Ecstasy is a synthetic, illicit drug that affects a user’s mood and perception. Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a pill and is used to create a deep sense of wellness and closeness. In fact, ecstasy produces energizing effects similar to amphetamines AND psychoactive effects similar extreme empathy. While most weekend/party users do not develop physical dependence, a small percentage of regular users can get addicted to ecstasy.
But, how is ecstasy addiction treated? Is it better to choose an inpatient rehab, or will outpatient treatment do? Check out this article to find out which treatment options are available for ecstasy addicts. In case you have any questions at the end of the article, feel free to post them in the section at the end of the page. We will try to respond as quickly as we can…but guarantee a personal response or referral to someone who can help.
Why do you need ecstasy addiction rehab?
#1 Ecstasy is not safe. Ecstasy or MDMA is one of the most widely used recreational drugs. Using ecstasy repeatedly can lead to:
- confusion
- damage to serotonin levels
- depression
- paranoia
- severe anxiety disorders
- severe brain changes
- sleep difficulties
- verbal and visual memory impairments
Ecstasy is a classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance by the U.S. Department of Justice. This means that it has a high potential for abuse, has no accepted medical use in the U.S., and lacks a level of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.
#2 Ecstasy can lead to long-term side effects. According to a study listed in the national biology database NCBI, even a single use of ecstasy may cause long-lasting cognitive, learning, memory, and mood changes… as well as sleep disturbances. When a person ends the use, they can experience a range of unpleasant ecstasy detox symptoms. This is where treatment can help the ecstasy addict. A licensed treatment facility can help you:
- Assess, analyze, and improve your mental health condition
- Learn how to maintain ecstasy abstinence
- Manage depression and anxiety
- Manage or cope with withdrawal symptoms
- Provide psychological therapies and support
#3 Stopping ecstasy is unpleasant. Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms occur after the high. The crash after the high can bring on feelings of anxiety and depression, paranoia, and irritability, but the list of possible symptoms is long. Withdrawal symptoms from ecstasy also include:
- depression
- difficulty concentrating
- digestive disturbances like diarrhea or constipation
- extreme fatigue
- loss of appetite
- physical aches and pains
- sleep problems (insomnia and teeth grinding while asleep)
Inpatient vs. outpatient ecstasy rehabilitation
Inpatient treatment for ecstasy addiction requires that patient live temporarily in a treatment facility. This type of treatment is generally recommended for those suffering from a severe ecstasy addiction. An inpatient environment creates a controlled surroundings that is trigger-free and people are less likely to relapse. The length of inpatient rehab programs ranges from one month (which is the usual time needed for detox) to several months in more severe cases of ecstasy addiction.
Outpatient rehab treatment for ecstasy addiction is intended for those who can’t leave work or family obligations for an extended period of time. Outpatient ecstasy treatment programs are fit for those suffering from a less severe ecstasy addiction or who have a high motivation to stay off the drug. Outpatient programs are often significantly less expensive than inpatient programs…and just as effective!
What should ecstasy treatment programs offer?
Currently, there are no specific treatments for ecstasy-specific abuse and no pharmacological treatments for dependence on MDMA.
The most effective treatments for drug abuse and addiction are Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) and support groups, focused on helping the addict change the way of thinking as well as behaving. The main focus of talk therapy is teaching addicts how to cope with life’s stressors. Support groups can be effective in combination with behavioral interventions to support long-term, ecstasy-free recovery.
Depending upon the person’s age, nature and severity of the ecstasy abuse or addiction problem, and the presence of any co-occurring conditions, the optimal treatment for ecstasy addiction may include any of the following:
- Outpatient therapy
- 12-Step support groups
- Partial hospitalization
- Residential treatment
Treating ecstasy addiction can also include the following therapies and techniques, depending on each patient’s individual needs:
- Anger management
- Biofeedback & Neurofeedback
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
- Recreation therapy
- Relapse-prevention instruction
Inpatient and outpatient ecstasy rehab questions
Still have questions about ecstasy addiction treatment? Please post your questions in the comments section below. We try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly. In case we don’t know the answer to your question, we will gladly refer you to someone who can help.
Reference Sources: NCBI: Long-term neuronal damage and recovery after a single dose of MDMA: expression and distribution of serotonin transporter in the rat brain
NCBI: Long-term effects of ‘ecstasy’ abuse on the human brain studied by FDG PET
NIH: Long-term ecstasy use may impair memory
NIH: The Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA)
NIH: MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse
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