“Ecstasy: Abuse, Effects, and Freedom from Addiction”

Some illegal drugs can make a person feel euphoric. It is this pleasant sensation that gets people hooked. It increases their sociability. It reduces their inhibitions. It makes them look “cool” in front of their peers.

But psychoactive drugs such as ecstasy take this to the next level. They don’t just make the user euphoric; it makes them experience heightened sensations. They even make users more emphatic in the process.

Ecstasy is very popular amongst illicit users because of this. And today we are going to take a look at what ecstasy is, what happens when it is abused, and what addicted individuals can do to get better. Here’s everything you need to know.

Overview

Methylnedioxymethamphetamine is a psychoactive drug that goes by the much simpler name MDMA. But most people know it by “ecstasy”.

As a psychoactive drug, this substance has plenty of effects that affect the user’s mind. It may produce hallucinations or simple increase a person’s brain activity—it is what people would describe as a “mind-altering drug”. And as mentioned earlier, this drug does produce feel-good effects, which is what makes it so addictive. Its effects can last up to six hours.

Ecstasy, unlike other drugs, has no accepted medical uses. In recreational settings, it is often smoked, snorted, or taken orally.

History

MDMA was first synthesized back in 1912 by Merck chemist Anton Köllisch. He was looking for a substance that could help stop abnormal bleeding. Ecstasy was one of the results of his experiments. And while it did not work as he intended, it would later be used for a different purpose.

In the 1970s, ecstasy was used as part of psychotherapy. Later in the 89s, it would gain popularity as a street drug. Up until now, MDMA has managed to maintain this popularity.

In fact, in 2014, around 0.6% of the world’s population have used ecstasy at least once within their lifetimes. That means roughly 29 million people were exposed to the drug.

Signs of Abuse

Recreational use of ecstasy is most commonly associated with the rave culture. This is because the drug’s mental effects are said to be synergistic with the lights and music used in clubs, house parties, and even music festivals. In addition to this kind of synergy, the drug also makes a person more sociable, allowing them to enjoy these events even more.

One indicator of ecstasy abuse is sudden behavioral change. If the person becomes less inhibited and more relaxed for no reason, this may point to substance abuse—particularly if they are euphoric for long periods of time.

Abuse Effects

The most dangerous effects of ecstasy abuse include dependence and addiction. A person who uses the drug for a long time is at a high risk of developing both. The problem with ecstasy is that it is hard to get rid of once you’ve started taking larger doses.

Physical dependence on ecstasy means that the user’s body can no longer function properly without relying on the drug. They have to keep taking the drug just to feel normal.

On the other hand, addiction forces them to keep taking ecstasy, even when they are already suffering from its adverse health effects. It involves intense cravings and the compulsive need to obtain the drug.

Common adverse effects include memory problems, insomnia, blurred vision, excessive sweating, paranoia, and depression.

In some cases, users experience hallucinations long after the high has faded.

Addiction Treatment

As difficult as it may be, ecstasy addiction can still be conquered. However, self-regulation may not be enough. It is hard to take control of your own cravings—relapse can easily hinder a person’s progress. And with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, relapse can happen quickly.

It is a better idea to seek out an addiction treatment center near you and ask for help. Keep in mind that there are no specific medical treatments for this type of addiction. But medical professionals will be able to guide the patient through the detox process.

Their intake will be gradually lowered so that withdrawal will be easier to manage. This will be done until the patient can live a sober life once again. Behavioral therapy soon follows—a technique that has been known to be useful. It helps the addicted individual cope with their new, sober lifestyle.

Addiction Free Solutions

Dont be problem focused. Be solution focused! At Addiction Free Solutions, we know that the solution lies within you. You have to commit to living a sober life. We help connect you with a center that can help assist you from detox and rehab to therapy. We want you to get the help that you need so you can go on and inspire others. Looking for in-patient, out-patient or sober living afterwards? We help you with that as well!