Number of Americans who used ecstasy (MDMA) in the past year 2009-2023

In 2023, it was estimated that around 2.1 million people in the United States had used ecstasy, also known as MDMA or Molly, in the past year. MDMA is a synthetic drug that produces feelings of pleasure and emotional warmth, as well as increased empathy, energy, and sense of well-being. MDMA may also cause negative effects such as nausea, jaw clenching, chills, and disorganized thoughts, but deaths from MDMA overdose are rare. 

MDMA use in the United States

As of 2023, around 22.3 million people in the United States had used MDMA at some point in their lifetime. Furthermore, around 603 thousand people reported using MDMA in the past month. Although MDMA gained popularity as a club drug, it is now used by a wider range of people for different reasons. However, it’s use among high school students is still relatively rare. As of 2023, only 1.3 percent of U.S. students in grades 8, 10, and 12 reported that they had used MDMA in their lifetime. In comparison, around 23.1 percent of students said they had used marijuana in their lifetime. 

MDMA as therapy

In recent years there has been increased interest in using psychedelic drugs such as MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin to treat mental disorders. The use of these substances for mental health treatment is known as psychedelic therapy. Clinical trials are now being run to investigate the use of MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder. From 2000 to 2022, there were 13 clinical trials worldwide in phase two involving MDMA to treat PTSD.