Commonly known as “MDMA”, ecstasy is an illicit synthetic drug which produces psychoactive effects in individuals. Its hallucinogenic nature causes the user to experience higher energy and emotional sensitivity. Though ecstasy is popularly used at rave parties as a “club drug”, it has become much more widespread among people and causes several adverse effects and potential health risks. It releases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that works as a short-term antidepressant by elevating mood, in the brain in increasing amounts. And once a person uses ecstasy regularly, they develop ecstasy abuse, making it difficult for them to quit. In fact, the UK was only behind Netherlands and Ireland in the prevalence of ecstasy use in 2019. 

Ecstasy is widely sold in tablet form, usually in different colours and logos. Also, ecstasy and molly are different from each other. While molly may be pure or cut with additives, ecstasy contains little MDMA and is usually cut with speed or heroin. Other names of ecstasy include essence, hug, snowball, love drug, love pill, E, Cadillac, California sunrise, clarity, and so on. 

Ecstasy isn’t physically addictive, but the health risks, such as heatstroke, can contribute to death. In addition to these health hazards, one should be mindful of the possession of MDMA because it is illegal and put users in jail in some jurisdictions. However, drug detox clinics are there to provide professional treatment to addicts.

This article will explain how ecstasy is used, ecstasy addiction symptoms, its addictiveness, and treatment options.

How is Ecstasy Used?

Like any other stimulant or hallucinogenic drug, ecstasy can be smoked, injected, or taken orally (swallowed) and intra-nasally (inhaled). However, most people prefer swallowing tablets or capsules of ecstasy because it contains a powdered mixture. High-purity crystals were also found. Also, the gastrointestinal tract absorbs ecstasy within 30 minutes of intake, and individuals begin to experience the highest serum levels after one to three hours. 

The number of ecstasy users varies greatly; some take half a tablet once a day, while others report using high doses occasionally. Other people with ecstasy abuse enjoy stacking or consuming multiple quantities simultaneously, while others enjoy subsequent additional doses. The unregulated amounts and nature of ecstasy make it potentially dangerous, posing health risks. While most people use ecstasy alone, others mix or even replace it with other harmful substances, such as ketamine, salvia, kratom, and synthetic cannabinoids. When people disturb the formulation of ecstasy, it creates a significant risk of inadvertently ingesting excessive amounts or additional unknown toxins.

Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Use

Ecstasy addiction symptoms take about 20 to 30 minutes to take hold after consumption. And the severity of these effects depends on factors, such as if someone consumed other substances as well with ecstasy. Generally, ecstasy's psychoactive effects last between one to three hours. However, depression and anxiety are some residual effects that may last for weeks after use.

A few symptoms include:

• Jaw clenching

• Trance-like state

• Severe paranoia and anxiety

• Intense focus on senses

• Rapid eye movement

• Vomiting, nausea

• Unusually affectionate behaviour

• Sweating, chills

Is Ecstasy Addictive?

Whether ecstasy is addictive or not remains a controversial topic. While several studies show that repeated ecstasy use doesn't have the same addiction potential as cocaine, alcohol and heroin, the risk of dependence or ecstasy abuse does exist. Additional ecstasy addiction symptoms include developing a tolerance, increased time spent acquiring and using drugs, increased desire to use, and negatively impacting day-to-day functions. Also, ecstasy users abuse other substances, such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, inhalants, and amphetamines, illegally and legally.

Ecstasy Addiction Treatment

Ecstasy addiction is challenging but can be overcome with the proper support and treatment methods. And like any other addiction, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to ecstasy addiction. Hence, the treatment plans for ecstasy abuse are designed according to an individual's needs to address everything from their physical and mental health to an individual's ability to work or attend school. Ecstasy abuse treatment plans may also use a combination of techniques to address factors that have negatively impacted a person's life, and they include:

• Residential addiction treatment is a facility where individuals live in-house and receive 24/7 care and support.

• Inpatient rehab typically involves a shorter stay where 24/7 monitoring and care are provided to the patients, in combination with intense group therapy and individual counselling.

• Outpatient addiction treatment is the exact opposite of what a residential rehab provides. In this treatment, an individual can attend intensive group and individual counselling while living at home. In other words, outpatient rehab allows people to attend school, work, and participate in daily life while attending treatment.

• Group, individual, and family behavioural therapy has proven highly effective for ecstasy abuse treatment.

• Co-occurring disorders treatment works well in situations where an individual suffers from substance use disorder and mental illness simultaneously because it addresses both conditions together rather than focusing on one.

Although no targeted medications are approved for ecstasy abuse treatment, doctors may prescribe antidepressants to ease the symptoms in the case of a co-occurring mental health disorder.

Summary

Ecstasy abuse or ecstasy addiction is a severe substance use disorder affecting many people worldwide. It is highly used at rave parties and is known as a love drug, club drug, love pill, and much more. Though regular use develops a high risk of ecstasy dependence in people, recovery is possible with professional treatment options. You may want to reach out to your healthcare professional to gather more information about ecstasy use. Also, every individual is different, experiences several ecstasy addiction symptoms and therefore needs various treatment programs and strategies. Contact your nearest drug detox clinic today to get started!