Ecstasy, also known as Molly or MDMA, is a synthetic amphetamine that has stimulant and psychoactive properties. It can give you energy and make you feel euphoric. It also causes changes in perception and enhances pleasure. Although many people take the drug to feel good, ecstasy abuse can ultimately cause profound negative side effects. Researchers aren’t sure whether ecstasy is addictive, but they do agree that people who struggle with MDMA use disorder should seek treatment at an ecstasy rehab center. With compassionate help, living after addiction is possible.
Why Is Using Ecstasy Dangerous?
High doses of MDMA can cause health emergencies, such as heart, liver, or kidney failure. The fact that most ecstasy pills don’t consist of pure MDMA makes the drug more dangerous. Other drugs and toxic substances are often present in pills, which compounds the dangers of ecstasy alone. Taking MDMA with other substances also increases the risk of overdose.
Repeated ecstasy use can also cause serotonin syndrome, a condition that occurs when the central nervous system is affected by excess serotonin. When you take ecstasy, the body experiences a flood of this mood-boosting chemical. Too much serotonin can cause irritability, tremors, diarrhea, increased body temperature, and seizures. Using ecstasy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are a common type of antidepressants, can make these symptoms worse.
Some individuals believe that taking ecstasy is safer than using other street drugs. However, the substance’s effects are unpredictable. Using ecstasy produces many negative short-term and long-term side effects. Getting help at an ecstasy rehab center can prevent you from requiring medical attention for short-term or long-term MDMA side effects.
Is Ecstasy Addictive?
Although experts haven’t concluded that ecstasy is addictive, they do notice behavior patterns that are consistent with addiction in users. Some addictive behaviors include:
- Needing to take more of the substance to feel the effects
- Craving the drug
- Going out of your way to purchase or use the substance
- Using the drug in hazardous situations
- Failing to complete obligations because of drug use
Because ecstasy increases the levels of mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, some people become accustomed to the pleasure that they feel while using the substance. Many individuals report that they lose the ability to enjoy life once the drug wears off. Therefore, they may take the drug repeatedly to continue to feel the effects.
Continual use of MDMA can lead to changes in the brain that affect your ability to function. Some say that ecstasy is more psychologically addictive than physically addictive. However, people who abuse ecstasy may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. This is also a sign that they may need treatment at an ecstasy rehab center.
What to Expect at an Ecstasy Rehab Center
Dealing with MDMA abuse can be tricky. The experts at an ecstasy rehab center have experience with the substance and can help you work through the behavioral patterns that trigger its use. A high-quality ecstasy rehab center uses science-backed psychotherapy techniques to help you understand the reasons for substance abuse. They’ll also equip you with relapse prevention tips and strategies to ensure your long-term recovery.
If you need to get away from a lifestyle that encourages MDMA use, seeking treatment is your best option. To learn more about available Pennsylvania addiction treatment programs, get in touch with an ecstasy rehab center today.