Ecstasy, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a trendy party drug. Most popular among young men aged 18 to 25, the drug is readily obtainable at festivals, concerts, and raves. Many people believe it to be relatively harmless, which can backfire by making abuse seem safe, leading to adverse outcomes. Ecstasy abuse treatment at The Right Step Houston is an excellent way to free yourself from the cycle of party drug abuse. Reach out to our professional team online or call 1.844.768.0169 to learn about ecstasy abuse, the side effects of short- and long-term use of this drug, and how to begin recovery.
What Is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is the most common colloquial name for methylenedioxymethamphetamine or MDMA. The drug is also referred to as molly, E, and XTC. Ecstasy combines a stimulant with a hallucinogen, as well as an entactogen. This makes it a desirable party drug. It creates a high that is energetic and focused with heightened self-awareness while also providing hallucinogenic effects that often amplify the experience of music, colors, tastes, and bodily sensations.
In addition to its primary component, MDMA, some of the ingredients also found in ecstasy are:
- Amphetamines including meth
- Ephedrine
- Caffeine
- Ketamine
- Synthetic cathinone or bath salts
The contaminants that are commonly found in ecstasy make it risky. Users never know what might be hiding in it.
How Ecstasy Works
Synthetically created in labs, either makeshift or medical, MDMA, as mentioned above, contains three main components:
- Stimulants – These increase feelings of being energized, focused, and wakeful.
- Hallucinogens – Known for their visual and auditory distortions, a hallucinogenic high involves shifted awareness of time and the positive augmentation of the brain’s perception of sensory input.
- Entactogens – This ingredient enhances self-awareness and empathy.
Like other euphoric drugs, ecstasy boosts the effects of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which everyone naturally produces. These neurotransmitters are vital for regulating functions like sleep, mood, social interaction, and sexual desire, contributing to feelings of energy, sociability, happiness, and hope.
The effects of ecstasy are so enjoyable that users often overlook how it impacts the brain’s ability to maintain essential chemicals once the drug leaves their system. Frequent use can diminish the brain’s capacity to perform some functions.
Risks and Dangers of Ecstasy Abuse
There are health concerns related to party drug abuse. Some of the severe effects of ecstasy include:
- Overheating – Known as hyperthermia, this refers to a high body temperature that is in the danger zone. The body’s internal system for regulating heat goes offline, and dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney failure can result.
- High blood pressure, arrhythmia, and other cardiovascular effects – Acute or long-term MDMA use can lead to several bad outcomes. In addition to the ones already listed, aortic dissection, heart attack, and heart failure due to high body temperatures are also possible.
- Psychological damage – Confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and depression can all result from ecstasy use. Infrequent use may not cause these to be permanent, but chronic use could lead to lasting concerns. Long-term use can also lead to chronic suicidality.
- Behavioral and mood dysfunction – From detachment, or depersonalization, to poor judgment and decreased inhibitions, there are effects on behavior that can become problematic.
- Cognitive damage – This might include memory loss or difficulty concentrating.
Ecstasy abuse isn’t discussed as much as opioids or alcohol, but it’s a severe concern for those who use it frequently or chronically. If you’re worried about your ecstasy use or if someone you care about shows signs of drug abuse, please seek professional support and treatment.
Contact The Right Step Houston Today for Ecstasy Abuse Treatment in Texas
If what seemed like a fun time at concerts has become a burden, there is help out there. Ecstasy may not have been on your radar as a drug of concern, but it has many risks and can negatively affect your life. Contact The Right Step Houston online or call 1.844.768.0169 to connect with one of our staff, who will gladly answer your questions compassionately and knowledgeably.