At a drug rehab center, patients who have symptoms of ecstasy addiction can get the help they need to overcome this addiction. Substance abuse treatment is available to help them get clean and get back on the path to sober living. To learn more about our services, please call Bayview Recovery today at 855.478.3650.
What Are the Side Effects of Ecstasy Use?
Ecstasy, also known as Molly and MDMA, has many kinds of side effects. Some positive effects are the ones that people taking these drugs want to experience. On the other hand, the adverse effects can occur as a result of taking the substance over time, overdosing, or just not coping with it well within the body.
MDMA affects the brain by increasing the activity of three brain channels, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Each of these affects the body in different ways. For example, when serotonin is boosted, a person’s sleep, appetite, mood, and other functions are also impacted. Sexually, people may become aroused when using MDMA. When released in large amounts, serotonin causes an elevated mood, emotional closeness, and empathy.
When norepinephrine is released, the person’s heart rate increases, as does their blood pressure. This can be dangerous for those who have cardiovascular conditions and can lead to heart failure in some cases.
Finally, an increase in dopamine in the body leads to the reinforcement in the behavior that led to its release. So, if using MDMA triggers dopamine and its feel-good effects, using it again will do the same. Dopamine is the reward-system chemical, and it is one that is involved in developing tolerances and substance addictions.
Physical Side Effects of Ecstasy Use
Beyond the effects on the brain, some other serious health effects that can occur due to using ecstasy include:
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea
- Blurry vision
- Chills
- Sweating
- Teeth clenching
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Decreased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
There are also some severe side effects caused by MDMA. High doses of ecstasy can affect the way the body controls its temperature. This change often leads to hyperthermia, which can then go on to cause heart failure, kidney and liver failure, or death.
What Should You Do If You Show Signs of Drug Abuse?
If you or someone you love is showing signs of drug abuse, it’s time to take back control. First, recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, then consider reaching out to a drug rehab center near you.
Some signs of drug abuse and addiction you should remember may include:
- Taking a drug or medication when it’s no longer needed for a specific health problem
- Needing more of a drug than in the past to get the same effects
- Feeling unusual when the drug wears off, such as being depressed or having signs of withdrawal
- Being unable to stop taking the drug, even when you want to
- Losing interest in the things you enjoyed in the past
- Stealing to have money to pay for the drugs
- Hiding drug use from others
- Changes in appearance, such as weight gain or loss, tremors, or shakes
- Spending a lot of time thinking about the drug, where to buy more, or when to take it
Any of these signs could show that addiction is already present and needs to be treated with an addiction rehab program.
Contact Bayview Recovery for Support
At Bayview Recovery, we know the impact that ecstasy use can have on individuals and their families. Addiction doesn’t have to control you or the things you want to do. If you or someone you know are struggling with the side effects of ecstasy, know that there is help available. Call us today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about the recovery support we offer at our facility.
