Ecstasy Withdrawal and Detox

In the modern world, ecstasy very little medicinal value, but it is often abused as a recreational drug for the euphoric high it provides. Also known as MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine,) ecstasy has proven to be an extremely harmful drug.

When a person chooses to detox from ecstasy, the health risks associated with ecstasy usage decrease immediately. Regular usage of ecstasy can result in sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating , depression, impulsivity, and even heart disease. Once the detoxification process starts, these side effects have the opportunity to disappear. Working to release the ecstasy that has been in the body can be a challenging process, but it can also be the most rewarding. Having the chance to live a drug-free life is something that everyone deserves.

Ecstasy Withdrawal and MDMA Withdrawal

Ecstasy is a hybrid stimulant and hallucinogen that can provide an extreme adrenaline rush and cause people to become more sensitive on an emotional level. When ecstasy is consumed, serotonin is released into the brain to heighten a person’s mood. While the drug may not cause a physical addiction, some people tend to use it frequently due to the level of perceived happiness they experience while taking the drug. Some people may even say it can work as an antidepressant.

Once a person begins the process of ridding themselves of ecstasy, the body typically goes through withdrawal. During this time, the body tries to re-balance itself to its natural state and function without the use of ecstasy. This stage can be rather uncomfortable, as withdrawal symptoms begin to appear, due to the absence of the ecstasy.

Withdrawal symptoms can be a painful part of detoxing from ecstasy, but they are necessary to endure in order to reach recovery. It’s important to be patient during this stage because the body is going through an enormous amount of change. The chemical makeup of the brain can be severely altered by the ecstasy, so it can be difficult to remember what it’s like to function without the extra serotonin levels it’s been given, through the use of ecstasy, for so long.

When initiating the  detoxification process, it’s important to start it with professional assistance as physicians can prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms. The strength and intensity of withdrawal symptoms vary based on the dosage of the drug, the length of time it was taken and how severe the addiction is. Working with a team of medical professionals and clinical therapists can help with finding ways to calm the withdrawal symptoms so it is not as uncomfortable as it could be.

Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms

The kind of withdrawal symptoms that a person may experience vary on a few different factors such as the amount of ecstasy that has been consumed and the length of time its been taken. Since each person has a different chemical makeup, each withdrawal process will be different. However, there are some common symptoms that can occur, including:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Hostility
• Mood swings
• Loss of appetite
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Panic attacks

Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may experience a larger number of symptoms than other people do. The severity of these symptoms will vary as well. It all depends on the person’s unique situation. . Due to the variations in symptoms, it’s important to go through a medical detox with a team of professionals because they can offer medications to help ease the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms. Professional care also goes a long way to preventing people from experiencing setbacks during treatment.

Ecstasy Detox

In order to properly reach recovery, a person should begin detox. Detox is when a substance is no longer being put into the body through a gradual weaning off of the drug in question. The best way for a detox to be successful is to do it with the help of medical professionals. Detox is a crucial part of recovery, as it’s the body’s way of learning how to operate without the presence of ecstasy. The ecstasy that has been consumed throughout the addiction has altered the chemical makeup of the brain. Therefore, the brain is resetting  itself back to its original chemical composition. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but with the proper support and help, an ecstasy detox can be simple and safe.

For those looking to begin a drug-free life and kickstart their journey to recovery, The Recovery Village offers an abundance of rehab facilities across the country to help. With facilities located in Ohio, Maryland, Washington, Florida and Colorado, these centers can offer different forms of rehab. These forms of treatment include:

• Inpatient treatment
• Outpatient treatment
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization
• Aftercare

Along with offering different treatment options, most centers include one-on-one counseling, group therapy and recreational therapy to enhance a patient’s care. Each facility offers unique amenities and experiences as well to help make recovery a comfortable experience. Some centers include recreational activities like:

• Swimming pools
• Exercise gyms
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Miniature golf
• Walking trails
• Tennis courts
• Computer labs
• Yoga
• Art therapy
• Music therapy
• Massage therapy
• Canine therapy

The Recovery Village has a rehabilitation locator to help find people seeking treatment local facilities for their convenience.

Many people attempt to detox in the comfort of their own homes, rather than seek professional help. At-home detox is typically not recommended by medical professionals, as doing so can have dangerous side effects and even be life-threatening. When people attempt to detox by quitting “cold turkey” and tapering by themselves, the risk of withdrawal symptoms coming on stronger and faster is increased. Detoxing this way can also heighten the chances of experiencing setbacks during detox. In order to prevent any of these scenarios from happening, it’s important to be evaluated by a team of medical professionals to determine the safest way to wean a patient off of the drugs. Too much at once can be more detrimental than beneficial.

To ensure a successful detox, patients need to first go through an evaluation. During this stage of the detox process, doctors and therapists can configure a treatment plan to best suit a patient’s needs. Since every single situation and addiction is different, each plan will be tailored specifically to a patient’s unique needs. Additionally, the treatment team can determine if there are any underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed as well.

Once a patient is evaluated and a plan is in place, the detoxification process begins. The second that ecstasy is no longer consumed, the body begins to kick into overdrive to try and function without the help of the drug. This is the time when the withdrawal symptoms come into play. It’s important to keep in mind that patience is key during the withdrawal stage as the body is repairing itself. This is a major reason why working with a professional treatment team will be beneficial to the detox, as they can help make it a more comfortable process. The amount of time it takes to detox will all depend on the individual chemical makeup of the patient. Some detoxification processes may take a few weeks, while others can take a few months. Recovery isn’t a race, so it’s important to not compare progression to other people.

Once detox completes, the real work begins. The Recovery Village offers various programs to help teach patients the coping skills that are  needed to handle their addiction once they are no longer in a controlled environment with daily professional care . Programs like inpatient and outpatient treatment help to make the transition easier through various kinds of therapeutic treatments. During a patient’s time being enrolled in one of the treatment programs, patients can participate in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to assist them with acquiring the skills needed to resist their urges. Once a treatment team deems that a patient is fully prepared for life after treatment, the patient will then go on to begin aftercare.

During the aftercare stage, patients will take all of the skills that they learned in treatment and apply them to life back in their community. Ecstasy should be completely out of the body at this point, but patients may still deal with the mental effects of the addiction. It may be recommended to set up regular therapy sessions with a therapist to help further reinforce the recovery skills. An individual may also be suggested to live in a sober-living community, or attend a 12-step program to ensure that their sobriety stays in tact.

If you or a loved one struggle with an addiction to ecstasy, call The Recovery Village. Each call is free and confidential. Begin your road to recovery today.