Eli5 why does ecstasy or mdma make you feel happy and euphoric?
In: 8
Good question.
MDMA and ecstasy are used interchangeably since they’re both the same drug. One is in HCI form as a crystal and the other is pressed into pills mixed with enhancing agents, fillers and binders. Some of these are what makes pills dangerous rather than the drug itself – although risks apply when taken in any form.
The euphoria specifically is an all-encompassing, radiating pulse of pleasurable sensations. This is due to a rapid and highly charged release of serotonin to post-synaptic receptors, saturating and stimulating them to produce psychological and physiological feelings of bliss.
The stimulation and arousal aspect is due to the same principals but for the neurotransmitters dopamine and adrenaline. Having all three euphoria-inducing catecholamines in an elevated state, so quickly and (in new users) so profoundly is the reason why we feel happy and euphoric on MDMA / ecstasy.
Important info also if you’re or thinking of trying the drug… MDMA is not physically addictive to the human body, but may cause psychological dependence in some people. Many users experience temporary but sometimes severe depressive symptoms for a few days after use. Use responsibly. Do not use more than once every 3-6 months, or preferably longer. Tolerance builds quickly to the euphoric, stimulating and empathy benefits in regular, and especially chronic users. Tolerance is the most complex of most drugs and remains indefinitely once developed. To further my point, abusing MDMA heavily will affect your ability to feel the benefits of any other stimulant since it damages all three of the avenues that other ones use to exert their effects.
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