Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

October 7th, 2025

Ecstasy detox

Many people see ecstasy as a “party drug” that is harmless and not addictive. But behind the short-lived highs are very serious risks to your health, including a real risk of addiction. Many people underestimate the impact of ecstasy until they find that they can’t live without it. Before long, ecstasy addiction can start to affect your sleep, mood, memory, relationships and even your long-term mental health. Ecstasy detox is the first step to resetting your life, repairing any harm already done and preparing for the subsequent phases of ecstasy rehab treatment.

What is ecstasy detox?

Ecstasy detox, which takes place during the primary care programme at UKAT, in the simplest sense, is when you stop taking MDMA so your body can process all the remaining drugs and toxins that have built up inside you. This first stage of recovery is crucial because it helps resolve acute dependence before you start therapy and look at underlying struggles.

Ecstasy changes the way your serotonin system works, which is a chemical in your brain that controls your mood, sleep and memory. Once your brain gets used to having ecstasy in your system, those changes become your “normal state”, so taking ecstasy away leaves the brain struggling to readjust. On top of that, many people develop a psychological habit of using ecstasy to feel confident or enjoy nights out, making quitting even more difficult.

If you have tried to stop before, you may already know how intense ecstasy withdrawal can feel and may have relapsed because of the symptoms. This can be very frustrating, but if you have the right knowledge and a team of experts guiding you, the chances of getting through withdrawal increase dramatically.

How to detox safely from ecstasy

Detoxing from drugs like ecstasy on your own can be a tough and risky experience, but doing it like this is far more dangerous and exhausting than it needs to be. At UKAT, ecstasy detox is delivered by experienced teams who know how challenging the process can be. We run nine rehab centres across the UK that provide tailored inpatient ecstasy detox programmes.

Our teams include doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists and other caring staff who work together from the day you arrive until you leave. Because each centre offers slightly different support, we encourage you to get in touch so we can guide you to the best option. We will support you through withdrawal and guide you straight into therapy, giving you all you need for sustained recovery.

When you arrive, you will have a full check-up so we know exactly what you need. Our doctors will ask about how much ecstasy you have been using, whether you’ve also been drinking or taking other drugs, and if this is your first time trying to quit. We will also look at your physical and mental health so your detox plan covers everything that matters.

Once detox starts, if your withdrawal symptoms change, your plan can change too. That may mean more emotional support, medication for anxiety or insomnia, or just making sure you are eating and drinking enough.

The moment you’re through the worst of withdrawal, you will then move straight into therapy without needing to leave the centre.

What are the benefits of ecstasy detox?

If you have been using ecstasy for a while, you are probably already at the point where the “fun” doesn’t feel the same anymore. The comedowns often last for days on end, and your energy and thinking can decrease significantly, making it harder and harder to keep up with everyday life. Even if you only take ecstasy now and then, a break can make a huge difference and make you feel more like yourself.

If you are addicted to ecstasy, one of the biggest dangers is the effects on your mental health. Heavy ecstasy abuse can cause depression, anxiety, paranoia, mood swings and constant memory problems. Ecstasy detox can help your brain recover and prevent any dangerous complications like deep depression and suicidal thoughts.

Regular ecstasy use can also cause exhaustion, dehydration, sleep disruption and even damage to the heart or kidneys. Stopping gives your body time to repair, with improvements in energy, hydration, sleep quality and overall physical wellbeing all being seen in just a few weeks.

Ecstasy abuse can also cause distance with friends or family, due to late nights, financial problems, risky behaviour or secrecy. Detox is the first step to repairing trust and reconnecting with the people who matter most.

Many people also mix ecstasy with alcohol and other stimulants or take depressants to help with the comedowns. All of these raise the risk of dangerous reactions, overdoses, and a multi-substance addiction. Ecstasy detox helps reduce these risks, so you are not putting yourself in danger.

What is ecstasy withdrawal?

Ecstasy withdrawal is what we call the reactions of your brain and body to detox. It happens mostly because of sudden changes in serotonin levels and lasts until all the drugs are out of your system and your brain has remembered how to work without ecstasy.

Psychological ecstasy withdrawal symptoms often include:

Feeling depressed or hopeless
Anxiety
Irritability
Cravings to use again just to feel normal
Struggling to concentrate or remember things
Feeling like you can’t socialise or enjoy yourself without ecstasy

Physical ecstasy withdrawal symptoms include:

Tiredness
A complete lack of motivation
Restless nights
Vivid dreams
No appetite
Headaches, muscle aches and stiffness
Sweating
Dehydration

If you have been mixing ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs, withdrawal can be even more unpredictable and sometimes dangerous. With proper support, though, these symptoms can be managed, and you will have a much better chance of staying on track.

How long does it take to detox from ecstasy?

Predicting the exact symptoms of ecstasy detox and ecstasy withdrawal timeline is not an exact science because everyone has a slightly different reaction. However, there are some common patterns which can help both you and our team to prepare:

Day one

Within just hours of stopping, you may already start feeling flat, anxious or restless. Even though you are really tired, it can feel impossible to sleep, and you may have no appetite at all.

Days two to three

This is when the withdrawal symptoms are at their strongest, and you will likely feel extremely anxious, irritable and like you want to give up. It can be really hard to concentrate on anything at this point other than cravings, and this is when a lot of people who detox alone end up relapsing.

Days four to seven

At the end of the first week, cravings and symptoms continue, but should feel less intense than before. However, it is important not to get complacent during this stage because, while you are already over the worst of it, things can change suddenly.

Week two and beyond

Things should really start to improve now as your energy starts to return, you can sleep better, and you should feel generally happier in yourself. As you come to the end of week two, you should be able to begin some early therapy while your detox team makes sure there are no sudden setbacks.

What ecstasy withdrawal medication is available?

There isn’t a magic pill that clears ecstasy from your body with no discomfort, but doctors can prescribe different medicines to make the withdrawal stage much easier to cope with.

Here is how medication for ecstasy withdrawal can help:

Mood support: If withdrawal leaves you feeling anxious, depressed or on edge, short-term medication can help take the edge off so it doesn’t all become too much.
Sleep aids: Trouble sleeping and strange dreams are very common ecstasy withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, mild sleeping tablets may be used so you can get proper rest.
Craving management: While no medicine stops cravings completely, certain prescriptions could potentially reduce their strength and make them easier to ride out.
For agitation or paranoia: If ecstasy withdrawal makes you feel especially unsettled or paranoid, medication can calm your system and keep you safe.
Supplements and hydration: Because ecstasy often drains your body, vitamins, minerals and fluids may be given to help you bounce back faster.

Not everyone will need medication, but our doctors will assess your individual needs and decide whether they can help you. If you also have a prescription for another condition, our detox teams will make sure you get your medicine at the right times every day.

Tips for a successful ecstasy detox

Detoxing from ecstasy can feel daunting, but the right choices and support can make the process much smoother. Here are five key tips that can help you get through withdrawal safely and set yourself up for long-term recovery:

Choose inpatient ecstasy detox for the best chance of success

The single most important step you can take is to detox in a professional, inpatient centre. At home, it is far too easy to relapse when withdrawal symptoms hit, and in serious but rare cases, it could be dangerous. Ecstasy detox at a UKAT centre removes you from triggers, provides professional planning and support, and moves you straight into therapy once withdrawal is over.

Be honest in your medical assessment

For effective detox planning, it is vital that you are open about how much ecstasy you have been using, what else you have been taking, and any mental health struggles that could complicate things.

Stay nourished and hydrated

Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids during ecstasy detox helps your system recover more quickly and gives you more strength to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

Lean on support

UKAT centres team a range of medical professionals, therapists and support staff who are there to help you through the tough days. The make-up of these teams can vary, so contact us directly and we will discuss your needs and which centre can best cater for them.

Think beyond detox

Detox effectively clears ecstasy from your body, but it doesn’t deal with the reasons you became so reliant on it. Therapy, aftercare and relapse prevention are just as important, and UKAT centres provide all of these in one complete treatment plan.

Contact us today to begin inpatient ecstasy detox

You may feel stuck right now, but ecstasy detox can be the start of real and lasting change. UKAT’s teams have helped so many people let go of ecstasy and reclaim their lives, and we can do the same for you. Call us today to begin your detox journey or simply to find out more about how we can help. Together, we will take the pathway to recovery, one step at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol whilst detoxing from ecstasy?

You will not be able to drink any alcohol while detoxing from ecstasy as this is an addictive substance. In addition, to feel the full benefits of the detox, you mustn’t take any mood-altering substances whilst in detox. Such an interaction could cause brain damage or lead to a fatal overdose.

Can I take Xanax whilst withdrawing from ecstasy?

The only medications you should take when withdrawing from ecstasy are those prescribed by a doctor, psychiatrist, or medical professional.

Is there an ecstasy withdrawal kit I can buy?

There are no specifications available for detox kits for ecstasy at present; however, some drug detox kits are available, at varied prices. Unfortunately, they are ineffective, unsafe and impersonal. By enrolling in a detox programme, you will receive the personal medical care and attention that a detox kit cannot provide.

Why does ecstasy withdrawal lead to teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding (also called bruxism) is common both during ecstasy use and withdrawal. Ecstasy overstimulates the nervous system and changes how your muscles work, which can leave your jaw tight and your teeth clenched. When you stop taking it, your body is trying to rebalance, and the jaw muscles can still spasm or clench out of habit. This will ease up as your system recovers.

Can ecstasy withdrawal result in vivid or unsettling dreams?

Yes, ecstasy disrupts your natural sleep cycles while you are using it, so when you stop, your brain has to reset how you move through the different stages of sleep. This often brings a period of very intense, colourful or disturbing dreams. While it can be unpleasant, it is a sign that your sleep cycle is repairing itself, and these dreams usually settle down as your body adjusts.

Why might ecstasy withdrawal cause eye twitches or spasms?

Eye twitches may be linked to how ecstasy affects the brain chemicals that control muscle movement. Withdrawal can leave these chemicals out of balance for a while, leading to small spasms or flickers in the muscles around your eyes. Dehydration, tiredness and stress, all of which are also common in withdrawal, can also make it worse. The good news is that these twitches are usually temporary and fade as your body gets back to normal.