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MDMA / Ecstasy

Ecstasy, Facts About

Molly, E, or MDMA are other names, to name a few, for what is better known as ecstasy. MDMA is an abbreviation for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, its scientific name. Known as a party drug, people take ecstasy in pill form or powder. Pills come in different colours and design logos. It is a man-made drug that gained popularity in the 1980s. It has similarities to amphetamine (alpha-methylphenethylamine) and mescaline (3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylamine.)

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More on Ecstasy

  • What Ecstasy Feels Like

Its effects include a sense of well-being and extroversion. It also increases an individual’s feeling of empathy and compassion towards others. As a distinguishing characteristic, MDMA enhances sensory perception. When taken in pill form, the effects begin in 30 to 45 minutes and can last 3 to 6 hours.

  • Other popular street names:

Adam, X, XTC, Beans, Candy, E-bomb, Thizz, Love Drug, Rolls, Skittles, Sweets, Vitamin E or X.

Combined with Alcohol, MDMA decreases alcohol’s effects. Alcohol can increase plasma concentrations of MDMA, which may increase the risk of neurotoxic effects.

MDMA Comedown

You might experience these symptoms days after taking MDMA:

  • restless sleep, fatigue
  • anxiety, irritability, depression
  • aching muscles
  • paranoia
  • concentration difficulties.

Avoiding the Comedown

Some will want to avoid the unpleasant “comedown” sensation by using more ecstasy or using other drugs such as alcohol, benzos, or cannabis. This practice only elevates the risk of addiction to MDMA and other drugs taken. Ecstasy can create a psychological dependency and tolerance in many individuals.

Ecstasy’s Effects on Serotonin

Elevated levels of serotonin are responsible for the feelings a person experiences with this drug. This key hormone plays a vital role in the following:

  • mood
  • energy/activity and the reward system
  • appetite
  • aggression
  • sexual activity
  • sleep
  • sensitivity to pain
  • heart rate, blood pressure.

Ecstasy can produce serotonin syndrome in heavy users or people on certain medications. (For more information, see link below)

Serotonin syndrome can cause various symptoms:

Diarrhea, shivering, rigidity in the muscles, dilated pupils, lessened motor control, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and loss of consciousness

Long term effects

Regular use of MDMA may cause:

  • colds or flu
  • depression
  • tolerance (needing more to have the same high)
  • addiction
  • problems with memory and concentration

Several reports show that cognitive deficiency, learning and memory problems can come from long-term MDMA or heavy usage.

 

Ecstasy Withdrawal

Stopping MDMA after a long-time usage is problematic. As with any drug withdrawal, the body has to get used to functioning without its presence. Symptoms should diminish after a week and will mostly disappear after a month. Here are the symptoms:

  • cravings
  • aches and pains
  • exhaustion, restless sleep
  • agitation, trouble concentrating
  • anxiety and depression.

Consequences of Its Use

Using Ecstasy can lead to various problems:

  • Physical: digestive disorders, nasal irritation, brain damage
  • Psychological: distress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Decreased motivation
  • Weaker results in school
  • Conflicts with friends and family

Ways Ecstasy Affects the Body

  • Increased motor activity, alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, tremors, teeth clenching, nausea, sweating, euphoria, empathy, reduced inhibition, chills, blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, severe dehydration. A sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia) can lead to liver, kidney and cardiovascular failure and death.

In Conclusion

Ecstasy has a high potential for misuse and addiction. People wanting to stop should do so with the help of a professional treatment program. If you need assistance finding a private MDMA rehab, call our toll-free number or request a callback.