What is ecstasy addiction?
Ecstasy is a synthetic, pscyhoactive drug that’s dedicated to creating a hallucinogenic fervour. It acts as a stimuli and a psychedelic, creating an energetic effect and distortions in reality, time and perception. Pure ecstasy is a white crystalline powder known as methylenedioxymethamphetamin (MDMA). Ecstasy is usually sold on the street as a tablet which is often stamped with a logo. However, ecstasy in a powder form is becoming increasingly common and can be smoked or snorted. Ecstasy is the original designer drug because of its association with the rave culture in the early 90s where clubbers took ecstasy to stay awake and dance all night. It produces seemingly pleasurable effects, including an enhanced sense of self-confidence, energy and closeness with others. It’s easy to become addicted to ecstasy as users build up tolerance and therefore need to take more to get the same buzz. However, addiction to ecstasy is not just physical; users become addicted to the whole party lifestyle. Street names for ecstasy include E, X, Versace, Rolex, the hug drug and the love pill.
Signs, symptoms and risks of ecstasy addiction
Key warning signs of ecstasy addiction are behavioural. Is your loved one staying out all night and increasingly frequenting clubs and raves? Effects of ecstasy include involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweats. Users can experience sleep problems, anxiety and depression after taking the drug. Ecstasy can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, and lead to seizures. Ecstasy affects the body’s temperature control as dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere increases the chances of overheating and dehydration. This can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure which can be fatal. However, drinking too much fluid after taking ecstasy can be fatal as it interferes with the body’s salt balance. Repeated use of ecstasy can damage the cells that produce serotonin which has an important role in regulating mood, learning, memory, appetite and pain.
Treating ecstasy addiction
Ecstasy addiction is most effectively treated in a residential rehabilitation centre that might include drug detox if necessary. Follow-up treatment, such as support groups, is essential for long-term recovery as recovering from ecstasy addiction requires a lifestyle change. The individual will need to learn to live without the excitement he or she felt for clubbing and partying. At Addiction Helper, we’ll help you explore your options and provide you and your family with all the support you need.