Ecstasy (MDMA) Detox in Massachusetts
Also known as ecstasy or ‘Molly,’ MDMA is a drug derived from amphetamines. It’s highly addictive and known to produce a combination of side effects. Ecstasy is a unique drug that induces stimulant-like side effects as well as hallucinatory effects. MDMA can produce deadly side effects, particularly high body temperature and dehydration. This can lead to cardiac arrest, brain damage, and even death. Long-term users who are physically dependent on this drug can begin their recovery with the MDMA detox offered at our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab.
MDMA Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical drug dependence develops as a result of long-term use. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the substance’s impact on certain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin. When a person, who’s become dependent on ecstasy, suddenly stops using it or tries to cut back, they’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
MDMA impacts dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, each of which impacts different functions in the brain. These include energy, motivation, mood, appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure. Taking ecstasy disrupts the brain’s normal activity and ability to balance these chemicals, contributing to long-term brain dysfunction.
The main signs of ecstasy withdrawal are psychological symptoms like chronic anxiety and depression because the brain becomes accustomed to this artificial stimulation. However, physical symptoms may also occur.
Common withdrawal symptoms of MDMA (ecstasy) include:
- Attention and memory problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Confusion
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased interest in sex
- Depersonalization
- Hallucinations
- Hostile behavior and paranoia
- Insomnia
- Irritability and mood swings
- Lack of coordination and motor control
The severity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors. These include the frequency of use, age at onset of use, underlying problems like mental illness or other addictions, metabolism, and physical health. The more severe a person’s use, the more intense and long-lasting their symptoms tend to be.
How Long Does MDMA Withdrawal Last?
Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms are caused by a sudden drop in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The side effects of this drug usually last for six hours, but users tend to “stack” doses to prevent an ecstasy high from wearing off. This can delay the onset of withdrawals as well as multiply their intensity.
The first signs of MDMA withdrawal usually appear within three to six hours after the person’s last dose. This is when the individual begins to come down from the drug’s effects or experience a crash. Abusers may seem confused and have trouble distinguishing reality from delusions, causing paranoia and panic.
One to three days after the last dose of MDMA, the individual may continue to crave the drug and sink into depression as serotonin and dopamine levels drop. Anxiety also becomes more acute, along with extreme irritability, mood swings, sleep and appetite disturbances, and fatigue. Symptoms usually begin to taper off a week after the person’s last dosage.
How to Detox from MDMA (Ecstasy)
The safest way to detox from MDMA is with medically assisted detox. The sudden drop in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can cause a shock to the system, which may result in severe withdrawals. This is especially true for people who had used ecstasy heavily or for long periods.
Many people are treated in emergency rooms for ecstasy-related complications, specifically physical problems like heat stroke and severe dehydration. In addition to the symptoms previously listed, additional complications that may occur during ecstasy withdrawal include:
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
- High blood pressure
- High fever
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle twitching
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Rigidity
- Seizures
- Shivering
- Sweating
If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. What’s more, individuals interested in quitting MDMA can do so safely with medical support. Our Northeast addictions treatment center offers medically-led MDMA detox that can help you or a loved one begin recovery.
MDMA Detox at Clearbrook
All of our detox programs are led by a medical team of doctors and nurses. Patients receiving this care are placed on a tapering schedule that gradually reduces their doses, allowing them to slowly go through withdrawals. Patients may also be administered detox medications that reduce ecstasy detox symptoms, making the experience safer and more comfortable.
No matter how long you’ve been battling drug or alcohol abuse, we’re here to help. Contact Clearbrook Treatment Centers today to learn more about our Massachusetts substance abuse treatment and how we can make sobriety possible for you or a loved one.
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