Ecstasy, which is the street name for drug MDMA is a synthetic illegal drug classified as a stimulant drug with hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy is a designer drug that normally comes in a pill or tablet form. There is no way to ever know what Ecstasy is cut with, as it is illegal and unregulated. Common things that Ecstasy is cut with include Cocaine, LSD, Amphetamines, caffeine, and even rat poison.
According to the National Institutes of Health:
In 2014 more than 17 million persons aged 12 or older reported using MDMA at least once in their lifetimes. This is an increase from 11 million reported 10 years prior.
Almost 2% of all drug-related emergency department visits are due to Ecstasy. Ecstasy creates a feeling of well-being, happiness, and overfriendliness. This drug also heightens the user’s senses of sound, sight, smell, and touch. These drugs are very common among those who attend clubs and raves. Some other common effects of Ecstasy include:
- Heightened senses
- Euphoria
- Calmness and relaxation
- High empathy for others
- Long-lasting energy
- Lowered inhibitions
- Inattention
Once your body has metabolized this drug, you are going to experience negative effects from the drug as a part of the “come down” from Ecstasy. These side effects include anxiety, confusion, depression, insomnia, and irritability. These side effects are a result of the way Ecstasy impacts your brain.
When you are high on Ecstasy, it causes your body to release large amounts of serotonin and dopamine artificially. By releasing all of these chemicals in your brain, it causes a shortage of those chemicals after you come down. This causes a person to be extremely depressed.
Is Ecstasy an Addictive Drug?
There has been much research done to determine how addictive Ecstasy is, and whether it is even addictive at all. Many studies have indicated that Ecstasy is addictive, but to a lesser extent than other drugs that are out there. Nonetheless, that does not mean that addiction to Ecstasy is not still a serious problem.
Physical dependency is not necessarily needed for an individual to develop a substance abuse disorder. Many individuals do believe that developing a physical dependence is a definite sign of being addicted to a drug, but this is not always the case. Many people can become psychologically addicted to Ecstasy as a result of the abuse of this drug.
How Addictive is Ecstasy?
As with any other substance that is abused, the success of sobriety depends on many different factors. This includes the right treatment as well as the commitment to recovery and sobriety. Addiction isn’t an easy thing to face and the health risks are not worth a short high. Getting sober can be hard, but the rewards you will get in life are worth it.
For your sake, you do not have to face getting off Ecstasy on your own. Our admissions counselors and addiction professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it!
Ecstasy Addiction Help
Garden State Treatment Center offers partial care and outpatient treatment programs that provide therapeutic education and guidance for each individual to help them safely reintegrate into society. With the help of our team of therapists, we offer one on one, group therapy, as well as many other specialized options to fit each person’s needs. Addiction treatment requires a multi-layered approach for maximum success. We want to make sure you have the tools you need to avoid relapse in the real world.