Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions
Journal of Substance Use February 20, 2018 Khary K. Rigg, Amanda Sharp 42 citations
MDMA-related deaths are increasing in several countries, yet misinformation about their causes remains widespread. These deaths are often mislabeled as overdoses in media and government reports, implying they result from ingesting too high a dose. In reality, most MDMA-related deaths stem from hyperthermia, dehydration, drug interactions, or hyponatremia. Obscuring the true causes hinders effective drug education and risk reduction. This paper explores the issue by reviewing MDMA's history, summarizing international death rates, discussing contributing factors, and identifying promising interventions to reduce fatalities. The topic is timely given the resurgence of recreational MDMA use and renewed interest in its therapeutic potential.