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Substance abuse awareness: Ecstasy addiction, signs, symptoms and treatment

Timilehin Olaniyan

WHAT'S MDMA?

Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a popular street drug that produces both stimulant and psychedelic effects. First created by pharmaceutical company Merck in 1913, the drug was largely abandoned by the mid-80s because of its harmful effects. Ecstasy’s chemical structure is similar to that of methamphetamine, which is why intense feelings of empathy and euphoria are produced in the user.



Ecstasy drug addiction

The chemical name for Ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Other street names for ecstasy are Adam, XTC, X, and love drug. Researchers classify MDMA as a hallucinogen, which can alter mood, perception, and thought processes. It can also produce energizing or mood-elevating effects and thus qualifies as a stimulant.


WHAT ARE THE FORMS OF MDMA?

MDMA usually occurs in tablets or capsules in combination with other excipients, although the liquid form exists. Molly and ecstasy are the two most common forms of the drug. The latter is the purer form of the drug. However, separate analyses found that molly and ecstasy are often mixed with other additives.


A 2013 article published in CNN reports that the United States Drug Enforcement Administration concluded that only 13% of the molly seized in New York the previous year contained MDMA. A separate analysis of ecstasy tablets reinforced this conclusion. The “impurities” found in ecstasy sold in the market cast doubt on the addictive tendencies of MDMA.


HOW ADDICTIVE IS ECSTASY?

Research hasn’t answered whether MDMA is addictive but studies established that it acts on neurotransmitters used by other addictive drugs. It works on serotonin, epinephrine, and dopamine, the action mechanism of addictive substances. The National Institute of Drug Abuse says some people show signs of addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

A cross-national study on ecstasy abuse and dependence and research among adolescents and young adults reported continued use despite harmful physical and psychological symptoms. However, conclusive evidence is subject to further scientific studies.


WHAT DOES ECSTASY DO TO YOUR MIND AND BODY?

Ecstasy’s onset of action is between 30 to 45 minutes and the effects can last 4 to 6 hours. The effects of ecstasy on the user’s mind and body are like what other drugs of abuse do. Depleted brain serotonin due to ecstasy use explains its significant impacts on the body. People who abuse MDMA suffer from confusion, anxiety, memory impairment, and depression.


This experiment examined the effect of MDMA on temperature homeostasis in male rats. They carried out this experiment under standard laboratory conditions that stimulate human drug use, and the result indicated brain-induced hyperthermia.


Another found that MDMA significantly increases diastolic and systolic blood pressure, even at recreational doses. Studies link Ecstasy (MDMA) to kidney damage and liver failure. Dry mouth, involuntary jaw clenching, blurred vision, sweating, nausea, and chills are other effects of ecstasy on the body.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ECSTASY ADDICTION

Although research hasn’t definitively classified MDMA as an addictive substance, users report signs and symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Behaviors that suggest ecstasy addiction include:


  • Uncontrolled cravings for ecstasy;

  • Neglect of daily activities due to ecstasy use;

  • Taking ecstasy in a larger amount;

  • Needing more doses to achieve intoxication; is known as tolerance;

  • Continued ecstasy use despite knowledge of physical or psychological consequences.



TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ECSTASY ADDICTION

A 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that about 2.6 million US population between the age of 12 and older reported using MDMA in the past 12 months.


In a similar 2022 report that surveyed MDMA use among young US people, an estimated 0.6%, 0.7%, and 0.8% reported MDMA use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, respectively, in the past 12 months. These statistics show that ecstasy abuse is still concerning.


Currently, there are no specific treatments for ecstasy. However, most addiction treatment centers use interventions for other substance use disorders.


Treatment options include:


Detoxification: Detoxification has a broad meaning. Here, detoxification removes toxins from the body of a patient intoxicated and/or dependent on a substance of abuse.

The Washington Circle Group (WCG), a body whose mission is to improve the quality of substance use disorder treatment, defines detoxification as “a medical intervention that manages an individual safely through the process of acute withdrawal.” Their definition highlights the primary aim of detoxification, which is to reduce the side effects of withdrawal.


Addiction treatment centers find this method handy. Patients may come down with withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, cravings, and depression.


Inpatient treatment: This treatment option takes place in a residential facility. Patients are under the supervision and guidance of professionals trained to handle substance abuse and addiction.


One benefit of an inpatient program is that it provides an environment free from substance abuse triggers, in this case, molly. It also affords patients the opportunity for peer-to-peer interaction.


Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT explains the connection between thoughts and behavior. It believes that what we think about our experiences influences our behavior. So, CBT aims to modify a patient’s behaviors and thoughts about MDMA addiction. It also assists the patient in coping with addiction outcomes.



HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TREAT ECSTASY ADDICTION?


There is no specific duration for the treatment of ecstasy addiction. The length of treatment depends on the quantity taken, the degree of dependence, and age. Patients with pre-existing conditions may take longer to treat.


HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WHO ABUSES ECSTASY


Learn about addiction: It’s common knowledge that you can’t help a situation you don’t know. Thus, learning about MDMA addiction equips you with the information to assist. It also gives you an idea of what they go through and how they feel.


Ask them to seek therapy: Therapy helps lessen the burden of addiction and makes the individual recover. Another advantage of the treatment is that the patient can interact with licensed professionals.


Moderate your expectations: Addiction recovery is gradual and shouldn’t be rushed. While you genuinely want your loved one to break the cycle of addiction, understand that setting unrealistic expectations is counterproductive. Allow them to ease into the recovery journey.


Do not enable: Addiction is tough to overcome, which is valid for ecstasy addiction. Patients may sometimes crave the substance and ask that you help them with money to get it. You have a responsibility to decline in a loving way. Also, hold them accountable for their actions and consequences.


Bottom line

Although science hasn’t found ecstasy to be addictive, patients who use the drug report signs and symptoms similar to other substances of abuse. The drug uses a pathway similar to other commonly abused medicines to elicit its effects. Patients who abuse ecstasy are advised to seek help.



Disclaimer: all health information provided on this platform represent my opinion only and are for educational purposes only. Reading my blog is not intended to be a substitute for a visit to your local pharmacist, physician, dietitian, and other healthcare providers. Be sure to seek proper care from your nutritionist, family doctors or specialists when needed.

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