Ecstasy (MDMA) is a psychoactive and synthetic drug similar to methamphetamine and mescaline. It is also known as psychedelic amphetamine that produces increased feelings of empathy, warmth and intimacy to other people. Ecstasy is sometimes used for adjust psychotherapy in recommended dosage. Ecstasy is a popular underground drug used by drug addicts in raves. At present clinic studies are conducted to support the hypothesis that MDMA has therapeutic benefits for patients with anxiety related to terminal cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Alternative and street names
MDMA is also called ecstasy MDMA, X, E, XTC, M, Adam, roll and bean.
How is Ecstasy (MDMA) taken?
MDMA is usually in tablet or capsule form. It is rarely snorted because oral intake is preferred by users. The standard dosage is 80-150 mg. Higher dosage causes undesirable results.
Effects of Ecstasy consumption
Ecstasy is sometimes used in therapy for people with different interpersonal issues. Its use increases the emotional openness of a person and the decrease of pessimistic or critical thoughts. It helps people develop social skills if used under clinical supervisions inside the therapeutic centers.
MDMA use can result to eye wiggles or nystagmus and visual distortions. Use of MDMA without the doctor’s prescription may result to the following symptoms:
- Fainting
- Organ failure or the inability of the organ to function normally
- Brain damage
- Coma or death
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
Use of MDMA may result to alteration in consciousness and produce the sought- after inner peace and self-acceptance for patient in a therapeutic setting. With adequate medical supervision it can produce a significant t reduction in negative feelings like fear insecurity, anxiety, jealousy, hostility and aggression. It also improves self-confidence and a boosts a person’s drive or motivation to achieve in life.
Ecstasy side effects
Psychological symptoms- depression, severe anxiety, paranoia, Irritability, Impaired concentration, attention, focus, decreased drive or motivation and sleep problems.
Physical symptoms- nausea, blurred vision, muscle tension, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, chills and rapid eye movement. Other physical symptoms may include hyperthermia (increased body temperature), cardiac arrhythmia (rapid heart rate) and dangerously low amount of sodium in the body (hyponatremia).
Other symptoms may include gastrointestinal disturbances like constipation and diarrhea. Exhaustion due to increase activity may also be experienced. Some users also complain of jaw soreness.
On average, these symptoms are reported three to seven days after ingestion of MDMA.
Signs of abuse of Ecstasy
MDMA is an addictive substance. In spite of known adverse physical and psychological effects and the dangers of withdrawal symptoms, there is still a continuing increase in number of MDMA users.
Common treatment options
At present, there are no medical treatments for MDMA addiction. To support a drug-free recovery it is most effective to enter a rehab facility where cognitive and behavioral interventions are used to modify the client’s behaviors and way of thinking.
Detox centers offer ecstasy detox that integrates therapy and counseling in the detox procedure. Psychological treatment is incorporated to prevent relapse. After the detox, it is advisable for clients to enter drug treatment program that includes cognitive behavioral therapy and the 12-step program. It is vital for clients to enroll in a drug treatment center to ensure sobriety. Ecstasy detoxification shall provide proper medical and supervised heath care to alleviate or remove withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The person is at risk for relapse if there is no proper detox treatment because the toxins from ecstasy remain in the body for several years after drug abuse. Withdrawal symptoms largely depend on the length and frequency of ecstasy use.
The following are the withdrawal symptoms of ecstasy use:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Paranoid delusions
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Depressed feelings
- Troubled concentration
- Hyperthermia or remarkable increase in body temperature
The above-mentioned symptoms of withdrawal may be lessened and even eradicated through proper drug addiction treatment.