The Electric Zoo Festival in New York City was cancelled early this week due to two fatal MDMA overdoses. Since then, buzz has been circling around the web as to what molly is, and what its dangers are. Here are a few pieces of advice on using MDMA.
First off, don’t take it. That should be a no-brainer. However, addicts and alcoholics are rarely people willing to take anyone else’s advice unless it confirms their own, hence the need for this list. The reality, though, is that there is no “safe way” to take something that is inherently bad for you.
Stay Hydrated, (But Not Too Hydrated) on MDMA
One of the classic mainstays of not dying on MDMA is to stay hydrated. That’s accurate, solid advice, and really, you should be doing that anyways. It’s just good for you. However, because of the fears of getting dehydrated, some users go way over to the other end of the spectrum.
This is called dilutional hyponatremia, and it happens when your body has too much water, reducing the effectiveness of electrolytes. This, in turn, causes the cells in the body to swell, and therefore causes a variety of symptoms and systems in the body to malfunction. Death is a very real possibility.
To make matters worse, one of the first and most common symptoms of dilutional hyponatremia is thirst.
If you have to use the restroom, by all means, do it. Holding it, continuing to exert yourself, and drinking more water is asking for trouble.
Sodium and Electrolyte Intake on MDMA
If an addict is still feeling confident about taking the drug, there are some things you can do to help keep this at bay. Aside from monitoring water consumption, replacing electrolytes is key.
Drink Gatorade, coconut water, or other drink that contains sodium and natural nutrients. Alternatively, eating salty foods like pretzels can help fend it off as well. Yes, it is more expensive, but not compared to the hospital bills caused by falling into a coma.
Be aware that salt helps retain water, so this should be considered in regards to how much you drink.
If on MDMA, Take a Breather
Another concern with taking MDMA is hyperthermia. Like the name implies, it is the opposite of hypothermia; hyperthermia is when the body gets overheated.
The major danger with this is stroke and organ failure. Heat stroke can cause brain damage or be fatal, but organ failure is just as lethal and just as likely, if not more so.
It sounds obvious, and no pun intended, but it is a good idea to go chill out every now and then. Go outside. Sit in front of a fan. Splash some of that extra water on your face. Have a cigarette or something. Basically, do anything but exhaustive physical activity (like dancing).
You know that line of so-called “e-tards” sitting against the wall? Sure, they might be out of it, and most may barely be able to function (if at all), but it is a good idea to post up and grab a seat every now and then to keep your brain from cooking.
As stated before: there is no safe way to take MDMA. It is an all-too delicate balance that can be fatal or life-altering if it isn’t in that just-right, Goldie-Locks zone.
Do you have any advice for those still out there and using? Let’s hear it in the comments!
Dr. Warren Taff MD, graduated from the University of Birmingham, England School of Medicine, with a BA from Rutgers University. He then went on to UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles Health and Human Services and received an MPH. He also attended an internship in internal medicine, with the Veterans Administration. Dr. Taff’s residency includes General Psychiatry at USC, with elective residencies at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia, and Royal College of Psychiatry. Board certifications include American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Taff has extensive experience in both psychiatry and addiction medicine, extending from 1979 to present. He has held professional titles that include Chief of Staff and Medical Directorship in both hospitals and private sectors.
