Signs and symptoms of ecstasy addiction

What is ecstasy addiction?

The term “ecstasy” refers to the substance 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, also known as MDMA. Due to the fact that it comes in the form of an oral capsule containing a pure, fine powder and is frequently referred to as Molly, which is short for “molecular,” This synthetic substance produces sensations of euphoria, bursts of energy, feelings of warmth and happiness, and sensory perception distortions. It possesses features similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens. Ecstasy is a Schedule I prohibited substance. Ecstasy is well known by the street names X, XTC, Molly, and others.

This drug is well recognized for its appeal to Caucasian “rave” goers as well as to the LGBT nightlife. Many gay and bisexual men describe combining it with the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra as part of their sexual encounters. It is regularly used with other stimulants including cocaine, methamphetamine, and ketamine.

Ecstasy distinguishes itself from other illegal drugs by enhancing a person’s sense of empathy, affection, and sexual excitement. Ecstasy users claim to experience unbridled joy and love for everyone there. Additionally, they frequently encounter time-related distortions and may experience sensory satisfaction from vibrant colors and plush textures.

Why is ecstasy addictive?

It’s simple to understand how this medicine might cause addiction. The brain overproduces serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine when taking MDMA. All of these substances have been shown to increase pleasure and happiness and lessen depression and anxiety. However, as soon as the drug leaves the body, the brain makes fewer of these chemicals to make up for it, and users frequently experience melancholy, anxiety, confusion, sleep issues, and drug cravings after coming down, even after their first use. The duration of these side effects increases with the intensity of abuse, while some may result from combining ecstasy with other drugs.

Signs of ecstasy addiction

Not everyone who attends raves uses ecstasy and not everyone who uses it will develop an addiction to it. It does, however, carry a significant risk of addiction—both psychological and bodily.

Due to the fact that ecstasy is frequently combined with other intoxicants, which changes the symptoms, it can be challenging to identify indicators of use. Ecstasy does, however, have a few distinctive effects that make it easy to identify. These consist of:

• Euphoria
• Unusual love sentiments and displays
• more ability to empathize
• heightened delight in the senses, especially sight and touch
• Clenching of teeth (often alleviated by the use of pacifiers)
• heightened thirst
• Impulsiveness
• decreased stress and sadness

The mere use of the drug does not imply addiction. However, one study discovered that 43% of ecstasy users questioned met the requirements for dependency. Frequent cravings, obsession with the substance, and anxiety when it isn’t available are necessary signs of psychological dependence.

When a person who is addicted quits using a substance, symptoms of withdrawal start to appear. Withdrawal can range from being extremely uncomfortable to almost intolerable, depending on how long the substance has been overused, how frequently, and which drug is involved. It might even be fatal in some situations.

The symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal are psychological, and it is not dangerous in and of itself. However, psychosis and hallucinations can make a person who is detoxing act in a way that is unpredictable, violent, or hazardous.

Signs and Risk of overdose

It is possible to overdose on ecstasy, and the risk rises if the user also uses other drugs or alcohol. Overdose warning signs could include:

• Faintness.
• Fear strikes.
• elevated blood pressure
• Seizures.
• consciousness loss

Seek medical help right away if you or someone you love is experiencing an overdose. Many states have a Good Samaritan Overdose Law that grants the user and/or the reporting some degree of immunity from prosecution.

Ecstasy abuse treatment options

Ecstasy is a rather recent substance. As a result, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the causes of abuse and addiction as well as the best ways to cure dependence. However, because serotonin depletion is the primary source of withdrawal symptoms, medications that raise serotonin levels in the brain can significantly aid in the detoxification process. SSRIs are often used to treat the depression, anxiety, and panic attacks that are frequently experienced during ecstasy withdrawal.

It’s also critical to consider how frequently ecstasy is combined with other intoxicants. Due to the possibility that the patient may be addicted to various substances concurrently, this can make the treatment process more difficult. Because of this, it’s even more crucial to make sure an ecstasy addiction treatment program is designed according to the specific needs of the addict.

Apart from that, ecstasy addiction treatment procedures generally follow a similar pattern to those for other addictive substances. Depending on the client’s needs, either inpatient or outpatient therapies might be used. Long-term counseling in-person or assistance from an Online Counselor with addiction support groups should also be joined afterward. Without this ongoing treatment, relapse rates are significant. Additionally, it is strongly advised that people make some changes to their way of life.

It is not advisable to keep going to parties and spending time in nightclubs because these activities are very likely to entail drug access, which heightens temptation. Relapse rates for drug addiction currently range from 40 to 60 percent.

Detox and Withdrawal From Ecstasy

The process of giving up an addictive habit is not simple, and detoxication can be very difficult. Since withdrawal symptoms can be so uncomfortable and can be so quickly alleviated by taking the substance that the body is desiring, they can be a substantial barrier to even attempting to quit.

Symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal include:

• Concern and sadness
• Confusion
• Depersonalization
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Mood changes
• reduced appetite
• difficulty paying attention
• Fear strikes
• Paranoia
• memory issues
• muscle rigidity
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Psychosis

However, it may take weeks or even months for the serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors to work normally again, depending on how long and severely one has abused ecstasy. This may have long-term repercussions, such as worsened anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and depression. Even after they go, stress, the availability of the substance, or sensory reminders of the high might still cause cravings.

It is advised to use supervised treatments to manage the initial and severe symptoms. While in detox treatment, the patient is admitted to a facility where symptoms and vital signs can be carefully observed. Even milder symptoms can be rapidly treated in addition to any significant distress that has to be addressed right once. Making the detoxification procedure as simple as feasible has been shown to considerably reduce the temptation to use drugs again right away. Anyone may start and stay on the path to recovery and live a balanced, happy life with the right treatment and a long-term commitment to visiting support groups and/or Talk to a Counsellor Online.