Ecstasy Abuse, Side Effects and Addiction Treatment

Ecstasy, a form of MDMA, is a synthetic substance that was originally created in Germany but came to the US in the 1970s as an unapproved aid in psychiatry sessions. The FDA approved a small trial to explore use of MDMA in the treatment of PTSD in 2000.1

During the 1970s and 1980s, MDMA became available on the street in the form of Ecstasy. By 1985, it was officially banned by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and classified as a Schedule I drug, which means that it is not legal for any use. Ecstasy has continued to be popular among certain groups and is still the cause of addiction leading to many overdoses and deaths. Once commonly used by young adult at raves, the substance is now used by all ages. There are common myths that it is harmless; however, Ecstasy is very dangerous and must be dealt with seriously.

What Is Ecstasy?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that Ecstasy is a psychoactive drug that is similar in effect to amphetamines and also has some hallucinogenic properties. While on

Ecstasy, people may experience the following symptoms:

  • Euphoria
  • Feelings of empathy toward others
  • High energy
  • Distorted sense of time
  • Increased sensory levels2

These effects can last from three to six hours after taking one or two pills. The effects may vary in larger doses or when combining Ecstasy with other illicit substances; additionally, many take a second dose if the first is not strong enough to create the desired effect.

Signs of Ecstasy Abuse

Although the effects listed above may sound appealing, people quickly develop a tolerance of the drug leading them to take more of it, which often results in much more troubling symptoms including:

  • Arrhythmia
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Chills and/or sweating
  • Tremors
  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
  • Blurry vision
  • Cramping muscles
  • Increased body temperature and blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Kidney and/or heart failure
  • Seizures

Ecstasy can also produce ongoing effects long after the high is over. These effects include:

  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of impulse control
  • Reduced libido
  • Reduced cognitive abilities
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hostility and aggression
  • Insomnia

How Ecstasy Affects People

MDMA increases the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, creating a host of effects in the person using the drug. Unfortunately, when the drug is abused regularly, the ability of the brain to self-regulate these chemicals normally is altered, resulting in too little activity and a number of problems, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including:

  • Sadness
  • Increased anxiety
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Sleep and appetite disruption
  • Less interest in or ability to enjoy sex

These symptoms can persist for weeks after the last dose of Ecstasy, though treatment may be able to reverse or slow them.

The Chemical Makeup of Ecstasy

Molly is a powder form of Ecstasy, a new version of the drug that is marketed as being purer than traditional pills. This has led to an increased use of the drug among adults despite the fact that those who use Molly experience the same medical problems, risk of overdose and accidents under the influence as those who use Ecstasy. Molly is classified by the DEA as a Schedule I substance. It is not legal for use, and it is not safe.

Like all street drugs, Ecstasy is often heavily cut by the time it gets to the buyer. Pure MDMA is usually mixed with other cheaper substances by the handler to increase profits as well as the longevity of the high. This constant variation in chemical makeup can increase the chances of overdose by not knowing how much MDMA is in the substance.

Ecstasy and Your Health

Because Ecstasy is cut with large amounts of stimulant drugs like amphetamines or cocaine, many people encounter the same chronic health problems experienced by stimulant addicts, like high blood pressure and other cardiac issues. For those who are diagnosed with circulatory issues or heart disease, the risk of heart failure increases significantly when the drug is used.

Additionally, because the use of Ecstasy increases the feeling of closeness and connection with others—even strangers—the increased rates of unprotected sex can increase chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.

Very limited and controlled clinical trials are underway to determine whether or not MDMA is therapeutically valuable to patients diagnosed with certain mental health disorders. However, it is important to note that the MDMA utilized in these studies is pharmaceutical grade and completely uncut; it is not the same as the Ecstasy sold on the street.

Ecstasy Treatment Options

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that there are no treatments developed specifically for Ecstasy abuse. However, those who need help to quick taking it can benefit from the traditional and holistic treatments for substance abuse and addiction treatment.

Addiction treatment interventions that have been successful for long-term recovery, include:

  • Individual counseling. A foundation in personal therapy can help the patient to identify issues that may cause or trigger drug abuse, talk through issues and challenges as they arise, troubleshoot how best to avoid relapse, create goals for treatment and update those goals as they are accomplished.
  • Group support. Meeting regularly with peers who are also undergoing addiction treatment can help the patient to remain accountable for their sobriety, learn from the experience of others and build positive relationships with those who are equally focused on remaining clean and sober.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Addressing the underlying perspectives, thought patterns and behaviors that may be causing problems in the patient’s life can improve their outlook and experience and decrease their cravings for Ecstasy and other drugs.
  • Holistic treatments. A wide range of complementary treatments can augment therapies and directed addiction treatment interventions. These aim to increase the overall health, balance, and wellness of the patient by lowering stress and improving mood, thus making it easier to handle normal stressors as they come—without resorting to substance abuse. These treatments can include acupuncture, meditation, bodywork, massage and more.
  • Aftercare support. Continuing the practice or engagement with therapeutic interventions that were effective during rehab can serve to help patients remain actively connected to their recovery and decrease their chances of relapse.

Helping Your Family Member Overcome Substance Abuse

The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that more that 6.9 percent of Americans over the age of 12 have abused Ecstasy at least once in their lives.3 For many of these people, use of the drug becomes a drug abuse problem, and some develop an addiction to the substance or to the stimulant substances used to cut the MDMA. Life-changing and life-threatening, both chronic drug abuse and addiction are issues that should cause alarm among family members.

At Black Bear Lodge, we offer directed treatment to assist patients in overcoming all issues related to drug and alcohol abuse. Addressing underlying trauma, mental health problems and other issues can help your loved one to not only stop abusing Ecstasy but also to learn new and more healthful coping mechanisms that will sustain them for a lifetime.

To learn more about our evidence-based treatment program here at Black Bear Lodge, reach out to us today. Call us at our 24-hour, toll-free helpline at 706-909-9811 now.

Myths of Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy is a well-known drug that has been around for decades. This often-misunderstood drug can be found all across the world, but is possibly most well-known for its use at parties, clubs, and raves. There are a number of myths surrounding this drug, so it is important to know the facts about ecstasy before you use it.

Myth: Ecstasy is harmless.

Ecstasy is a drug, and no drug is completely harmless. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or ecstasy, is a type of amphetamine that creates hallucinogenic effects. Ongoing use of the drug can cause long-lasting damage to the part of the brain that impacts a person’s ability to regulate body temperature, mood, and pain response. Unfortunately, ecstasy causes a huge rush of energy among the brain’s serotonin receptors. This temporary rush of happiness is actually overloading small parts of the brain, and those receptors may never function as well again.

People who struggle with ecstasy abuse or addiction often experience mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety, as well as memory difficulties, sleep disruption, and difficulty making decisions. The severity of these issues will depend upon how long the person abused the drug, what amounts were used, and whether or not it was combined other substances.4

Myth: Ecstasy is not a hard drug.

Ecstasy is an amphetamine. Though it is often called the “love drug” due to the type of feel-good, magnanimous high it creates in most users, it is still dangerous substance for use in any amount. It brings a number of brain changes that can be life-changing – and life-long. Chronic use of this drug increases the change of lasting effects. Further, because this drug is illegal, it is possible to receive ecstasy that is mixed with stronger drugs, household toxins, and other dangerous materials.

If you are caught with this drug, you will face jail time, and you may incur a criminal record, which will make employment difficult in the future. More concerning, this drug does inhibit decision-making ability and may lead to dangerous or reckless behavior, a DUI arrest, or a sexually-transmitted disease, depending on how ecstasy impacts your brain.

Myth: Molly is a pure form of ecstasy.

The term “molly” is often used interchangeably with the term “ecstasy” to refer to the same drug, but it was originally touted as a pure form of ecstasy. This is not the case. Molly is just ecstasy, and though some versions may be purer than others (e.g., higher amounts of MDMA), there is no pure, harmless, or safe version of ecstasy.

Myth: Ecstasy is not addictive.

Ecstasy impacts the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain – like many other illicit drugs of abuse. This causes the euphoric feeling, or high, that people may ultimately crave. These cravings can become addictive and trigger, a psychological dependence upon the drug. It is true that physical ecstasy withdrawal symptoms that occur when someone suddenly stops all drug use may not be as overwhelming as they are with detox from other drugs, the psychological dependence can lead to an addiction that accompanies mental health issues that continue long after the cessation of use.

Unfortunately, many people find that they need larger doses of ecstasy to feel the original effects of their first use. This can lead to a slippery slope of ever-increasing doses, accompanied by combining ecstasy with other drugs or alcohol. These combinations and the growing need for more supply can lead to trouble.

Myth: Ecstasy use is therapeutic when used recreationally.

There have been some studies that have explored the use of pure MDMA for the treatment of patients struggling with certain psychological disorders like PTSD. However, this short-acting version of the drug is not available for sale on the street and has only been studied for use in psychological interventions, guided by a licensed professional. It has not been studied for use outside of the medical context and proven to be safe on any level.5

Fact: Ecstasy abuse and addiction are treatable.

If you or someone you love struggles with ecstasy use or has a dependence upon this drug alone or in combination with other substances, supportive treatment is available. Though it may not be possible to reverse the damage done by long-term ecstasy abuse, it is possible to stop the damage from continuing. We can help. Call Black Bear Lodge now at 706-909-9811 for more information.

Sources

Substance Abuse

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