for one to two days after ingestion. Since people typically ingest MDMA through the nose or mouth, it tends to be detectable in the saliva quickly – sometimes within 15 minutes of ingestion.

Hair Tests

As with many other drugs, MDMA can be detectable in hair tests for months after ingestion. After MDMA is absorbed into your bloodstream, tiny particles of the substance travel to hair-producing follicles. These particles remain in the segment of hair that grows at the time of ingestion and usually tests positive for up to three months.

How Quickly Does Your Body Metabolize MDMA?

Metabolization is the process by which your body breaks down MDMA into smaller molecules that it either uses or excretes via urine.

When you take MDMA, it travels into your intestinal tract and passes into the bloodstream. Drug metabolism of MDMA mainly takes place in the liver, which turns it into other molecules (metabolites).

MDMA has a half-life – the time it takes to clear half of the drug from your system – of about eight hours. It takes around 40 hours for 95% of the substance to leave your body.

MDMA’s metabolites may remain in the bloodstream for much longer than the substance itself – urine tests may detect them for 7 days after ingestion. However, conventional blood tests do detect metabolites.

What Are the Short-Term Dangers of MDMA?

A study investigating the subjective and physiological responses to controlled oral MDMA administration found that MDMA consumption may lead to:

  • significant, dose-dependent increases in heart rate
  • increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
  • subjective responses for energy level, closeness to others, mind racing, heightened senses

Medical examinations have found that MDMA users may experience a dangerously high body temperature (hyperthermia), with potentially fatal consequences. However, studies have found no clinical evidence that controlled MDMA administration results change in body temperature. Research suggests that this effect may be a result of environmental factors surrounding MDMA use, such as dancing and over-heated spaces.

Ecstasy Addiction

Addiction is when you compulsively seek and use a substance, despite any negative consequences. Addiction can be a devastating disease with serious consequences for your physical and mental health, work, and social life. Common signs of addiction include:

  • Prioritizing drug use in your life
  • Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
  • Lying or acting secretively to hide your drug use
  • Continuing to take the drug despite negative effects on your relationships, health, or work

While research has not yet offered a definite answer on whether or not MDMA is addictive, the substance acts on many of the same neurotransmitter systems as other addictive drugs. Studies show that MDMA affects the serotonin and dopamine systems in our brain, both of which are associated with substance use disorders and addictive behaviors.

Moreover, some users of MDMA report symptoms associated with addiction, including MDMA withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, inhibited control over drug use, and cravings. Animal studies also show that animals will self-administer MDMA, an indicator of addictive properties.

MDMA Addiction Treatment

If you are struggling with MDMA addiction or drug abuse, there is help available. Addiction treatment programs can support you to overcome addiction and return to your best self.

Effective addiction treatment programs typically combine a range of treatment options, tailored to each client’s unique needs. Treatment programs should consider the entire person, identifying the underlying causes of addictive behavior to support long-term recovery. Programs should address co-occurring mental health issues alongside addiction.

Treatment options may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Individual therapy
  • Group programming
  • Support groups
  • Complementary therapies
  • Experiential therapies
  • Life skills development

While seeking treatment may seem scary, it is the first stage on the road to recovery. You can contact your health care provider for more information or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) treatment finder to explore therapeutic options near you.

Alina Lodge Rehab Center

For over 60 years, Alina Lodge has offered unequaled addiction treatment services from our residential rehab center in New Jersey. Our research-based recovery programs combine a diverse selection of treatment modalities, delivered by our exceptional clinical team. We’re committed to providing the very best treatment available, continually adapting and evaluating our program with the latest advances in addiction science.

We deliver our top-tier clinical care with compassion, consideration, and empathy. Our programs emphasize integrated treatment that encompasses the whole person and their family, laying the foundations for meaningful and long-term changes that support life-long recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact us today. Our experienced staff can answer any questions you may have and talk you through the next steps. It’s time to make the change.

Begin the first day of the rest of your life

To find out more contact our team

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I am a dedicated and passionate professional with extensive experience in business development Admissions and marketing. I have an incredible passion for showing others that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel if someone truly wants it.
Being in recovery myself I understand the struggles of addiction and alcoholism. I Started this Career path in 2009. With multiple years of experience, I bring a multi-faceted approach and am always seeking new ways to make a difference in the lives of those I work with.

Kim L. Buckner

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As a Substance Abuse Motivational Speaker, Pastor, Peer Advocate, and Facilitator. Kim helps clients avoid relapse by understanding their triggers. Those people, places and things that can cause craving, as well as internal triggers like feelings, thoughts, or emotions. Kim also clients with identifying and building healthy relationships now that they’re clean and sober.

Kim’s background includes extensive experience as a motivational speaker and work in faith-based organizations helping youth and adults alike. He says he is motivated by giving back to the community, understanding, and not judging who she comes into contact with. Kim’s favorite quote is by Dr. Raymond Johnson: “The respect given to others rebounds to the giver to deny the scared in the Other is to deny it in oneself.”

Caty Burns

Clinician

Caty graduated from Indiana University Bloomington in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Counseling and History. Throughout her undergrad, she worked at the local CASA program, supporting volunteers advocating for children who had experienced abuse and neglect. Caty worked for seven years at a community mental health center (CMHC), partnering with children, adults, and families.

During those seven years, she taught life and coping skills as well as behavior management, provided case management and peer recovery services, and facilitated treatment teams that included the client, family, providers, and community members. I have also worked at an IOP providing group therapy services. She is currently working towards my Master of Social Work.

In her free time, Caty enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, spending time outdoors and having movie nights with her family. Disney World is her happy place, and she dreams of living among the elephants.

Madison Knowles

Mental Health Therapist

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Kristen Bensley

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As Primary Clinician, Kristen works with all aspects of our clinical team, from case management to primary therapy.  She has broad experience working in the mental health field. Prior to joining our team at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic, Kristen was part of the team awarded the Evernorth Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Designation by Cigna. She says her motivation is to help people rediscover who they are and become excited about the future and all the possibilities life offers. Kristen’s favorite quote is: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Ronn Daigle, MSW

Therapist, Utilization Review Clinician

Ronn Daigle services as a Therapist and Utilization Review Clinician at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has been working in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 2011, with experience in all facility-based levels of care. Ronn earned, both an Associate of Arts in Psychology (2013) and Bachelor of Science in Human Services, with an Addiction Studies Concentration (2015) from Indian River State College. 

Ronn additionally earned a Master of Social Work degree in 2021 and is a current Registered Clinical Social Work Intern working toward licensure (LCSW). He describes himself as detail oriented, and solution focused.

Ronn says: “There is nothing more fulfilling than working with someone who doesn’t believe in himself or herself, and being there in the moment with them when the belief begins. We work with individuals who come to us at a point and time in their respective lives where they do not believe that change for others is possible; let alone for themselves…throughout the process they eventually come to a point where they realize that change is not only possible, but achievable.”

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI

Assistant Clinical Director

Erika Melecio, LMHC, MCAP, CEI is the Assistant Clinical Director at Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic who specializes in the treatment of LGBTQ, addiction, as well as mental health disorders ranging from depression and anxiety, to Bipolar Disorder, trauma, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Erika utilizes a number of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness amongst others. Erika has been in practice for close to a decade and has earned her license in Mental Health Counseling, as well as being a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. Erika has worked with many individuals including couples counseling and family therapy, and is fluent in Spanish.
 
Throughout my years of practice, one of the things I enjoy helping people find is inner peace. Whether you are in the deepest parts of depression, overrun by your anxiety, controlled by your addiction, or there are certain issues in your life that are negatively impacting your ability to function, and have a happy, healthy life, maybe now is the time to talk about it. I am a big believer in empowerment, working hard in therapy, and utilizing different techniques to help you regain that inner peace that may have been lost along the way. I want to work with you as a team because with two people, absolutely everything is possible. I want to be there as a therapist, to help build you up, support you, but also help you be honest with yourself and accountable. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, my biggest goal for you is going to be simple….for you to no longer need my services. Why? Because if you no longer need my services, it means that you have regained your peace, you have regained your strength, you have regained your confidence. It means that you now have the tools to address any issues that try to derail you, and best of all, you will have the insight to overcome and thrive. So let’s begin this journey together, and get you to the place you want to be, emotionally, mentally, psychologically, and in your sobriety.

Aurelio Ayuso, MSW, LCSW, CAP, ICADC

Clinical Director

Aurelio has worked with those that suffer from the disease of addiction in adults and juveniles alike for over 10 years, beginning in the United States Navy where he proudly served for 20 years, working with those that were succumbed by addiction due to trauma and continuing his passion for helping those in need locally in Central Florida.

He specializes in both Addictions and Trauma, he has worked first as a therapist then as the clinical supervisor to both the Juvenile and Adult Drug Court programs in Brevard County. Aurelio has been instrumental in developing substance abuse treatment programs directly tailored to help those that also suffer from complex trauma due to their addiction. He has been recognized by several organizations for his forward thinking and ability to tailor treatment to individuals in the most restrictive environments.

Mr. Ayuso received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as Certified Addictions Professional in the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor. Aurelio specializes in the treatment of Addiction, Trauma, and Abandonment using strength based strategies deeply rooted in Solution Focused, and Mindfulness Therapies. At the Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic he passionately develops holistic curriculums that foster the belief that through addressing the mind, body, and spirit together, the Disease of Addiction can be addressed successfully.

Robert Lehmann, MHSA

Chief Operating Officer

Bob Lehmann is the Chief Operating Officer at the Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic. He has a Master’s Degree in Human Services Administration with a concentration in Mental Health Administration and over twenty-five years of experience as a senior executive at addiction and mental health treatment facilities.

One of the reasons for his commitment to excellence in addiction treatment was his experience related to family members who suffered from the disease of addiction. Bob has been actively involved in community organizations throughout his career. Recently he was one of the founders of the Florida Addiction Treatment Coalition (FATC) and is its present Vice President. FATC was designed to bring together treatment executives in Florida to advocate on behalf of treatment facilities and the clients they serve adhering to a foundation of integrity and service excellence.

Jose R. Toledo, M.D.

Medical Director

A well-rounded and accomplished individual, Jose R. Toledo, M.D., is the Medical Director of Neuro Psychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a neurologist with 25 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1991 on the Treasure Coast of Florida. He completed his neurology training at the State University of New York and his Fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh in Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology.

He also completed 24 months of acute inpatient psychiatry at the Western Missouri Mental Health Center, University of Missouri in Kansas City. In 2008, Dr. Toledo participated in and was certified in the continuing medical education activity entitled “Buprenorphine and Office-Based Treatment of Opioid Dependence” from The Medical University of South Carolina during which began his quest to found and head Neuropsychiatric Addiction Clinic.

Dr. Toledo is a brain specialist with particular competence in addiction medicine and out-patient detoxification treatment and integrates the fields seamlessly. He is certified to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone). He incorporates his background in neurology into the addiction field. Dr. Toledo is member/fellow of The American Medical Association, The Florida Medical Association and The American Society of Addiction Medicine