MDMA Addiction

The journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence reports that, over time, a person can become psychologically dependent on ecstasy, and the feelings of joy and social connection that the drug provides may become difficult to live without. Those who face difficulty dealing with the comedown may seek out more ecstasy to sustain their high.

According to the Journal of Psychopharmacology, as a person continues to take ecstasy, they build a physical tolerance to the drug, and the potential for addiction varies between individuals. This means that more ecstasy needs to be taken to achieve the desired effects, and as more is taken, the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug. The Institute of Medicine explains that neural pathways are formed in the brain’s reward center that make a person prioritize ecstasy use over other areas of life, even personal responsibilities such as work or school.

Ecstasy’s effects are extremely desirable. As outlined in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, users typically feel a combination of the following:

Not all the effects of ecstasy are enjoyable. Other effects of ecstasy outlined in Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation include:

An ecstasy high typically lasts four to six hours. As the drug wears off, users may experience the opposite effects of what they felt earlier. Euphoria fades and feelings of depression, and even despair, can surface. Energy levels drop significantly, and jaw pain sets in, as the drug will have made the user clench their jaw for hours. This is known as the ‘comedown’ and can last for two to three days, depending on the individual and how much ecstasy was consumed.

According to research published in Nuclear Medicine Communications, long-term ecstasy abuse can lead to:

The longer a person misuses ecstasy, the worse their addiction will become. With prolonged, heavy use, addiction becomes more complicated to treat, which is why it is imperative to seek professional help at the earliest stages of addiction.

At Excel, we have seen first-hand how ecstasy abuse can devastate not only a person’s life but also the lives of their loved ones. While there are similarities in the symptoms and characteristics of addiction that each person presents, we know that each client is unique.

Our treatment programs are formulated and recommended following an initial assessment, and we aim to develop an open, authentic relationship with every client. Following this consultation, we will recommend the most appropriate course of action regarding treatment. If we believe that a client would be more appropriately treated at another treatment center, we will refer the client on and arrange a prompt appointment.

With the correct treatment, recovery from ecstasy dependence and addiction is possible:

We believe that addiction rarely occurs as a sole symptom of substance misuse. There are often underlying, undiagnosed conditions at play that contribute to the onset of addiction. During the initial assessment, our highly skilled psychologists and psychiatrists will determine whether a client is also suffering from another condition, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or unresolved trauma.

We provide clients with comprehensive and compassionate outpatient recovery services, which allow clients to continue with other aspects of their lives while still receiving treatment. With a collaborative approach to treatment, clients receive support and guidance from our team of recovery specialists, who can deliver expert psychological and medical assistance. This ensures that all aspects of recovery are taken into consideration, and clients are given the best chance at achieving lasting, successful recovery.