Ecstasy addiction

The stages of ecstasy addiction

The stages of ecstasy and MDMA addiction may involve:

• Initiation: You are introduced to ecstasy for the first time. This will usually occur as a result of your own curiosity or peer pressure, and will often take place at parties or nightclubs.
• Experimentation: You begin to take ecstasy recreationally in specific situations, including at parties or other social environments.
• Regular use: You have established a pattern of drug use, even in solo situations.
• Dependence: You develop a dependence on ecstasy as the brain relies on its presence to produce serotonin.
• Addiction: You continue to seek out and use ecstasy despite obvious ramifications to your health, wellbeing, and financial state.

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy pills come in a wide variety of colours and shapes, usually with pictures or logos stamped onto the pill. The logo often relates to the pill’s nickname, for example, a “superman” pill will have the superman logo imprinted on it. Ecstasy pills are normally swallowed, although some people may crush and snort them.

Ecstasy also comes in a powder or crystal form, referred to as MDMA, amongst other names like MD, Mandy, or Molly. It may appear as white, off-white, or yellowish in colour. Users may rub the substance into their gums, sprinkle it into their drink, or wrap it in cigarette paper and swallow it (referred to as “bombing”).

MDMA is the shortened chemical name for the synthetic psychoactive drug 3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, and this is also the active ingredient expected to be found in ecstasy pills.

The production of ecstasy is unregulated, however, and many of the dangers seen are due to other potentially toxic ingredients, for example, PMA (paramethoxyamphetamine), N-Ethylpentylone, and NBOMes (N-methoxybenzyl), which are all toxic at lower doses and therefore easy to take too much of.

Effects of ecstasy

Once consumed, the effects of ecstasy usually take hold within twenty minutes to one hour, and can last three to six hours, with users often taking more doses to prolong the high. Ecstasy produces feelings of euphoria, empathy, and pleasure. You will experience a heightened sensitivity to sound, lights, and touch, and may also experience hallucinations. These mind-altering effects are caused by the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Alongside this comes a range of unpleasant, short-term side effects which include:

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Long term abuse can result in a number of health issues, damaging both your body and mind. Other moderate to severe long-term side effects include:

Ecstasy addiction symptoms

Ecstasy and MDMA addiction, like other types of drug addictions, is a condition that sees the user continually consume the drug despite being aware of the negative physical and mental impacts.

Ecstasy alters the brain by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. It also prevents their reabsorption, with the brain producing less of these chemicals to compensate. This change results in a dependence on the drug – the addict will chase the high, and will need to increase doses to achieve this.

Other ecstasy addiction symptoms may include frequent cravings and unease when the drug is not available. It is possible that you may develop a preoccupation with ecstasy, spending a lot of time and money trying to acquire it and therefore experiencing financial issues. Frequent users may experience “come-downs” – similar to a hangover which may last two or three days, or even a week after using the drug.

There are other symptoms, such as hiding your addiction from others, the unwillingness or inability to quit despite recognising the harm it is causing, changing your social circles and leaning towards friends who use ecstasy, and even dealing with problems with the law as a result of your drug use.

Recognising ecstasy addiction

Recognising an ecstasy addiction in a loved one can be difficult – addicts often try to hide their drug use as best they can, and usually take the drug outside of the home. There are some signs to look out for, including:

• Changes in their social circle
• Depression or sleeping a lot when not using
• Financial or legal issues
• Secretive behaviour
• Sudden inability to fulfil daily responsibilities

How to avoid ecstasy addiction and dependence

Ecstasy dependence can be avoided by declining the use of the drug completely, especially in the party scene where pressures to join in may be great. While dependence on ecstasy may not happen quickly, an established regular pattern of frequent abuse will certainly quicken the process.

It is also important to recognise the markers of addiction and ensure that you seek help once you realise that you have a problem. Being educated on the addictive properties of ecstasy and its side effects may discourage you from using ecstasy and forming a habit with the drug.

What not to do:

Don’t play it down

It is important to take ecstasy abuse seriously – don’t play it down or pass it off as ‘just a bit of fun’. Even one dose of the drug can have serious or life threatening consequences due to unregulated production, and long-term use can have devastating effects on your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Don’t assume it’s not addictive

Whilst ecstasy and MDMA dependence is lower compared to other drugs, this does not mean it is not addictive. The significant high you feel when taking ecstasy results in users often craving it again and again.

Don’t be ashamed to get help

If you are worried about your own drug use, or that of a loved one, there is nothing wrong with asking for help or support. Ecstasy and MDMA abuse and addiction affects millions of people every year, but recovery is possible.

Treatment

If you or a loved one has an addiction to ecstasy or MDMA, there is treatment available. This typically starts with a medically assisted ecstasy detox and is followed by ecstasy rehabilitation.

If you are ready to achieve lasting sobriety, contact one of our UKAT facilities today to begin your journey to a healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions