Ecstasy, the common name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a stimulant with highly addictive properties. It’s often taken recreationally and has a reputation as a “party drug.” However, its side effects are dangerous and can be long-lasting. That’s why it’s important to pursue recovery at an ecstasy addiction treatment center as soon as possible. Call A Better State at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our substance abuse programs that can help people detox and withdraw from ecstasy addiction safely.
What Is Ecstasy and How Does It Work?
Ecstasy can speed up the central nervous system. A single dose gives people increased energy and temporarily enhances their mood. In high doses, ecstasy influences the way people perceive light and sound and can even distort their perceptions of time and reality.
Ecstasy is also an entactogen, which means it can increase a person’s self-awareness and feelings of peace and love toward others. These effects are produced by the way ecstasy elevates the levels of the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine.
These effects are enjoyable for many users but also have short-term health complications. After someone experiences a “high” from ecstasy, they go through a period of withdrawal for several days, which can include unpleasant symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Stiff muscles or joints
- Disturbed sleep
- Overheating
- Involuntary jaw clenching
Additionally, because of its stimulant properties, ecstasy is often taken in environments with a lot of physical activity. The combination of chemicals and physical exertion can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
An ecstasy rehab program can get clients on track to better health by helping them repair the damage MDMA does to the body.
Behavioral Effects of Ecstasy
Ecstasy can damage the brain and nervous system, resulting in behavioral symptoms. MDMA’s enjoyable, relaxing effects come in part from the high release of serotonin, a chemical that helps the body regulate mood, sleep, temperature, and other functions. Because so much serotonin is released when people take MDMA, the body is depleted of its serotonin stores. After MDMA’s effects wear off, people may feel depression, anxiety, or paranoia.
Memory, concentration, and attention spans can also be negatively affected by ecstasy. One dose can affect people’s reaction time and ability to predict motion, which makes it dangerous to perform activities like driving while under the influence of MDMA.
For clients with diagnosed mental health conditions, our MDMA addiction treatment program offers therapy, counseling, and other treatment options to recover mental well-being.
Long-Term Health Harms of Ecstasy
By using MDMA, especially on a repeated basis over long periods of time, people put themselves at higher risk of cardiovascular conditions (like strokes and heart attacks), kidney damage, and liver failure.
People are at increased risk of complications if they have underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, or mental health conditions. They are also much more likely to experience long-term health effects of ecstasy if they use MDMA along with other mood-altering substances, like marijuana, alcohol, or amphetamines.
How Can an Ecstasy Rehab Program Help?
An ecstasy addiction treatment center can get people on track to recovery, whether they are just starting to address their ecstasy use or are returning to treatment after relapse.
Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have been proven to be some of the most effective treatments for ecstasy addiction. CBT teaches clients to change their actions by changing their thinking patterns and to explore new, effective ways to deal with life’s stressors without resorting to drugs.
Support groups are another important part of recovery. Ecstasy addiction treatment centers bring together many people who are struggling with addiction, so they can form bonds and help each other stay sober. Groups are led by trained facilitators who approach MDMA treatment with compassion and expertise.
A Better State’s Ecstasy Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire
Our outpatient ecstasy rehab program is designed to meet the needs of a diverse clientele. We offer many levels of care for people at different stages in the recovery process. The highest level of care we provide is our partial hospitalization program (PHP), where clients receive intensive treatment five days a week. Other programs, like our intensive and evening intensive outpatient programs, have more flexible schedules but still provide support and accountability.
Our individual and group therapy programs use evidence-based techniques like CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) that have been proven to help people recover from substance use disorders. More specialized forms of counseling, like trauma-informed therapy, are available for clients who need them.
Want to learn more about how we treat MDMA addiction? Contact us at 781.412.1488 to find out how A Better State can help you or someone you love.
