Ecstasy is known for its strong yet liberating effects, often making it easier for a person to open up and become over-friendly, regardless of where they are. The potent ‘feel good’ effects of the substance make it high in demand. But even in small doses, ecstasy is highly addictive, diluting the sense of reality as the substance grips how a person feels along with the ways their body reacts.
Opting for treatment solutions like residential addiction support at West Valley Detox can detox from the effects of ecstasy and take control of one’s life; identifying who needs help is crucial. In the case of people with an addiction problem, tendencies like compulsive lying and refusing to see the problem are common. As the substance alters their brain chemistry, their dependency on the substance also increases, making it nearly impossible for them to see the problem and seek a solution.
What Is Ecstasy
Ecstasy, also known as designer drug or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), is a psychoactive drug that makes the person consuming it feel an unrealistic sense of happiness and energy. The substance acts both as a stimulant as well as a hallucination-inducing drug. Since the drug can be synthesized artificially, it can be accessed easily. The potency of ecstasy makes it dangerous, even if consumed in smaller quantities.
Signs of Ecstasy Addiction
Ecstasy can impact how a person acts. If you suspect a loved one might be engaging in consumption of ecstasy, here are the signs to look for:
Physical changes
- Unusually high levels of energy
- Having sleep difficulties
- Compulsive eating
- Complete loss of appetite
- Sweating and chills
- Muscle tension
- Skin dryness
- Elevated body temperature
- Blurred vision
Behavioral changes
- Social isolation
- Neglecting one’s responsibilities
- Compulsive lying tendencies
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Borrowing money
- Indulging in sexual acts with multiple partners
Psychological changes
These changes impact how a person thinks or acts:
- Becoming overly friendly.
- Feeling extremely confident and aware
- Having strong emotional reactions
- Loss of inhibition
Why Is Ecstasy Dangerous
When the body is exposed to ecstasy, the substance triggers an enormous release of hormones like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The quantities are often so large that the neurotransmitters are unable to absorb and react to them. The inability causes the person to feel more emotional, connected, and energized.
As the body struggles to absorb and react to floods of hormones, the person may make risky decisions without even realizing what they are doing. Aside from this, ecstasy also interferes with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can lead to overheating and dehydration.
There’s also a risk of overconsuming the drug, causing an overdose, which can be fatal if medical attention is not available immediately. MDMA can also, in rare cases, make it challenging to maintain the body’s temperature.
How Ecstasy Impacts the Brain
Escstasy’s molecular structure allows it to reach the brain easily. It happens as the substance gets absorbed into the bloodstream quickly and travels to the liver, where it gets metabolized into inactive compounds. From there, it is carried to the heart, causing its oxygenation once it enters the lungs.
Once back to the heart, this ecstasy-laced oxygenated blood is taken to the brain and other organs with high blood flow rates. As these organs absorb the nutrients and ecstasy compounds, the effects of the substance start taking place. The traces of the substance hours after its consumption can cause hallucinations and make it challenging for a person to make sound decisions for themselves.
Side Effects of Ecstasy
The negative effects of ecstasy start within 20–30 minutes of consuming it. The potency of the substance often has a lasting effect on the body. Some serious side effects of the substance include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Confusion
- Blurry vision
- Impaired sense of understanding and judgment
- Paranoia
- Muscle tension
- Psychosis
- Uncontrolled shakiness
- Hemorrhaging
- Kidney and liver failure
- Nerve degeneration
- Permanent brain damage
In worst cases, excessive consumption of ecstasy can cause death or severe brain-related complications, leaving the person in a vegetative state.
Bottomline
The quick absorption rate of ecstasy makes the substance highly addictive and damaging in the long run. Its reputation for making a person feel light and see the joys of life makes it even more popular amongst a young crowd looking to escape from the transformative phase they are in.
As a result, many parents are often worried about their children getting exposed to the substance. While looking out for potential signs will be helpful in early detection and care, understanding how the substance affects a person’s body is crucial.
