Author: Alex Thompson

Ecstasy Symptoms and Warning Signs

Support groups are also essential in maintaining long-term sobriety. If you notice your loved one showing the warning signs of a stimulant use disorder, advise them to find a treatment program. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

This is why ecstasy use causes increased appreciation of light shows and high sensitivity to music. On the other hand, ecstasy tablets come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Ecstasy use causes a feeling of euphoria, and that is the major reason why people take ecstasy.

Some of the psychological effects that could happen from ecstasy addiction include depression and anxiety. These mental health disorders form because people grow reliant on ecstasy to produce positive feelings and happiness. Whenever the drug leaves their system, the body does not produce enough serotonin and instead is overwhelmed with negative thoughts and emotions. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. MDMA can be in tablet or powder form, and that physical difference is how to differentiate ecstasy and “Molly.” Ecstasy is the tablet and is usually in different colors. Molly, which produces similar effects, is the powder version of MDMA. Quitting ecstasy without medical involvement is unlikely to cause any major health problems, but a medical detox may help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms. Ecstasy abuse usually begins out of curiosity or experimentation, but continued abuse can devolve into addiction.

Addiction, Overdose, and Withdrawal

This large shift in priorities can mark the beginning of an addiction or substance use disorder developing. Individuals who use ecstasy long-term have much higher rates of engaging in impulsive, dangerous behaviors or illegal activity to obtain more of the drug in spite of possible repercussions. This will put more strain on the body rather than improve the experience, and can lead to an increased risk of a dangerous, potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome. With repeated use, MDMA depletes serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and feelings of wellbeing.

1. Just like other drugs that affect sensory perception, ecstasy can be addictive.
2. Overall, this drug’s use is rather uncommon, as research shows that just 2% of the U.S. population, aged 12 and above, has used a hallucinogenic drug like MDMA within the past year.
3. The drug can also serve as an antidepressant for a very short amount of time.
4. For this reason, the effects of an “ecstasy” pill can be hard to predict.

Many negative side effects, both short- and long-term, can come about as a result of using ecstasy. Many dealers sell pills that are cut with other ingredients, ranging from cocaine or heroin to caffeine and rat poison. For this reason, the effects of an “ecstasy” pill can be hard to predict. Like with pills, drinking too much (including water) can also be dangerous. Users should sip no more than a pint of water or non-alcoholic drink every hour. Molly is slang for ‘molecular’ and refers to the crystalline powder form of this drug.

Signs of addiction include using the drug frequently and being unable to have fun or feel normal without it. Addiction is characterized by an unnatural compulsion to use the drug without regard to negative consequences. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp.

MDMA can be dangerous

Ecstasy users take the drug orally as a tablet, pill, or capsule. Just like every other drug, the effects of ecstasy vary from person to person. Taking ecstasy regularly affects individuals depending on weight, size, health status, and whether the person is used to taking ecstasy. An earlier version of ecstasy, MDMA became popular as a recreational drug during the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1980s, MDMA became fashionable as a party drug in the nightclub and rave scene and its use grew among college students, “yuppies,” and in the gay community. In one study, researchers found that only 60% of samples tested contained any MDMA at all and many were mixed with so-called “fake cocaine,” a substance typically made with synthetic cathinone.

While ecstasy affects many neurotransmitters in the brain that are impacted by other addictive drugs, research has not determined whether MDMA is addictive, notes the National Institute on Drug Abuse. If you experience lasting effects after taking ecstasy, be sure to seek help from a medical professional as soon as possible. Though ecstasy isn’t considered addictive per se, it may be attractive to teens and young adults. Clubs, parties, concerts, college campuses and other such social venues for this age group have become a hotbed for MDMA recreational use. If you would like help or support related to drug use please visit support for people affected by drugs. Pills, powders or crystals containing other drugs but sold as MDMA may take longer to take effect, so it is important to wait at least 2 hours before re-dosing, or even better avoid re-dosing altogether.

The drug can also serve as an antidepressant for a very short amount of time. Just like other drugs that affect sensory perception, ecstasy can be addictive. Symptoms of ecstasy use are similar to that of other stimulants. Ecstasy overdose symptoms can include faintness, panic attacks or extreme anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures. When ecstasy use is followed by vigorous physical activity, it can lead to a potentially dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperthermia. Finding a rehab program that also treats for these co-occurring mental health disorders is extremely important to a successful recovery from any drug addiction.

Is it dangerous to mix with other drugs?

Furthermore, it can also cause memory issues, issues with cognitive ability, and poor performance on tests. Long term effects can amplify these symptoms resulting in severe brain damage. The immediate impact of ecstasy begins within about 45 minutes of taking a dose.

Physical (Health) Effects

This myth comes from messages broadcast by anti-drug campaigns in the late 1990s/early 2000s. Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence. You may also develop a psychological dependence, which is a strong desire to keep on using even if you think your use is having harmful consequences. For this reason, you should never take a whole pill in one go, even if you’ve taken ecstasy before.

How to Recognize Ecstasy

People typically experience an increased sense of well-being and emotional warmth. Other effects include feeling greater empathy toward others and enhanced sensory perception. Some scientists and researchers remain interested in the drug’s potential as a psychotherapy treatment tool, but only when given to patients in extremely controlled conditions. People who take the drug experience an increase in energy and heightened emotional sensitivity, and the neurotransmitter serotonin is released in the brain, which causes a short-term, elevated mood.