Ecstasy or MDMA (3, 4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic hallucinogenic that produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy and sensual arousal. It is popular with teens and young adults especially at parties, clubs and raves. Abuse is serious because of the potential physical and psychological damage and should be addressed immediately by an ecstasy treatment program.  

MDMA was actually first synthesized in 1912. It became popular in the psychiatric field in the 1960s to supposedly treat disorders. But the drug did more harm than good. MDMA regained popularity in nightclubs in the 1980s when it became known as ecstasy.

In 1985 MDMA was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. Since then the drug has become popular with teens and young adults in the club scene.

If you or someone you love has an addiction use the resources on Recoverycorps.org to find the nearest ecstasy treatment centers. In the following article, you’ll find info on ecstasy addiction, use, and statistics.  

What is Ecstasy?
Production starts with Safrole—oil extracted from the fruit of a sassafras plant. From here various ways exist to convert the oil into MDMA or ecstasy. Depending on the quality and process, ecstasy can contain amphetamine, methamphetamine, or even ephedrine and caffeine. The drug is produced in illegal labs where the ingredients vary widely.

Most users take ecstasy orally in tablet form. Others "parachute" the tablet—crushing it in a napkin and swallowing a piece of the napkin to try and speed up the high. It is also sometimes snorted or smoked. 

Ecstasy is usually sold by street dealers in tablet doses ranging from 50mg to 500mg. The tablets are often different colors and have images on them. Common street names are XTC, X, Adam, clarity, lover's speed, and love drug.

Common "Brand Names" of Ecstasy Pills are Mercedes, Mitsubishis, Ferraris, Volkswagons, Red Devils, Blue Nikes, 007s, Playboys, Batmans, Supermans, Rolexes, Pokemons, Buddhas, Butterflies, X-Files, White Diamonds, Yin Yangs, and Armanis.

Ecstasy terminology:

Roll/Rolling - under the influence of ecstasy
E-tard - person who uses a great deal of ecstasy; a burnout
Candy flipping - LSD taken with ecstasy
Flower flipping/Hippy flipping – mushrooms taken with ecstasy
Elephant flipping - PCP taken with ecstasy
Kitty flipping - ketamine taken with ecstasy
Love flipping - mescaline taken with ecstasy

How Does it Work?
Ecstasy attaches to the serotonin in the brain where it allows excessive release of this neurotransmitter also known as the “happiness hormone.” Ecstasy also releases dopamine and norepinephrine which can increase blood pressure and increase the heart rate.

Ecstasy provides the user with two main effects: amphetamine stimulation and mild hallucinations. It taps into the same pleasure zones as cocaine. These effects are felt within 30 minutes, peak at 90 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours.

Some of the more specific effects are:

  • Increased energy, alertness and endurance
  • Euphoria
  • Heightened sense of intimacy
  • Tactile arousal
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Distortion of time and perception

In addition to these desired effects, ecstasy can also conflict with the body’s temperature regulation producing hypothermia or shutting down the cardiovascular system. The results can be cardiac arrest and death.

Ecstasy’s Addiction
For some users ecstasy can be addictive physically and psychologically. The user can also develop a tolerance where the longer he uses the drug the higher the dose will be required to achieve the same effect. 

One study of adolescent users found that 43% exhibited signs of the accepted dependence behavior. These signs included (1) continued use even knowing the physical and psychological damage (2) tolerance (3) and withdrawal effects. However, there is still much research to be done on the potential addiction of the drug.

The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 760,000 Americans aged 12 and older used ecstasy compared to 555,000 users in 2008.

The Dangerous After Effects   
Some of the more common dangers post-ecstasy are:

  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drug craving
  • Impaired attention and concentration
  • Fatigue[
  • Dizziness, vertigo 

Long-Term Effects
Continued ecstasy use can damage the serotonin function of the brain. This can increase the likelihood that the drug user will develop psychiatric problems. One study found that heavy users were more likely to have higher levels of paranoid thoughts, anxiety and disturbed sleep. 

Another long-term effect is the damage to memory. One study found that recreational use of ecstasy affected the long-term memory of 80% of the users. Short-term memory was affected in 72% of users.

Users can avoid these long-term effects with ecstasy therapy at a professional treatment center.

Ecstasy Rehabilitation and Therapy
The main treatment options for addiction are cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy is designed to change the thinking, attitudes, and behaviors that affect the individual’s drug use.

Additionally, drug support groups and individual and group counseling sessions are used for ecstasy therapy.

If you have a problem with abuse contact one of the ecstasy treatment centers listed on Recoverycorps.org’s site. Your ecstasy recovery can start right now.

Sources:
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf
http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/ecstasy.html
http://www.psy.herts.ac.uk/pub/klaws/ecstasyarticlefinal.pdf
http://archives.drugabuse.gov/Meetings/MDMA/MDMAExSummary.html

http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/ecstasy.asp