(MDMA) Ecstasy Abuse: Effects, Signs & Symptoms

MDMA, which is popularly known as ecstasy, is a party drug that can significantly alter mood and perception.

First-time users of ecstasy often experience a sudden rush of euphoria, accompanied by feelings of extreme self-confidence and invincibility. The influence of ecstasy sharpens senes . Additionally, the world seems more vibrant and alive. This explains why the drug has been a fixture on the club scene for so long. The combination of bright lights, loud music and MDMA can cause an intoxicating sensory overload.

But like all illicit drugs, ecstasy has a dark side. Repeated use of Ecstasy causes dramatic changes in brain chemistry and function.. Contrary to past opinion, it is now known that MDMA is highly addictive. If you or a loved one have developed an ecstasy habit the long-term consequences could be devastating.

Symptoms and Side Effects of (MDMA) Ecstasy Abuse

The initial effects of MDMA—intense euphoria, boundless self-confidence, sensory stimulation, a sudden burst of energy, feelings of warmth and empathy for other human beings—bring new users back to the drug again and again.

But once you begin to use the drug on a regular basis, your body will adjust to its presence. Things will begin to change. Those early feelings of enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem will give way to darker and more disturbing emotions. A result of the brain chemistry being thrown out of balance. The euphoria will fade in intensity as tolerance for the effects of MDMA grows. Unfortunately, cravings will strengthen in response to your burgeoning addiction.

As your MDMA use transforms into abuse, some of the physical symptoms you experience may include1:

  • Elevated body temperature
  • Faster heart rate
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle pain and tension, often in the jaws and face
  • Teeth grinding
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Involuntary eye movements
  • Loss of sensitivity to touch

The onset of such symptoms may follow directly on the heels of ecstasy consumption. However, as the addiction deepens they may develop into chronic problems.

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms of MDMA Abuse

Your emotional wellbeing will also be affected by ecstasy abuse and addiction. MDMA causes the brain to produce a flood of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood, social behavior, sleep rhythms, memory and appetite, among its many vital functions2. After repeated episodes of ecstasy abuse your brain’s ability to create adequate supplies of serotonin on its own will deteriorate. as a result, causing a cycle of over- and under-production that can cause disconcerting mood swings. As well as create a variety of disturbing mental health issues.

The emotional and psychological symptoms of MDMA abuse may include3:

  • Chronic anxiety
  • Mental confusion and memory problems
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Insomnia
  • Anhedonia, or the inability to experience pleasure
  • Psychosis (hallucinations and/or delusions)

When your emotional equilibrium has been severely disturbed by your ecstasy use, that is the time to ask for help. Unfortunately, this is also the stage of addiction where many people remain in denial. Instead of seeking treatment they will continue to take more and more ecstasy. Consequently, despite the problems it creates in their personal and professional lives.

Work, family and educational responsibilities will all inevitably be neglected once MDMA dependency develops. Your preoccupation with the drug as well as your habit will leave you little time to worry about anything else.

Reach Out For Help

We provide holistic care and treatment using an individualized approach specifically tailored to your needs. Secondly, we help you lead a healthy, substance-free life with adaptive coping and problem-solving skills. Contact us today for more information on our certified staff of professionals, as well as our first-rate facilities.

  1. EcstasyAbuse.com. Ecstasy: Physical Effects of Ecstasy Abuse.
    http://www.ecstasyabuse.com/blog/addiction/ecstasy-physical-effects-of-ecstasy-abuse/
  2. National Institute on Drug Abuse. What are MDMA’s Effects on the Brain?
    https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-are-mdmas-effects-on-brain
  3. Karlsen, Sunniva Nyberg et all. The Dark Side of Ecstasy: Neuropsychiatric Symptoms after Exposure to 3,4 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00159.x
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