You may not be familiar with the drug type empathogen, but you have likely heard of drugs in that particular class. Substances such as ecstasy are empathogens, a drug that’s main characteristic is that it promotes feelings of openness and empathy in a person taking it.
Ecstasy is perhaps the most well-known empathogen, with around 1.2% of adults between 16 and 59 in England and Wales reported to have used it last year, which equals around 400,000 people.
These drugs are commonly used, and while they may have some benefits that are being explored, they can be dangerous too. We’re going to look at empathogens in greater detail, what some common ones are, and what the effects and risks of them are.
What Are Empathogens?
Empathogens are a class of psychoactive drugs that enhance feelings of empathy and emotional openness, and make those who take them feel more connected to those around them. Because of these effects, they are usually taken in settings like clubs, raves and festivals to attempt to enhance the experience.
Sometimes, these drugs are confused with stimulants and psychedelics because empathogens have stimulant and perception-altering effects. Empathogens are different because the main effects are on emotion and socialisation, due to the heavy release of dopamine and serotonin.
These are two important neurotransmitters. Dopamine is involved in driving motivation and pleasure when it is released, whilst serotonin is important for regulating your mood.
Common Types of Empathogens
Empathogens are the wider name for many drugs that you may be more familiar with individually, which all produce similar effects.
MDMA
MDMA is another name for ecstasy, and can also be known as “molly”. It usually comes in a tablet form, taking about 20 minutes to kick in and lasting for up to 4 hours.
After taking it, you’ll likely feel happy, affectionate and social with those around you and have more energy.
MDA
MDA is closely related to MDMA, a byproduct that is created when the latter is broken down in your body. It is known as “sally” and produces the same euphoric and energising effects as MDMA but can create stronger hallucinogenic effects.
MDA typically comes in the form of tablets you swallow or crystal powder that you snort.
Mephedrone
Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant known as M-CAT or meow. It is both a stimulant and an empathogen because whilst it can produce energising effects and make you feel more alert, users will also experience the same empathic effects as MDMA.
It is typically snorted but can also be wrapped in paper and swallowed, which is known as bombing.
Ethylone
Ethylone is a synthetic cathinone, a type of stimulant, that is also an empathogen. It is a type of “bath salt”, a string of designer drugs that can sometimes be falsely sold as MDMA.
It can come as clear crystals or powder that you snort and produces the same feeling of being connected to others like all empathogens.
Effects of Empathogens
People use empathogens for the short-term effects.
Common effects that people experience whilst on empathogens include:
- Having more energy
- Feeling connected, having “love” for those around you
- Becoming chattier and more uninhibited
- Dilated pupils
- Tingling sensations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling warm
Some of the effects of empathogens have made them a subject of research. Trials of using MDMA in therapy have shown positive results in treating those with PTSD.
This type of use of MDMA and other empathogens is still in the early stages, and the dangers of these drugs have not been ignored.
Risks and Dangers
MDMA accounts for 94% of drug-related deaths in club settings over the last 15 years. Whilst MDMA and other empathogens can make you feel more open and love those around you, they can be dangerous substances to use.
Common dangers of empathogens include developing an addiction, severe anxiety and panic when on the substance, and putting more strain on your heart.
The most immediate risks of using empathogens are what they do to your body temperature and serotonin levels.
Overheating and Dehydration
Empathogens can raise your core body temperature as your metabolism increases. With the more energy you feel, you move around more, raising your body temperature significantly.
This will also cause you to sweat more, causing dehydration. All this can lead to hyperthermia, a serious condition of your body temperature being too high, which can lead to heatstroke and become a life-threatening emergency.
Serotonin Syndrome
Empathogens cause a rise in your natural serotonin levels. Whilst you naturally produce serotonin, too much of it can lead to serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening condition. When too much serotonin is in your system, it overactivates it, causing a range of symptoms such as diarrhoea or nausea or more severe ones like confusion, muscle rigidity and seizures.
Signs of Empathogen Misuse
People who use empathogens regularly can eventually develop an addiction as their tolerance builds and they become psychologically dependent on the substance to function normally.
To avoid the worst dangers, it’s important to act sooner rather than later. Knowing the signs of empathogen misuse can help you achieve a more positive outcome.
Signs of empathogen misuse to be aware of include:
- Using empathogens more regularly
- Taking more than before
- Attempting to cut down/stop and being unable to
- Continuing to use empathogens despite negative consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Getting cravings
- Withdrawing from people you love and neglecting daily responsibilities
Drug addiction won’t improve on its own. If you are struggling, you should know you are not alone, and help is out there.
Getting Help
You may think that only if you are using empathogens regularly do you need professional help. That is not always the case; even infrequent use can carry serious risk. These drugs may have benefits in controlled, medical settings, but they should not be misused.
Residential addiction treatment can help you overcome your empathogen use, helping you to become a healthier and drug-free person.
With professional help, you can undergo a safe and medically assisted detox to get physically clean and participate in various therapies and treatment to better understand your use of empathogens and learn healthier coping skills.
Beyond professional treatment, you can connect to others who are going through what you are. Through this connection, you may become more open and empathetic, which may be what you liked about using empathogens in the first place.
Concerned about Empathogen Use? Get Professional Support Today
Empathogens can be dangerous drugs to use, even infrequently. If you are worried about empathogens or your wider drug use, you don’t have to suffer alone. Professional help is available, and today may be the time to take that step towards getting the support you need.
For confidential advice and more information about empathogens and treatment options, talk to the team at Rehab Clinics Group today.
