Treatment for Ecstasy Addiction in Washington State

Ecstasy is a popular and highly dangerous drug. Since most dealers sell various doses and mixtures, the effects of this drug are extremely unpredictable. When addiction occurs, it affects many parts of the body. For example, a person’s brain enjoys intense “highs.” However, devastating crashes follow. This encourages a person to keep using. When a person wants to break the habit, it is essential to seek help from a trustworthy ecstasy rehabilitation center.

At Free By the Sea, we walk with our patients throughout the treatment process, working to encourage life-long recovery. Our trained and experienced professionals care for the individuals who come to us for help and we provide vital tools to keep people free from addiction well into the future.

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is the street name for MDMA. It is a popular club drug, a stimulant that causes hallucinations. Ecstasy is known as a designer drug that was invented to furnish a ‘high’ feeling. For the most part, it is one of the most commonly abused drugs on the streets. Unfortunately, it is extremely dangerous and can cause fatal effects.

How Ecstasy Affects the Brain

Ecstasy increases the production of dopamine, which raises energy levels and reinforces use. Also, it increases a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, it can have devastating consequences for people with heart problems. Finally, it releases a large amount of serotonin, which elevates a person’s mood and sexual arousal.

Why People Take Ecstasy

MDMA promotes an intense feeling of happiness and friendliness. Also, it enhances a person’s senses, especially touch. As a result, this drug is very popular at parties and nightclubs. At the same time, it has been called the “love pill”. Since it amplifies sensations and lowers inhibitions, it creates intense pleasure within sexual interactions.

How Dependence/Addiction Develops

People who use ecstasy experience heightened energy and emotional sensitivity. Some individuals may even use this drug as an anti-depressant. This begins a downward spiral and cycle that leads to addiction.

As a person feels extreme happiness, he or she associates the drug with positive experiences. Also, some people use ecstasy to relax and to make the most of a party scene. When a person takes more of the drug, dependence may begin to develop. On the downside, when ecstasy is not taken, the brain looks for the release of certain hormones. However, when they are not there, a person often experiences depression. In other words, psychological dependence occurs and makes a person crave the drug.

Ecstasy Misconceptions: Debunking the Myths Regarding Ecstasy Use

Some of the many myths that surround ecstasy include the following:

“Ecstasy isn’t addictive.” Since ecstasy is a party drug that isn’t as “hard” as cocaine or heroin, people believe that MDMA isn’t addictive. In fact, almost half of users develop a dependency and increased tolerance. As a result, a person may find it difficult to stop using the drug.

“Ecstasy is a pure drug.” After close examination, researchers discovered that most street pushers sell ecstasy pills that include other drugs besides pure MDMA. As a result, a person can have an unexpected reaction or worse as they may be using ecstasy that is laced with other substances.

“Ecstasy is a safe drug.” It is easy to build a tolerance to ecstasy. As a result, a person must take more and at more frequent intervals to enjoy the same pleasant effects. A person’s body may not be able to completely break down the drug, which can cause an overdose. Also, it is known that ecstasy can raise the body’s temperature to dangerously high levels. As a result, a person can experience liver or kidney damage, heart failure, or brain damage.

Signs of Ecstasy Addiction

• Thirst
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Reduced pain
• Dilated pupils
• Desire for touch
• Heightened sensations
• Unusual long-lasting energy
• Altered sleeping habits
• Sense of euphoria
• Extreme sweating
• Lowered anxiety
• Muscle tension
• Impulsivity

What are the Short-Term Effects of Ecstasy Use?

After a person takes ecstasy, many short-term effects begin. Often, they begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and may last up to 6 hours.

• Increased focus
• Euphoric feelings
• Heightened energy
• Disorientation of time
• Increased sexual arousal
• Heightened pleasure from touch
• Heightened feelings of empathy

Frequently, ecstasy suppresses a person’s need to eat, drink, and sleep. As a result, it is the ideal party drug. A person can attend a rave or a festival that lasts a few days without problems.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Ecstasy Use?

In fact, research performed on animals has studied the long-term effects of ecstasy. It was found that the drug can cause tremendous damage to neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin and dopamine. These are responsible for sleep, learning, and emotions. As a result, a person may be left depressed, anxious, unable to remember certain things, or unable to sleep properly.

Behavioral Changes

When a person is using ecstasy, the individual may begin to:

• Act abnormally friendly
• Lack awareness of pain
• Have multiple sexual partners
• Be unusually filled with energy
• Be overly sensitive to light and sound
• Interact “wildly” or abnormally for long periods of time

Possible Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person uses ecstasy, his or her brain becomes dependent. As a result, withdrawal symptoms occur when the individual stops using the drug. After excessive use, a person’s brain requires the drug to experience positive feelings. When the person no longer uses MDMA, the individual may feel the opposite of what he or she felt during the “high”.

For example, depression and anxiety may set in. Also, cravings for the drug may begin. Indeed, ecstasy withdrawal symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the individual’s age, health, frequency of use, and tolerance level.

• Fatigue
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Confusion
• Memory issues
• Loss of appetite
• Concentration difficulties

Importance of Professional MDMA Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms

During withdrawal, relapse is likely to occur. So, it is extremely dangerous to attempt detox without assistance. In fact, this can be fatal in some instances. Managing the symptoms of withdrawal without help can be challenging. At times, these may be very severe, which can result in a relapse or even an overdose. To ensure an individual’s safety, it is essential to seek professional assistance.

MDMA Treatment Options Available at Free By the Sea

First, recognizing a problem with ecstasy is a step in the right direction. If an MDMA use disorder is present, a person should find a reputable ecstasy rehab center that deals with existing addiction.

At Free By the Sea, we serve patients in Washington and offer a variety of treatment options. As a result of the myth that ecstasy is not habit-forming or addictive, it is often difficult for a person to admit that he or she has a problem. In fact, there are different levels of care for a person who seeks treatment. Therefore, finding the right one will help a person gain long-term sobriety.

Residential/Inpatient Treatment

Kicking ecstasy addiction is not easy. With this in mind, an inpatient program helps to avoid relapse and offers a safe and monitored environment where a patient can seek physical and emotional support. During residential treatment at an ecstasy rehab center, a patient stays at the facility and has access to various therapy options.

Therapeutic Approaches and Methods

Individual counseling with a therapist is available here at Free by the Sea. Throughout, a medical professional discusses triggers and negative behaviors. Patients learn healthier ways to deal with cravings so that it is possible to stay away from drugs. Also, individuals and their families can participate in family therapy. There, loved ones learn how to support and live with a person who suffers from addiction. Also, trust and communication are regained. Finally, group counseling can help those who are recovering from ecstasy addiction. Patients interact and learn that others deal with similar challenges. Therefore, it is possible to gain even more support and to share success stories.

Outpatient Treatment

This type of treatment is perfect for people who want to stop using ecstasy, but they require a more flexible program that does not disrupt a normal schedule.

Usually, a person attends sessions at various times each week. However, that person can also continue fulfilling his or her normal responsibilities while living at home. In order to make the most out of this treatment, this person must check in each day for counseling. For a successful outcome, a person must be disciplined and committed to sobriety.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) offer a residential structure in an outpatient setting. Normally, patients meet several days out of each week for multiple hours of therapy, including group sessions, family therapy, and similar treatments.

Free By the Sea for Ecstasy Addiction

At Free By the Sea, we understand that drug addiction is hard to overcome without support and medical supervision. Our team welcomes patients into a relaxing environment so that recovery can begin. We offer a variety of therapy options so that a person receives the help that is best for his or her individual needs. To make the first step toward long-term sobriety, contact us today.