Ecstasy is one of the most abused drugs worldwide. Its ability to enhance the world around you makes it attractive to young people.
While the drug makes the environment enjoyable, its effects don’t last forever. People who continue abusing ecstasy and use it in the long term may experience serious consequences for their physical and mental health.
What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is a stimulant and hallucinogen that produces euphoric effects when taken. It’s a synthetic drug that enhances a person’s sensory perceptions. When a person takes ecstasy, they’re more likely to feel more friendly or empathetic. As such, it’s commonly associated with parties, nightclubs, and other social events.
The drug affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. This excessive release can be addicting, and people may result in repeatedly use the drug to chase the same high.
However, repeated use of ecstasy can damage the brain and body. It can also make a person dependent on the drug, and when this dependence isn’t addressed immediately, it can result in addiction.
Understanding Molly, MDMA, and Ecstasy
MDMA is an abbreviation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, with street names including “Molly” and ecstasy. The drug is lab-made and has stimulant effects on the central nervous system. It can make a person feel more happy and energetic after taking it.
“Molly” is thought of as the powdered form of MDMA. Despite the common misconception that “Molly” is a pure form of MDMA, both terms typically refer to the same substance.
Why Do Individuals Use Ecstasy?
Many people use ecstasy because of its immediate positive effects, which happen around 30 to 60 minutes after taking the drug.
Social Use
MDMA is also known as the “love drug” because it can make social interactions feel more enjoyable. When people take it, they feel more empathetic and open with others.
This is why ecstasy is commonly used at parties and other social gatherings. The feelings it produces can create a temporary sense of bonding and trust in these situations.
Coping Mechanism
For others, they turn to using drugs to escape feelings of depression and anxiety. Since the drug increases serotonin levels in the brain, ecstasy use can provide a “feel-good” state that serves as a temporary escape from their real-life problems.
However, using ecstasy to escape negative emotions is extremely dangerous. Once the effects of ecstasy wear off, a person will experience a comedown that can worsen existing conditions.
How Are These Drugs Taken?
Ecstasy is usually taken in pill or powder form. Let’s take a closer look at these two methods and what they mean for your health:
Ecstasy Taken In Pills
The pills look like candy and come in different colours. They are swallowed, and the effects take around half an hour before kicking in.
When in pill form, the drug can be mixed with other harmful substances and additives. So, although these pills look nice and brightly coloured, the effects can be unpredictable and dangerous.
MDMA Taken In Powder
The powder form, “Molly,” is taken by snorting it or mixing it with water. It’s often a “purer” form of the drug, but remember that it can still be mixed with different additives that make its effects more potent and dangerous.
The Effects of MDMA
MDMA has serious effects on a person’s health and well-being. Even if the initial positive effects only last a few hours, the drug can have serious long-term consequences.
Effects On The Brain
Ecstasy releases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain, which are known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitters. This surge of neurotransmitters is what produces feelings of euphoria and emotional closeness.
Although the initial surge can feel great, it can also deplete serotonin levels. The comedown from the drug’s high can make someone feel more irritated, anxious, or depressed.
What Happens After Taking MDMA?
After taking MDMA, serotonin and other neurotransmitters responsible for making you feel happy are depleted in the brain, resulting in feelings of sadness and exhaustion. When a person continues to abuse the drug, it will be more difficult for them to experience pleasure without it.
Symptoms Of Ecstasy Addiction
Constant drug abuse can result in substance use disorder, which is a chronic relapsing brain disease. Learning and identifying the symptoms of ecstasy addiction can help a person get the support they need.
Psychological
A person battling with addiction to MDMA may show the following symptoms:
- Frequent irritability
- Inability to control their mood
- Cognitive impairment
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Dependence on the drug
Behavioural
Behavioural signs of ecstasy addiction include:
- Strong urges to repeatedly use the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Spending too much money to buy the drug
- Engaging in risky behaviour
- Social withdrawal
Physical
Here are some physical symptoms of ecstasy addiction:
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased body temperature
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Jaw clenching
- Increased heart rate
Other Dangers
Using the drug in certain conditions can increase the risk of other dangers, such as dehydration and overdose.
For example, if a person takes ecstasy in a hot or overcrowded area, they’re more likely to be dehydrated. The drug can increase a person’s body temperature, and not drinking enough fluids can cause the body to overheat.
In addition, mixing the drug with other substances, such as alcohol or cocaine, can increase the risk of dangerous interactions and overdose.
How Does Addiction To Ecstasy Start?
Ecstasy addiction can begin with a simple desire to experiment with the drug. Recreational use of the drug can make a person crave it more because its pleasurable effects impact the brain’s reward system.
If a person continues taking ecstasy, they may eventually develop a tolerance wherein they need more of the drug just to feel the same effects. This can create a vicious cycle that leads to addiction because the body can’t function well without it.
Is Ecstasy Addictive? Forget The Myths
Learning about the myths associated with MDMA use can help prevent harmful misconceptions and promote informed decision-making about the drug.
You Can Give Up At Any Time
When a person is addicted to drugs, they can’t just give up at any time. Addiction changes how the brain works and operates, and serious withdrawal symptoms come with trying to stop taking a drug you’re addicted to. Medical intervention and help are needed to get your brain back to normal once you’re addicted to a certain substance.
You Can’t Get Addicted To Ecstasy As Only Used Occasionally
Even recreational use of ecstasy can lead to dependence. For example, if a person is used to taking MDMA during social events, they may feel like they can’t function in these situations without it. It becomes a cycle of dependence that’s difficult to quit.
MDMA Is Ok To Take Because Powder Form Is Purer
Although powder form is often marketed as “pure,” purity doesn’t guarantee safety. The drug can still be mixed with other dangerous substances that can increase the risk of overdose and other health complications.
Using Ecstasy With Other Substances
As mentioned earlier, many people take ecstasy and mix it with alcohol or other drugs to intensify each other’s effects.
While it can make a person feel happier and more energetic, it’s a combination that can put significant strain on the heart and liver. It can also increase the likelihood of overdose, especially if a person’s body can’t take the intensity of these substance’s effects.
Take Action At The Warning Signs Of Addiction
If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, it’s best to call for professional help right away. Ecstasy abuse has long-term consequences, and getting help immediately can stop these negative effects.
Various treatment options like rehab and therapy are available to help overcome addiction. These provide people with substance use disorder the right guidance they need to quit ecstasy and maintain sobriety.
Get In Touch If You Need Ecstasy Addiction Treatment
At Sierra Recovery, we have a team of professionals who are more than happy to help you quit ecstasy and overcome addiction. Our team has years of experience in addiction recovery, so you’ll be equipped with the right management techniques for long-term sobriety.
To know more about our treatment options and how we can help, contact us today.
FAQs
How long do the effects of ecstasy last?
The peak intensity effects of ecstasy happen around 30 to 60 minutes after taking the drug and can last for up to 6 hours. Various factors affect the duration of its effects, such as the dosage, the individual’s metabolism, and whether the drug is taken with other substances.
Can MDMA cause seizures?
Yes, when taken in high doses, MDMA can cause seizures since it can also act as a nervous system stimulant. These seizures typically happen when a person has overdosed on the drug.
What is the half-life of MDMA?
The half-life of MDMA is about eight hours. This means that after around eight hours, half of the drug has already been eliminated from your system.
