MDMA comes as small crystals or a powder. It can be pressed into colorful pills that often have a design printed on them. It is usually swallowed or snorted, although there have been reports of some users injecting it.
Effects start to come on within half an hour and peak within two. MDMA causes a massive release of dopamine and serotonin, our natural feel-good chemicals. They are responsible for mood regulation, appetite and energy levels, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Users typically experience:
However, these effects are short-lived. When the effects wear off after around six hours, users experience a ‘crash’. This is when the feel-good chemicals of the brain are depleted. This leads to users feeling lethargic and low.
While a lot of people can stop, many users chase the high and take repeated doses of MDMA. The brain builds up a tolerance to the chemical, which results in more being needed for the same effect. This can lead to greater ‘crashes’, which can lead to addiction developing.
What is MDMA?
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Euphoria
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Increased music appreciation
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Sweating
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Teeth grinding
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Talkativeness
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Feeling more ‘open’
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MDMA Addiction
MDMA addiction is characterized by repeated use of it, despite negative consequences. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that repeated MDMA use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
As previously mentioned, regular use builds up tolerance and puts users at an increased risk of addiction and related health complications. Some people may be more prone to addiction, for reasons that they cannot control. Because many people are not aware of how addictive MDMA can be, they do not understand that they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop.
Many of our clients feel a great deal of shame about their addiction. Some do not understand why they repeatedly take something that they thought was non-addictive. Others know what they are doing is harmful, but don’t understand why they can’t stop.
At Excel, we have a judgment-free approach to addiction. We appreciate that addiction is a health condition, and it doesn’t constitute a moral failing. People who suffer from addiction are not bad; they simply need help. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver that.
Learn more about withdrawal
MDMA Withdrawal
Withdrawal from MDMA is a combination of both physical and mental effects. These effects can be overwhelming and can lead users to compulsively take more of the drug to avoid them. However, with the right medical support, it is possible to manage these symptoms and make the entire process as easy as possible.
The symptoms
Symptoms of MDMA Withdrawal
Physical Symptoms +
As the effects of MDMA start to wear off, users will typically feel shaky. MDMA suppresses appetite, and it is common for users to neglect their diet whilst they are under the influence. This lack of appetite can persist throughout the detox period.
MDMA also causes users to feel very energetic. Over time, the body becomes used to MDMA being present, and it is common for users to feel lethargic or worn out during the withdrawal period. Simple, everyday tasks can seem overwhelming. A residential detox center can help to support clients through this difficult process and ensure that all their needs are met so they can focus on recovery.
Mental Health Symptoms +
MDMA is psychoactive and has a huge effect on the mood of users. Prolonged use of MDMA causes the brain’s neurotransmitters to become imbalanced. This can persist for weeks, so the detox must be done in a safe environment.
Some other symptoms of MDMA withdrawal are:
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Intense cravings to use
There is power in sharing our experiences with others, and our detox staff are highly trained in both listening and giving helpful advice. One of the other benefits of residential detox is that clients are around people who are on the same journey
Length of Withdrawal Symptoms +
The length of the withdrawal symptoms is dependent on how long you were using MDMA and how often you were taking it. MDMA leaves the system after three days; however, the withdrawal symptoms can last for around two weeks.
Once our medical team has some information about your MDMA use, they can provide a rough timeline for the withdrawal phase. Some users have found that effects such as depression can last for months, although they are not as intense as in the first two weeks. This knowledge can lead to a sense of hopelessness, and it’s important to remember that this is not forever. The brain can recover from MDMA addiction, but it does require time.
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Medication for Withdrawal
Unlike opiates or tranquilizers, there is no substitute drug to wean users off MDMA. Our detox clients may be given medication if necessary, to help with any anxiety and sleep problems.
We also recommend that people continue with taking any other prescribed medication during detox, as long as they are taking it as recommended by their doctor or physician. We will ask about any prescribed medications during the initial consultation, so we can avoid any issues with drugs we may prescribe.
The Excel Difference in Treatment
MDMA Withdrawal and Mental Health
Excel Treatment Center and our associated detox clinics specialize in treating both mental health and drug addiction. During the initial assessment, you will have the opportunity to discuss any pre-existing mental health conditions you may be dealing with. We also have experts on hand to help diagnose any problems that may have gone unnoticed.
It’s important to remember that some MDMA withdrawal symptoms can mimic the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Through regular check-ins with our team, we will be able to assess whether a mental health problem has surfaced during the detox phase. We are also able to arrange for medication to be prescribed to help with this.
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Take a tour of our outpatient facility alongside our supportive housing options that provide safety & community when seeking treatment for substance abuse and mental health conditions.
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Our admissions process is simple. Contact our caring team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to begin the process of getting help. We work with most major commercial and private insurance plans.
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MDMA Withdrawal and Physical Health
Most long-and-short-term effects of MDMA withdrawal relate to mental rather than physical health. The most common physical issues of MDMA addiction and withdrawal are suppressed appetite and short-term dehydration. If it is necessary, our doctors may prescribe multivitamin supplements to combat the malnutrition that can arise from MDMA addiction.
Although not strictly a withdrawal symptom, many MDMA users experience dental problems from constantly grinding their teeth. When under the influence, they may not notice these symptoms; however, they may become more apparent when the person is newly sober. It is advisable that anyone in early recovery from MDMA addiction also see a dentist.
