Are you familiar with MDMA? You probably know it as ecstasy. It’s a combination of hallucinogens and stimulants that can wreak havoc with your system. Here’s what you need to know about MDMA addiction.

Is It True That Experts Disagree About MDMA Addiction?

There are conflicting studies about the addictive nature of ecstasy. Testing proves that the subjects will choose to take the drug. However, they do so at lower rates than they would with other substances. That said, Serenity House Detox & Recovery routinely works with individuals who’re struggling with an ecstasy abuse problem.

How Does MDMA Work?

Ecstasy is primarily a club drug. It’s popular at raves and dance festivals. You might snort the drug as a powder or swallow it as a pill. Initially, it makes you drop your inhibitions.

You feel close to the people around you. Similarly, it boosts your perception of sounds and smells. Because it has strong stimulant properties, your heart rate and blood pressure spike. Therefore, your body temperature rises, and you sweat more.

Few people think about hydration at a time like this. As a result, you become dehydrated and put a severe strain on your kidneys. In some cases, the body temperature may rise to dangerous levels and can result in unconsciousness and even coma. The comedown from MDMA addiction is tough.

Since the drug affects serotonin and dopamine production, depression might accompany coming off the substance. Some users try to binge on ecstasy to mitigate these effects. However, they can’t replicate the initial results of MDMA. Therefore, they might take other drugs to bolster the adverse impact of the comedown.

Who’s at the Greatest Risk for MDMA Addiction?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse identifies young adults as a high-risk group. Those between 18 and 25 are more likely to use the drug and possibly develop MDMA addiction. They are not the only age group struggling with ecstasy abuse. A young adult who doesn’t receive treatment enters the next age group with the same substance abuse problem.

What Does Addiction to Ecstasy Look Like?

In simplest terms, MDMA addiction is a mix of deep depression, tiredness, and cognitive problems. Because you want to get out of this rut, you keep using the drug. But it seems like you can never replicate that first, so-called good, high. Therefore, your focus shifts from being productive to chasing the elusive sensation.

However, there’s a darker side as well. You’re trying to overcome the comedown by using other drugs such as alcohol. Moreover, some unscrupulous pushers cut the MDMA with heroin or cocaine, which can result in the development of a polysubstance addiction. You may not even realize that you’re struggling with multiple substance abuse problems.

In the process of trying to recapture the good feelings, you lose your job and friends. You self-isolate. Money becomes an issue. When you run out of options, it’s possible that you could lose your home as well.

Fighting the Addiction Head-On with Detoxification

The first step on the road to recovery is an MDMA or ecstasy detox program. There are no shortcuts to sobriety. Most importantly, detoxification at a facility ensures that you overcome addictions to all substance abuse issues you struggle with. Some participants work through ecstasy, cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana addiction treatment program.

When you work with a Serenity House Detox & Recovery therapist, the expert will customize a care protocol for you. Most importantly, the counselor seeks to uncover polysubstance and MDMA addiction treatment needs that you might be unaware of. Moreover, there’s also the possibility of a co-occurring mental health condition. Your treatment protocol might therefore include:

• Medical detox program that protects your health while stabilizing you during the withdrawal process
• Dual diagnosis assessment and treatment of underlying depression, anxiety, or similar conditions
• Behavioral therapy as a means for replacing dysfunction in thoughts and actions with healthy patterns
• Family therapy, which re-opens communication opportunities with loved ones
• One-on-one talk therapy that helps you to set goals for lifelong sobriety

Don’t treat MDMA addiction lightly. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, compassionate therapists want to help you quit using this drug. But they can’t do so unless you reach out for assistance. Dial 866-294-5306 now to connect with an intake advisor.