Partying is a popular pastime for people all over the world. As fun as these events and get-togethers can be, they also open the door widely for drug and alcohol abuse. The reason is that many people find it easier to adapt to the party environment when under the influence of an intoxicating substance. While this isn’t always dangerous in moderation, many people in the club scene find themselves falling victim to ecstasy addiction. Learn more with Clearbrook Treatment Centers Pennsylvania rehab.
Facts About Ecstasy
“Ecstasy” is a slang term for MDMA, short for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a name that’s nearly as long as the all-night parties where MDMA is often used. That’s why MDMA has been called a “club drug.” It has effects similar to those of other stimulants, and it often makes the user feel like everyone is his or her friend, even when that’s not the case.
MDMA is man-made—it doesn’t come from a plant like marijuana does. Other chemicals or substances—such as caffeine, dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups), amphetamines, PCP, or cocaine—are sometimes added to, or substituted for, MDMA in Ecstasy tablets. Makers of MDMA can add anything they want to the drug, which results in its purity always being in question.
Like other drugs, MDMA can be addictive for some people. That is, people continue to take the drug despite experiencing unpleasant physical side effects and other social, behavioral, and health consequences. No one knows how many times a person can use a drug before becoming addicted or who’s most vulnerable to addiction. A person’s genes, living environment, and other factors play a role in whether they are likely to become addicted to MDMA. Many drug abusers take combinations of drugs, including alcohol, which may also increase their risk.
Ecstasy Effects
MDMA users often become dehydrated through vigorous activity in a hot environment. It may not seem like a big deal, but when MDMA interferes with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, it can cause dangerous overheating, called hyperthermia. MDMA can be extremely dangerous in high doses or when multiple small doses are taken quickly to maintain the high. High levels of the drug in the bloodstream can increase the risk of hyperthermia, seizures, and other adverse effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being.
Other side effects of ecstasy abuse include:
- Cognitive impairment: Cognitive function can be affected, leading to memory loss, impaired judgment, and difficulty concentrating.
- Mood disturbances: Anxiety, paranoia, and depression, among other mood disturbances, may occur.
- Cardiovascular problems: Ecstasy can increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular problems like heart attack and stroke.
- Liver and kidney damage: Ecstasy can cause liver and kidney damage, leading to liver failure and kidney failure.
- Overdose: Ecstasy can be fatal in high doses, leading to overdose and death.
It is not just the body and mind that can be negatively affected. Abusing ecstasy can significantly impact one’s relationships and social life. Individuals who misuse ecstasy may prioritize drug use over spending quality time with loved ones, resulting in strained relationships and a sense of loneliness.
Additionally, due to the drug’s intense and unpredictable effects, users may engage in dangerous behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated or having unprotected sex. Such behaviors can exacerbate relationship problems and lead to legal or health issues. Over time, ecstasy abusers may also gravitate towards social circles that include more drug-using peers, further alienating them from non-drug-using friends and family members. This feeling of disconnection and lack of support can make it more challenging for these individuals to quit using ecstasy.
Ecstasy Addiction Treatment in Pennsylvania
For those looking to recover from the substance misuse that controls them, our Northeast addictions treatment center has intense programs for ecstasy abuse recovery. Since 1972, the renowned Clearbrook Treatment Centers have been providing effective treatment programs for adults who suffer from alcoholism and/or chemical dependency. This is accomplished through a variety of therapy programs that gives patients an outlet to explore the facets of their disease with the guidance of a trained clinical professional.
Don’t wait for this to become more of a problem than it already is. Call the specialists of Clearbrook at 570-536-9621 to learn how you can get started on this transformative journey.
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