This blog has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, who has over 30 years’ experience helping individuals overcome various forms of addiction. Rehabs UK is a leading authority in addiction treatment and recovery and offers a range of connected services and support, including detox and rehabilitation programmes and therapy.

According to the Office for National Statistics, MDMA-related deaths have increased from 56 in 2021 to 67 in 2022. Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK states: “The rise of MDMA deaths is linked to the drug purity and lack of user awareness.” However, MDMA deaths are still less common than other substances such as opioids.

Ecstasy-related Deaths in the UK - a look at the data

The rise in ecstasy-related deaths has been attributed to more potent ecstasy pills and, in some cases, dangerous adulterants in pills. This trend reflects both the increased availability of high-potency MDMA pills and the rise in drug use post-pandemic.

Over the last decade, MDMA-related fatalities have fluctuated, peaking in 2016, but the general trend since 2020 has been upward. The highest number in the past decade occurred in 2020 with 81 fatalities.

What makes MDMA so dangerous?

MDMA can be extremely dangerous due to a multitude of effects on the human body:

• Heart function
• Body temperature regulation
• Hydration levels.

The higher the dose the more likely the risk to overdose, it is also more common to overdose when MDMA is mixed with other substances. There are often purity concerns with what it has been mixed/cut with especially after more adulterated pills entered the market.

Dr Tara Shivaji, consultant at Public Health Scotland, said: "The information on the different types of ecstasy pills seized and recovered has come from Police Scotland. MDMA, a substance commonly found in ecstasy, is also available in crystal and powder form.

"MDMA has been implicated in a number of deaths across the whole of Scotland in 2023."

Even with these risks, MDMA deaths occur less frequently than others such as alcohol, cocaine and opioids.

She added: "It is fair to conclude that the design and branding of MDMA tablets is made with attractiveness to young people in mind.

"The branding it is not a sign of quality, or an indicator of a guarantee of effect, and it is unlikely to be helpful in reducing risk."

The UK’s History with MDMA

MDMA has been a part of the UK rave scene since the late 1980’s which is when it started to appear in the UK. Even to this day the drug has a huge presence at festivals due to the euphoric effects many feel after consuming the drug. Over time, MDMA’s usage grew due to the range of variations this drug can take. What is being done to prevent ecstasy-related deaths in the UK?

In recent years a lot more is being done to help prevent ecstasy deaths in the UK.

With the drug being so prominent within the party scene there has been a lot of focus on harm reduction strategies. For example, charity programmes like ‘The Loop’ allow individuals to test their drug’s purity at festivals.

There are continued talks on whether current drug reforms should highlight harm reduction even more which could be beneficial to reducing the ecstasy deaths. There have been a lot more public education campaigns and more access to addiction support services. However, Lester Morse comments: “The harm minimisation is all well and good but it isn’t stopping the addiction at the root.”

A move towards harm reduction and person-centric strategies

Rehabs UK believes that harm reduction can be beneficial in some cases although with the main goal being to combat addiction and death, harm reduction isn’t always the best method.

Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK says that more needs to be done with the UK’s existing drug policies and more accessibility for treatment options.

As well as more funding for rehab facilities; In Scotland the implementation of consumption rooms has just come into force providing a safe environment for the individual.

However, when you look at places such as Vancouver who have had decriminalisation and consumption rooms for years and the drug problem is worse than ever. Drug awareness and education should be a priority when looking at the future.

Ecstasy and addiction

While MDMA is less addictive than drugs such as cocaine or heroin, it is still an addictive substance and repeated use can lead to an addictive dependency and serious long-term cognitive issues. Find out more about symptoms and treatments on our ecstasy addiction page.

If you or a loved one are worried about MDMA or ecstasy additions, please do not hesitate to contact our fully trained treatment advisors.