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The Dangers of Mixing MDMA and Cocaine

Polysubstance abuse is the act of combining multiple drugs. Examples of this include drinking alcohol while taking prescription pills or combining different drugs like opioids and benzodiazepines.

Polysubstance abuse is incredibly dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all drug overdoses in 2022 involved the use of multiple substances.[1]

One type of polysubstance abuse is the combination of MDMA and cocaine. MDMA (ecstasy) acts as both a central nervous system stimulant and hallucinogen, while cocaine is a potent stimulant drug. Mixing these substances increases the risk of dangerous side effects, including stroke, heart complications, liver damage, and more.

If you or a loved one mixes cocaine and ecstasy, you should seek help from a drug rehab center. Both substances are addictive and can lead to long-term health risks. An addiction treatment program like the Mandala Healing Center can help you achieve long-term sobriety.

In this article, you will learn:

What is MDMA
What is cocaine
What are the risks of mixing cocaine and MDMA

What is MDMA (Ecstasy)?

MDMA or ecstasy is a synthetic drug that has stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. When abused, it can cause increased energy, distorted sensory perception, euphoria, and more. It has no medical uses in the United States and is considered a Schedule I drug.[2]

The effects of MDMA include:[3]

Dilated pupils
Tingly sensations
Euphoria
Increased energy
Grinding of the jaw
Increased body temperature
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Excessive sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Anxiety and panic attacks
Increased empathy, sensuality, and affection for others

MDMA is often abused in the club, rave, or party scene. While it can cause pleasurable symptoms, it is potentially dangerous to abuse. Taking large amounts of it or mixing it with other drugs increases your risk of overdose.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a central nervous system stimulant that causes increased energy, euphoria, talkativeness, and more. This substance comes as a white powder and is derived from the coca plant found in South America.

Cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug, as it can be administered for medical use despite its high potential for abuse and addiction.[4] Doctors may use it for local anesthesia in eye, ear, and throat surgeries. That said, it is not commonly used because of the risks cocaine poses.

The effects of cocaine might include:

A rush of euphoria
Increased energy and focus
Talkativeness
Mental alertness
Hypersensitivity to sight, sound, and touch
Lessened need for food and sleep
Anxiety and paranoia
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Heightened body temperature
Dilated pupils
Excessive sweating and shaking

Cocaine typically only lasts 30 minutes, which means people tend to binge on it. Taking large amounts of cocaine in a short period increases the risk of overdose. If you believe you or a loved one is overdosing, contact 911 immediately.

What are the Dangers of Mixing Cocaine and Ecstasy?

When people mix MDMA and cocaine, they might refer to the combination as “bumping up” or “cloud mind.” It is a common mixture among people in the rave, club, and party scene, as it increases euphoria and energy while enhancing sexual experiences. That said, combining these drugs can lead to numerous health risks to the user.

The dangers and effects of mixing cocaine and ecstasy may include:

Addiction

Ecstasy and cocaine are both addictive drugs. When you combine them, your chances of developing a substance use disorder increase. Signs of addiction might include having a hard time controlling how much ecstasy or cocaine you use, experiencing cravings, having to increase your dose of the substances, and dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them.

Hyperthermia

Both MDMA and cocaine increase your body temperature. Mixing these substances can cause you to experience hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature that can be life-threatening.[5]

Stroke

MDMA and cocaine are both known to increase your risk of experiencing a stroke.[6] To explain, a stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow is cut off from the brain. Symptoms may include dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, and cognitive issues.

Heart Complications

Cocaine and MDMA both lead to an increased heart rate and heightened blood pressure. When combined, they can cause tachycardia, arrhythmias, or even cardiac arrest.[7]

Cognitive and Mental Health Issues

Regularly combining ecstasy and cocaine can lead to a variety of cognitive problems. For example, you could experience difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and impaired cognitive function.[8] This combination of drugs can also lead to worsened mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Liver Damage

Combining ecstasy and cocaine can lead to liver damage in a couple of ways. First, both substances can lead to hyperthermia, which can injure the liver.[9]

Additionally, these substances are metabolized by the liver. Using them frequently can cause damage as your liver has a hard time processing them.

Find Help for MDMA and Cocaine Abuse

If you or a loved one frequently combines MDMA and cocaine, you might have a substance use disorder. It is extremely easy to become addicted to this combination of drugs. While addiction can be difficult to overcome, drug rehab can help you achieve long-term sobriety.

At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer a comprehensive addiction treatment program. You will participate in medical detox, evidence-based therapies, holistic services, relapse prevention planning, and more. Additionally, we use a compassionate approach to treatment that makes it easy for you to open up about the struggles you are facing.

Why Choose The Mandala Healing Center? Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.

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