How to Tell if Someone is on Ecstasy
What is Ecstasy
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a synthetic, psychoactive drug.
Ecstasy’s chemical structure mimics the structures of both stimulants and hallucinogens, altering your moods and perceptions.
These mood and perception alterations, along with other side effects, are what make ecstasy appealing to its users.
They are often the reason that ecstasy is so common among college-aged students, club-goers, and ravers.
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Common Side Effects of Ecstasy use
The primary and sought-after side effects of ecstasy can alter your mood or thought perceptions.
In short-term use, ecstasy produces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, and emotional warmth.
It also distorts your senses and perception of time.
Ecstasy alters three brain chemicals: dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
Altering these chemicals increases your energy, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as triggering hormones that affect your mood and other functions.
But these short-term side effects are often followed by more troubling ones.
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Side Effects of Long-Term Ecstasy Abuse
Over time, your body becomes dependent on the drug that is encouraging these chemicals. Your body may begin to forget how to produce them naturally. This is one reason why additional side effects may appear, but there are other factors to consider, as well. The amount that you take, how often, your mental health, and other substances you use can all alter the type and severity of your side effects. Some of the most common include side effects like nausea, muscle cramping, involuntary teeth clenching, and burry vision. Chills and sweats are also common.
These side effects or uncomfortable or mildly painful, but rarely exceedingly dangerous. In higher doses and long-term abuse, however, more troubling side effects begin to appear. One of the most troubling is that your body may have trouble regulating its temperature. A spiking body temperature can lead to potentially fatal liver failure, kidney failure, or heart failure. While these devastating side effects are more common in high doses or long-term abuse, the potential for toxicity subsists with each ingestion.
Ecstasy and Mental Health
In addition to the physical side effects, several troubling mental health impairments are linked to ecstasy, including:
- Irritability and aggression
- Impulsive behaviors
- Depressive episodes
- Trouble sleeping
- Anxiety
- Memory and attention problems
One of the problems with these mental health impairments is that they often worsen underlying mental health disorders. This is true whether the disorder is undiagnosed or diagnosed and untreated. There is a good amount of overlap between addiction symptoms and mental health disorder symptoms.
As such, it makes sense that addictions and mental health disorders often occur together. This is called a dual diagnosis. Ecstasy and generalized anxiety disorder would be an example of a dual diagnosis. If you are battling a dual diagnosis, it can feel scary and overwhelming. But our highly specialized dual diagnosis program can help you work toward achieving your addiction and mental health goals simultaneously. This is the best way to ensure recovery is possible.
Signs Someone is Addicted to Ecstasy
There are many different signs that someone is addicted to ecstasy. One clear sign that someone is addicted to ecstasy is the presence of withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. You may feel fatigued or depressed, have difficulty concentrating, or lose your appetite. Other signs include:
- increasing your amounts or frequencies of ecstasy use
- trouble stopping despite experiencing drug-related problems
- choosing ecstasy use over other activities that you used to enjoy
- shunning responsibilities to spend more time using ecstasy
- experiencing episodes of unnatural and long-lasting energy
- drastic changes in sleep habits, including staying awake for several days at a time
- feeling inexplicably paranoid, confused, or impulsive
If you or someone you love is struggling with ecstasy addiction, we can help. Choosing to attend rehab is the first step in the right direction.
Local vs. Out-of-State Drug Rehab
In addition to locations, local and out-of-state rehabilitation centers have other fundamental differences. One of the biggest differences is the benefits of working toward recovery away from damaging areas or people. Another difference to consider is the difference in costs. If you are traveling to an out-of-state rehabilitation center, you will need to factor in additional travel expenses. For most people, it is worth it. But for some, it makes more sense to remain local. This is often the case if you have built a reliable support system at home. Being away from your support system can create additional challenges.
Alternatively, if you are surrounded by individuals you abuse drugs with, you may need time away to work on building sober social networks and overcoming relapse triggers. Another factor would be work or family obligations. Out-of-state drug rehab is one of the most effective methods for addiction recovery. But it is not for everyone. We will work with you to determine which care methods, programs, and settings will best suit your addiction and needs. This includes determining whether a local or out-of-state drug rehab is the better choice for you.
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Reasons to go Out-of-State for Rehab
There are many reasons to go out of state for rehab. Among them, some of the most common are the higher levels of privacy and the lack of distractions. When you choose to attend out-of-state drug rehab, you are taking yourself away from damaging locations, relationships, and other relapse triggers. A simple change of scenery can work wonders in addiction recovery. With convenient locations near beautiful beaches, safe and comfortable facilities, and unbeatable amenities, our rehab centers are worth traveling for. We offer a wide range of addiction treatment programs, proven methods, creative therapies, holistic remedies, and recreational activities.
These various care methods come together to create a well-rounded, effective, and personalized program. Our traditional care methods include activities like an individual, group, and family therapy sessions, as well as support group meetings. Our creative care methods include things like art therapy, music therapy, and animal-assisted therapy. Creative activities are proven to reduce stress, provide healthy emotional outlets, and boost your self-esteem. Holistic remedies and recreational activities, like beach trips, fitness classes, yoga, and meditation sessions will help you achieve balance. Addressing the needs of both the body and mind is the best way to achieve long-term recovery.
Paying for Ecstasy Treatment Programs
Paying for addiction treatments may be easier than most people think. While the plans and coverage amounts may vary, most health insurance providers offer coverage for addiction care. And we work with most major health insurance providers to get you the care you need and deserve. If you have health insurance but you are not sure what it covers, please call our admissions counselor. They will perform a complimentary insurance verification to get you started. Once we have this information, we can help you plan for what is left. If you do not have health insurance, please ask about alternative payment options.
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Choosing Resurgence Behavioral Health
Whether you live locally or you are coming from out of state, you will be in good company.
Thousands of individuals and families have improved their lives through our comprehensive addiction care programs.
Choosing Resurgence Behavioral Health means choosing proven, dedicated addiction care.
Each step of our journey together will be customized depending on your addiction, mental health, and other needs.
We offer personalized plans, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
Call us today for more information.
