Ecstasy is touted as a happy drug, creating a sense of euphoria and hyperarousal in the user. For years, ecstasy has been passed around clubs, concerts, and parties to liven the atmosphere. However, the after-effects are anything but pleasurable.

Ecstasy is a synthetic drug, and its contents are often unknown, putting users at risk of developing addictions to other substances or becoming ill from ingesting unknown chemicals. Whether ecstasy is addictive or not is still up for debate, but people who abuse it are at risk of dependency.  Ecstacy Addiction Treatment is possible.

How Addictive is Ecstasy?

In 1985, the DEA placed an emergency ban on MDMA (ecstasy), stating it had a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical uses. This led to the manufacturing of illegal ecstasy being sold on the streets.

Street ecstasy isn’t regulated, so the ingredients and the amount of ingredients contained in one pill may differ wildly from another. This lack of regulation and oversight makes it difficult to know the exact long-term and short-term effects of ecstasy use and has led to a multitude of conflicting findings.

Although there is no conclusive research stating ecstasy is addictive, studies have shown that it has an overall potential for dependency.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, data from human and animal studies suggest that ecstasy influences the same serotonin and dopamine systems as those seen in people with substance use disorders. Self-reported findings also reveal that some ecstasy users exhibit symptoms of addiction, such as continual use despite negative consequences, increased tolerance, and cravings after abstaining from use.

This leads some to believe that ecstasy is addictive, albeit to a lesser degree than cocaine or methamphetamines.

United States Ecstasy Culture

Adulterated ecstasy first gained popularity in the late 70s as a hallucinogenic club drug that triggered euphoria and sexual sensation. As the years went on and using it became more commonplace, ecstasy became part of rave culture, often seen at frat parties and electronic music festivals.

Ecstasy once again catapulted its way into the spotlight in 2017 when it became part of the wildly popular anthem “Mask Off” by Georgia rapper Future. In the chorus, the rapper repeats the names of several drugs, including ‘Molly,’ a crystalline powder version of ecstasy usually containing other chemicals. This song, amongst others, increased search results like “What does molly taste like?” or “How do you feel after taking molly?”

According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 82% of young African-American Molly users accredited hip-hop music as an influencing factor in trying the substance. They also said they felt comfortable using the drug because popular rappers touted it as trending, fun and non-addictive.

Additionally, certain social media influencers showcase their party lifestyle, often depicting ecstasy in their photographs or captions, sparking younger individuals to experiment with it.

Ecstasy Addiction Warning Signs

Though the science differs on ecstasy’s addictiveness, some people who use it over a prolonged amount of time are subject to developing substance use disorder. Substance use disorder is a mental health condition marked by the inability to control drug use.

People with this condition display problematic behavioral changes such as aggressive outbursts or self-isolation and other signs of dependency, including:

• Going to great lengths to seek out ecstasy or hide ecstasy use.
• Developing uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when drug use is reduced.
• Inability to control ecstasy use.
• Using ecstasy in unsafe settings.

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, addiction is the most severe stage of a substance use disorder. People who experience addiction have changes in the brain that make it difficult to function without the substance. As their brain becomes tolerant to it, they will need more of it to produce the original effect.

The warning signs of ecstasy addiction are categorized as behavioral, physical, and psychological.

Behavioral Warning Signs

The behavioral warning signs of an ecstasy addiction include:

• Concealing drug use.
• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities.
• Lack of motivation.
• Decreased energy.
• Poor grooming habits.
• Participating in risky activities.
• Stealing to purchase ecstasy.
• Lying about ecstasy use.

Physical Warning Signs

Physical warning signs are synonymous with signs of regular ecstasy use.

They include:

• Dilated pupils.
• Slowed movements.
• Slurred or slow speech.
• Fast heart rate.
• Clenched teeth.
• Dry mouth.

Psychological Warning Signs

The psychological impacts of ecstasy addiction occur when permanent changes take place in reward centers in the brain.

The signs include:

• Difficulty paying attention.
• Craving ecstasy despite not wanting to use it.
• Feeling anxious when not under the influence of ecstasy.
• Nervousness and irritability.

Many of the signs listed above are the same as those seen in mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To further complicate things, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that more than 21 million Americans with substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health condition. This means the only way to know if one has an addiction is to seek professional help.

Body and Mind Effects of Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy affects the body and brain shortly after ingestion. This is caused by its activity in the brain, which affects the production of the neurochemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Of these three, the way it affects serotonin is most pronounced.

Serotonin is a neurochemical that regulates sleep, mood, pain, and appetite. When a large amount of serotonin is released, it causes the person to experience a euphoric or elevated mood – also called the ecstasy effect. The trouble is that the brain has difficulty regulating after it is continually depleted of the drug. This leads to psychological side effects like aggression, anxiety, and irritability.

Low serotonin levels, which occur during withdrawal, can lead to feelings of depression, melancholy, and anxiety, as well as poor memory, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Physical Effects of Ecstasy Addiction

An ecstasy addiction can cause issues with depth perception and balance as a result of decreased cognitive function and blood flow to areas of the brain that control movement. This may cause people to get into more accidents than usual and significantly increase their risk of serious bodily harm when operating machinery or driving.

Other bodily effects of ecstasy addiction include:

• Increased temperature.
• Restless legs.
• Kidney failure.
• Muscle stiffness.
• Stiff joints.

In severe cases, some people might experience brain swelling or high blood pressure.

Ecstasy Addiction Treatment at Engage Wellness Acton

Ecstasy addiction comes with a mixed bag of psychological, physical, and social implications. People suffering from ecstasy addiction may feel that no one understands how hard it is for them to quit and may often feel shunned by friends and loved ones when talking about it. The truth is that addiction is a hard disease to handle, especially alone, but with the right help, recovery is possible.

At Engage Wellness Acton, we understand that recovery from ecstasy addiction requires a therapeutic approach. We’ll work with you to determine the cause of addiction, pinpoint triggers, and teach you the skills necessary to overcome ecstasy addiction for good. Together, we’ll develop the right treatment plan to help you reach your goals and work with you after recovery to prevent relapses.

Are you ready to live life on your terms? Contact us; we’re here to help.