The Effects of MDMA

Ecstasy is the street name for the drug MDMA and is highly addictive. While this drug may be popular, the effects of MDMA can cause long-term health problems. Initially, users feel a sense of warmth and mental stimulation. As they come down from the drug, they may feel anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. At Beaches Recovery, our addiction treatment experts can guide you through identifying the use of MDMA and the effects this drug can have. By learning more about Ecstasy, individuals can find the right kind of support and work through their substance use disorder to heal.

MDMA Effects in the Short and Long-Term

Like most drugs, the MDMA effects have differing short- and long-term outcomes requiring different approaches to address. In the short term, users may experience sleep problems, impaired judgment, and paranoia. They may feel a false sense of affection or emotional warmth toward the people around them. Many users also experience MDMA effects like blurred vision, muscle tension, depression, confusion, involuntary teeth clenching, swelling, or chills.

While using this drug, many people also experience extreme thirst, aggression, and a lack of appetite. The severe thirst can be particularly debilitating if the individual is already dehydrated. MDMA is a drug frequently used at raves and parties where it is meant to keep individuals active and dancing. Unfortunately, this kind of activity can put a good deal of strain on the body. Further, individuals using MDMA have little foresight or awareness that their body is under stress. This makes the risk of dehydration more serious than it would normally be.

After initially trying Ecstasy, users may develop drug cravings that lead them to use again. This then leads to some long-term effects of using ecstasy. Unfortunately, there can be long-term damage caused by Ecstasy. Over time, this drug can cause brain damage to parts of the mind responsible for memories and thought. This drug can damage the brain in areas that regulate emotions, sleep, and learning. Individuals may also experience mental side effects like memory loss, depression, psychosis, and anxiety. In severe cases, MDMA can cause hemorrhaging, kidney failure, convulsions, and cardiac arrest.

MDMA Effect on the Brain

Unfortunately, Ecstasy can immediately change the way the brain functions. Once someone uses this drug, MDMA effects will compromise their mind’s ability to remember things. This symptom lasts for at least a week for users. Mentally, the individual may go through a week of mood swings because of the drug. They may deal with elevated anxiety, aggression, and impulsiveness. While many users experience an initial euphoria, Ecstasy causes depression and anxiety as its effects wear off.

Getting Treatment for an Ecstasy Addiction

Once someone becomes addicted to Ecstasy, there are options available for treatment. Often, patients begin by going through detox. During this time, the body is detoxed from the drug so that the patient is sober. Afterward, patients can get help through rehab and therapy options to remain clean.

In a rehab center, patients may get help through behavioral therapy. Depending on the patient’s unique situation, they may be admitted to an inpatient or outpatient center. With either treatment option, the patient is given the education, therapy, and support they need to recover.

While every treatment center is different, there are a few different therapy options that patients may find. Patients may get help through programs including things like:

• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Group support meetings
• Individualized treatment programs
• Family therapy
• Addiction counseling
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Aftercare program for addiction.

Every client is unique, so it is important to go to a rehab that offers individualized treatment programs. In an individualized treatment program, patients can get help with the dual diagnosis treatment and other options that they need. No one deserves to live with the pain of addiction. If you or a loved one needs help, call Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532, or contact us online right now to get started on a new way of life.