Ecstasy Addiction and Rehabilitation

   Dec. 7, 2014
   22 minute read
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Last Edited: March 17, 2020
Author
Patricia Howard, LMFT, CADC
Clinically Reviewed
Mark Frey, LPCC, LICDC, NCC
All of the information on this page has been reviewed and certified by an addiction professional.

Dangers of Ecstasy Abuse

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA, is a synthetic drug similar to Amphetamines and Hallucinogens that alters mood and perception. This controversial drug is marketed to teenagers and young adults who attended music festivals, clubs, and raves. Because of Ecstasy’s mood-altering effects many abuse this drug for the excessive energy, to feel love for those around them, and the increase in sensory perception of touch.

Ecstasy causes the brain to excrete large amounts of endorphins into the bloodstream inducing waves of happiness, love, and hyper sensitivity to lights, music and tactile sensations. With the massive increase of hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine comes extreme happiness, sensitivity to music and texture, and alarming alertness.

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Many see Ecstasy as the ultimate love or party drug but the risks of manic depression, dehydration and overheating have been linked to hospitalization or death. The excessive energy and mood-altering effect it has can lead to health problems like dehydration and overheating. If the dehydration goes unnoticed it can lead to death.

Street Names for Ecstasy

Ecstasy is the most commonly used street name for the drug 3, 4-methylendioxy-methamphetamine, MDMA for short. The list of street names for this drug has evolved and changed over the decades of its popularity. Some common street names for Ecstasy are; Essence, Eve, Rave, Adam, Happy Pill, Hug Drug, Skittles.

Ecstasy Effects

Ecstasy a favorite of partiers for good reason. This drug has both the effects of a Hallucinogen and an Amphetamine. The result is a massive surge of energy, which keeps people dancing and going through day and night.  Additionally, its mood-altering effects and distortion of reality is ultimately described in pleasant terms. Its stimulation and effects cause an increase in emotional warmth, empathy and connection to others, decreased anxiety, a general sense of well-being and changes in sensory perception. People choose Ecstasy when they want a sensation of love and belonging that is dramatically increased from normal perceptions. The problem is that for a person to experience this dramatic increase, they must also, later, experience a dramatic decrease in all areas affected.

Warning Signs of Ecstasy Abuse in a Loved One

Ecstasy is commonly used in groups and during certain events like raves, concerts, clubs and for sexual purposes. It has signs of abuse that are detectable in another person.  If you are concerned about abuse of Ecstasy, regarding either yourself or a loved one, you should look for the warning signs. Repeated use of Ecstasy can be a serious problem, turning into an addiction. The strong effects of the drug can cause a person to spiral out of control.

If you encounter a person while using, it may be easy to see the symptoms of use. When people are under the influence, they will grind their teeth and smack their tongue against their teeth. Chewing gum or using a pacifier will help control this involuntary action.

Ecstasy also affects the personality, energy level and emotions of users. The person may stay up all night and sleep through most of the morning. Since the drug causes an endorphin dump, the next day the person may have extreme depression and feel groggy or fatigued.

Some warning signs include money problems, change in appearance and behavior, irritability and hostility, pulling away from friends and family members who are not fellow users, and other generally negative symptoms.

Factual Dangers: Ecstasy

Ecstasy use and abuse is potentially extremely dangerous. The mood and mind-altering effects have been known to ultimately kill people who use Ecstasy, even if it is their first time. If you suspect that a loved one is using inhalant, act now. Ecstasy use could be the sign of a serious problem, which could get dramatically worse without intervention. Addiction is a treatable disease. Your loved one needs your help and support to overcome this difficult time.

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