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.