Ecstacy Addiction Treatment

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.[1] Whether ecstasy is addictive or not is still up for debate, but people who abuse it are at risk of dependency. Ecstasy addiction treatment can address dependency.

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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.[2] 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.[3]

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.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] In the chorus, the rapper repeats the names of several drugs, including ‘Molly,’ a crystalline powder version of ecstasy usually containing other chemicals.[7] 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.[8] 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.[9]

People with this condition display problematic behavioral changes such as aggressive outbursts or self-isolation and other signs of dependency, including:[10]

• 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.[11] 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.[12]

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.[13] This means the only way to know if one has an addiction is to seek professional help.

Ecstasy Addiction Treatment Levels of Care

Engage Wellness offers multiple treatment options to match your specific needs and circumstances in overcoming ecstasy addiction. Each level provides comprehensive support while offering different intensities of care:

• Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Six days per week of full-time support with group therapy, individual counseling, and medical oversight.
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Three hours of treatment, five days weekly, allowing you to maintain work and family life while receiving intensive care.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Weekly therapy sessions providing ongoing support and relapse prevention skills.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medical support for managing withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Veterans Recovery Track: Specialized treatment addressing substance use alongside military-related trauma and PTSD.

Treatment Modalities for Ecstasy Addiction

We combine evidence-based therapies with holistic approaches to address the complex effects of MDMA on brain chemistry, including disrupted serotonin and dopamine systems. Our comprehensive treatment program helps you heal from both the physical and psychological impacts of ecstasy use:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses thought patterns leading to club drug use while developing strategies to manage cravings and regulate energy levels.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills for emotional regulation, especially helpful during ecstasy withdrawal when mood fluctuations are common.
• EMDR Therapy: Processes trauma that may have led to raves and club drug use, particularly beneficial for young adults with co-occurring mental health disorders.
• Group Therapy: Share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand the unique challenges of MDMA addiction.
• Family Program: Helps repair relationships strained by substance use while educating loved ones about recovery support.
• Holistic Treatment: Focuses on restoring natural well-being through meditation and stress management as alternatives to synthetic drug use.
• 12-Step Program: Provides structured support alongside others in recovery from club drugs and amphetamines.
• Motivational Interviewing: Strengthens commitment to behavioral health changes and long-term sobriety.
• Relapse Prevention: Develop strategies for avoiding triggers, particularly in social settings where ecstasy use is common.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ecstasy Rehab and Addiction Help