How Hard is it to Beat Ecstasy Addiction

Overcoming drug addiction is not an easy endeavor. Not only does it take a strong willingness to beat the addiction on a psychological level, but most drugs also have a physically addictive element that must be overcome so that the person can better utilize the rehabilitation process. It is one thing to try and work on a psychological cure for an addict, but when their body is actually craving the drug, the healing process becomes that much more difficult. Drugs that possess a psychoactive element become even harder to overcome because there is a fundamental change in the addict’s brain chemistry that must be corrected. This altering of the addict’s brain chemistry is one reason why ecstasy addiction can be a hard habit to kick.

 

What is Ecstasy?

Otherwise known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that creates similar effects as amphetamine and mescaline. This combination of stimulant (amphetamine) and hallucinogen (mescaline) produces a potent combination of effects that include increased energy, emotional changes such as euphoria and sensory distortions. These effects are created by ecstasy affecting the levels of several neurotransmitters contained in the brain. The release of these chemicals is responsible for the feelings of euphoria and positive feelings the ecstasy user feels. Unfortunately, the surge in these neurotransmitters results in a depletion of these chemicals once the effects of the ecstasy wear off leading to negative sides effects such as “foggy brain,” depression, sleep disruption, feelings of anxiousness, and worst of all, drug cravings. This last item poses the biggest problem for those trying to kick the ecstasy habit.

 

Beating the Addiction

Getting out from under ecstasy addiction can be a difficult experience, especially if the addict has a substantial addiction. Since ecstasy works by changing the chemistry of the brain, detoxifying the patient is a primary step. As the addict goes through withdrawal, they can expect to suffer from some of the following effects: Insomnia, depression, loss of appetite, anxiety and, in severe cases, paranoid delusions; however, most qualified drug rehabs have the experience and skills needed to help the addict. Since ecstasy’s effect on the brain is similar to other addictive drugs, rehab therapies can be easily geared towards the ecstasy addict’s needs. The rehab facility has the means to help the addict work through both the physical and psychological effects of their addiction. Utilizing tried and true therapy practices, the ecstasy addict can expect a variety of techniques aimed at helping them resolve their addiction issues. From individual therapy sessions to group therapy meetings, the addict will receive the necessary psychological support they require to build a solid recovery foundation. Another very important technique covered is relapse-prevention instruction. This is vital because the urge to relapse will be strong once the ecstasy addict has freedom outside the rehab environment. Getting an addict to stop their ecstasy use is important because studies have shown that the use of the drug will cause physical damage to the addict’s brain over time. Studies have shown that ecstasy causes degeneration of the brain’s neurons that contain the neurotransmitter dopamine. Damage to this neurotransmitter can cause symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease (muscle tremors, loss of motor control and paralysis). Compounding the problems caused by the basic elements in ecstasy are the other drugs sometimes mixed into the ecstasy by illicit manufacturers. These additional chemicals can produce their own toxic side effects that can cause serious negative health effects. Getting the addict off ecstasy and on to the road to recovery will not be easy, but there are rehab facilities prepared to help the addict take the first step. Meta: How hard is it to beat ecstasy addiction? Getting an ecstasy addict to stop their ecstasy use is not an easy task, but it is one that can save their life.

How Drug Rehabilitation Can Help Ecstasy Addicts

It is not a surprise to hear that drug use is common in parties. Marijuana and cocaine was formerly the drug of choice. Nowadays, ecstasy has become the new favorite among dance clubs and rave parties. It is harmful on its own. It can even be deadlier, when mixed with alcohol. In fact, the emergencies involving ecstasy has reached an alarming 1200% from the time it became a club drug.

 

The Dangers of Using Ecstasy

• During the mid ‘90s, below 10% of ecstasy that was offered in the market were made of pure MDMA. Nowadays, those who take ecstasy use a combination of various drugs and even toxic substances.
• According to users, the effect of ecstasy is reduced after taking it for the first time. So, the dosage has to be increased each time, to feel the same effects. When they no longer get the desired effect, ecstasy users, also go for other drugs, which may even be more harmful.
• As one often uses ecstasy, his/her body builds tolerance to the drug. This so-called “coming down” causes physical and mental pain. To cope with this, a user turns to heroin or cocaine. Studies reveal that ecstasy users also take other drugs at the same time which is even more dangerous.
• The misconception that ecstasy makes users feel happy, makes them take it all the more. They continue to do so despite the unpleasant effects it gives.
• Most deaths, which involve the use of ecstasy, are caused by overheating. This drug affects the ability of the body to regulate its temperature. It does not show any sign of discomfort, especially while the user is dancing for hours. So, there is no way to see the danger involved in taking this. Worse of all, a user may have a severe heatstroke when the body temperature reaches 41 deg to 42 deg C. This can cause non-stop bleeding, kidney and liver failure, and even worse, death.
• Those who are worried about overheating may drink water in excessive amounts to prevent this. However, this will cause disturbance in their sodium balance. This will result to swelling of their organs. This has a very dangerous effect on the brain, which may lead to comatose and death.
• Severe users can have a feeling of floating or flying, and this may affect their coordination. They are more prone to accidents.
• They feel sick in their stomach, which can cause nausea and vomiting. Severe vomiting can be damaging to the esophagus’ lining.

 

The Hard Facts about Ecstasy

There is one death for every million of users in the United States. A majority of deaths that are related to ecstasy have something to do with overheating and alcohol use, which is evident in nightclubs.

 

Treatment of Ecstasy Addition

Drug rehabilitation centers are the best solution for ecstasy addition. Former ecstasy users who have been treated here were more successful at quitting and remaining sober, as compared to those who have chosen to do it on their own. They go through medically-supervised detox to ease and even get rid of their withdrawal symptoms. They can overcome their ecstasy addiction with the help of professional treatment counselors and also, recovering addicts.

 

Ecstacy Abuse Treatment

At times, it is too late when a person realizes the ecstasy dangers. Most of the inexperienced users are those who suffer from fatalities since they are not aware of how their body will respond to it. Ecstasy addiction can only be treated effectively through professional ecstacy abuse treatment. Meta: How drug rehabilitation can help ecstasy addicts is by giving them the best solution for recovery through effective and ecstasy addiction treatment.

Why Ecstasy is Such a Dangerous Drug

Often considered a "safe drug", ecstasy has many hidden dangers that aren't immediately apparent. A party drug, or "designer drug", it is popular among young adults active in the party and rave scene . Referred to by many names including X, E, and XTC among others, the pill gives the user a feeling of euphoria as well as decreasing inhibitions. While the drug is not as physically addicting as other illegal drugs, ecstasy addiction is well documented and its use has several short term and long term dangers, many of which have the possibility of death.

Lack of Regulation

Ecstasy is federally classified as a Schedule 1 drug, along with many other illegal substances. As such, the sale of it is unregulated and occasionally it is mixed with other substances before being sold on the street. Contamination with other substances can lead to serious side effects and many deaths have been traced to batches of contaminated ecstasy pills. While efforts are made to trace down the sources of contaminated ecstasy, it is often too late to prevent loss of life.

Short-Term Effects

Ecstasy users generally begin to feel the effect of ecstasy within 20 minutes of taking the pill. The high generally increases for one to two hours and then wears off several hours later. During the high, users have an increased amount of energy, feel euphoric and will experience an altered perception of time. Other reported effects are mania, hallucinations, increased self-confidence, and hyper-physical sensitivity. Other physical effects include difficulty concentrating, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and loss of appetite. Due to the fact that ecstasy is most often used in a party or rave situation, overheating is a common side effect, and in the most extreme cases heatstroke can occur, leading to death. Extended periods of dancing can lead to severe dehydration, hyperthermia and a rise in body temperature. An increase in body temperature can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure.

The addition of alcohol use with ecstasy worsens the dehydration and can increase the risk of overheating. Hyponatremia, also called "water intoxication" is another risk associated with ecstasy use. Hyponatremia occurs when excessive water is consumed without the proper balance of electrolytes. This can occur in situations where ecstasy is used in a sedentary situation or when users are dancing hard, consuming a lot of water, but not eating anything due to decreased appetite caused by the drug. In the most extreme cases, hyponatremia can cause death. Because ecstasy will lead to decreased inhibitions and a feeling of connectedness to others, users often partake in activities that they would avoid when not high on the drug.

Long-Term Effects

The long-term effects of ecstasy use are still being studied but it has already been linked to long-term changes in brain chemistry. It is believed that ecstasy reduces the concentration of serotonin transporters in the brain, the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness. Oftentimes the brain cannot recover from damage caused by the long-term use ecstasy and people with ecstasy addictions suffer from a lifetime of emotional and mental problems such as depression and anxiety even after the user has quit using the drug.

Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy is not a physically addicting drug like other illegal substances such as methamphetamine and cocaine, but users often become psychologically addicted to the high associated with the drug. While it has fewer deaths associated with it than many other illegal drugs, ecstasy is far from the safe drug that many consider it to be.

How Rehab Programs Treat Ecstasy Addicts

 

What is Ecstasy

Ecstasy -- the drug of choice for the ultimate rave party. This drug is known to cause a quick high that may be accompanied by feelings of warmth as well as the occasional hallucination. Unfortunately, it is also known to cause some nasty side effects, including severe anxiety, rapid heart rate and problems with body temperature control. When taken in combination with other illicit substances (as ecstasy almost always is), these problems can be made all the more severe.

Although not abused on nearly the same widespread level as alcohol or marijuana, ecstasy continues to serve a significant problem in a number of drug-riddled communities. Also known as MDMA, the synthetic substance is believed to create a high similar to that found in many hallucinogens. This is accomplished through interference with the body's natural levels of such neurotransmitters as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Is Ecstasy Addictive?

Researchers disagree as to whether the addictive element in ecstasy can be considered on the same level of that for other illicit drugs. Any addictive response that does occur is largely a result of rapid alterations in brain chemistry -- especially the quick increases in norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin that occur following consumption of the substance. Surges in serotonin are most likely to be responsible for increased cravings that ecstasy users may begin to experience. However, unlike with opioids and other illicit substances, immediate cessation of ecstasy rarely causes significant withdrawal symptoms. Heavy users are most likely to experience cravings and heightened anxiety in the aftermath of drug cessation.

Treating Ecstasy Addicts In Rehab

Ecstasy abusers who find themselves genuinely addicted to the drug may require some assistance as they attempt to secure full sobriety. MDMA is not as physically addictive as other drugs focused on in rehabilitation centers, which is why the majority of the rehab experience is focused less on the elimination of withdrawal symptoms (which often do not occur at all) and more on the psychological struggle of giving up the drug.

Frequent users of ecstasy may have to be monitored as they begin treatment, for, unfortunately, a common side effect of this substance involves hallucinations occurring long after the drug has been completely out of the user's system. When these hallucinations occur in the relative safety and security of a drug rehab program, they generally are not all that dangerous. It is the hallucination in the midst of operating a motor vehicle that is most often responsible for causing severe injury and even death.

Once any potential withdrawal symptoms have been taken care of, the patient is then ready to begin an intensive round of therapy aimed at treating any problems that might have initially led to addiction. There is a high rate of correlation between addiction to illicit substances and depression, so in many situations, the therapy provided at rehab may be the perfect opportunity to address this highly significant addiction trigger.

Outpatient Treatment For Ecstasy Addiction

Once the initial difficulties related to sobriety have been dealt with successfully, it is time for the patient to move on to some sort of follow-up care. Extensive research shows that those in recovery from addiction are far more likely to stay sober if they taper their full-time treatment into less intensive outpatient programs. Some level of medical monitoring may take during outpatient treatment to ensure that the recovering addict is functioning on a physical level. However, the bulk of the outpatient process is dedicated to one-on-one sessions with counselors, as well as participation in larger therapy groups.

To the outsider, ecstasy might seem like an exciting drug worth trying for that notorious high. But the addicted abuser knows better; ecstasy dependence is rough on both the body and mind. Rehabilitation centers targeted at ecstasy abusers can ease the burden on the struggling patient, making recovery seem like less of an impossibility and more of a soon-to-be-achieved reality. And when combined with some variety of outpatient aftercare, this model can be one of the most effective at minimizing the potential for relapse. Ecstasy addiction need not ever be a permanent condition!

Why ecstasy became such a popular drug

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug used at parties and all-night raves by users to get high, and is often called the “club drug.” Ecstasy is a central nervous system stimulant that causes an overwhelming rush of feelings in the user and can also lead to hallucinations. It is called a “designer drug” because its primary purpose is to make someone high, and the high it creates can last up to 6 hours. Ecstasy became popular in as a recreational drug in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although used primarily as a party drug at clubs and raves, ecstasy has become a popular house-party drug and dorm drug.

Ecstasy Use

Ecstasy is found in pill, tablet or capsule form. The drug can be swallowed or ground into a powder and snorted. Some users take more than one pill at a time. This is called “bumping,” and increases the intensity of the high produced. Ecstasy side effects include:

• Increased heart rate
• Dry mouth
• Clenched teeth
• Blurred vision
•  Chills
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Confusion and paranoia
• Brain Cell Damage

Ecstasy can also cause damage to brain cells. With regular and prolonged use, Ecstasy can lead to problems with memory and the ability to think clearly. Using ecstasy during parties can increase the risk of accidental injury or death due to the severity of the drug side effects.

 

Ecstasy High

Ecstasy has become a popular drug among teens and college students because of what is termed as a “body high.” A “body high” refers to the increased sensations of feeling and touch throughout the entire body when using the drug. This increase in physical sensation along with the overall feelings of euphoria, relaxation and acceptance from others can often result in increased sexual activity. For these reasons, ecstasy has often been used as a date-rape drug.

Ecstasy is sometimes slipped into the drink or food of another person and used as a date-rape drug. The side effects of increased sex-drive and decreased inhibitions make taking advantage of another person easy. Ecstasy also produces an amnesia-like effect, which makes it difficult to remember sexual activity while under the influence of the drug.

 

Ecstasy Dangers

Although the long-term effects of ecstasy on humans has yet to be determined, animal testing shows exposure to high doses of the drug for 4 days produced brain damage that was still apparent up to 7 years later. Ecstasy also increases the risk of accidental death from dehydration because of the way the drug is used at parties and all-night raves. Dancing and other vigorous activity can cause dramatic increases in body temperature. Ecstasy prevents the body from being able to regulate its temperature and can lead to hyperthermia. This can cause the heart and kidneys not to function properly.

 

Help for Drug Addiction

If you or someone you love uses Ecstasy at parties or on a regular basis, he or she may have a drug problem. Call our toll-free number 24 hours a day to speak to a helpline counselor. We are here to answer your questions and help you find treatment.