Is Ecstasy addictive?

Ecstasy (MDMA) can be addictive for some people. American surveys found that 43% of young Ecstasy users met the diagnostic criteria for dependence. These users experienced tolerance and withdrawal and continued to use the substance despite the negative consequences it was creating. The majority of people who use Ecstasy experience some form of withdrawal symptom such as fatigue, blue moods, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.

How is Ecstasy used?

MDMA is usually swalled as a tablet or capsule but can also be absorbed rectally. Most people use between 120 and 240 milligrams of Ecstasy as a dose. Its effects last between 3 and 6 hours and people will often take a second dose when the effect starts to wear off. Ecstasy works by altering the way neurotransmitters in the brain operate. Ecstasy can be toxic to brain cells that contain serotonin which may lead to to long-term damage.

Why is Ecstasy so dangerous?

The tablets used in clubs are known as Ecstasy but these tablets are rarely pure Ecstasy and are often a combination of other drugs such as methamphetamine, caffeine, cocaine, and ephedrine. Ecstasy is often used in conjunction with alcohol and marijuana.

Treatment for Ecstasy abuse

As yet there is no specific medical intervention for Ecstasy abuse. A drug rehab treatment centre  will most likely employ a cognitive behavioural approach to help the patient change his/her behaviour and way of thinking. Providing the abuser with life skills to help cope with life’s stressors is an important of a drug rehabilitation program