Ecstasy is an illegal, lab-made drug that stimulates the release of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine). Serotonin and dopamine influence cognitive behavior patterns, while dopamine influences physical behavior and movement. Together, these substances are fundamental to normal brain function.
When a person uses ecstasy, they experience heightened happiness and desire. However, regular use over several days can cause depression, anxiety, and irritability, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Alpine Recovery Lodge offers safe, effective dual diagnosis treatment, ecstasy addiction treatment, and a medically supervised detox program tailored to meet your unique needs.
Is Ecstasy Addictive?
Over time, people using this drug regularly experience lower than average serotonin levels in the brain, leading to general feelings of unhappiness. Unfortunately, these feelings can persist for years after taking the drug. Often, this desire to feel happy again drives people back to using ecstasy in higher doses more often, creating a dangerous cycle of addiction. People with an ecstasy addiction have a significantly higher risk for overdose and cardiovascular events like a heart attack or stroke.
Ecstasy Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Here are common warning signs that someone has been abusing ecstasy:
Behavioral symptoms
- High levels of nervous energy
- Long periods of wakefulness
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Promiscuous behavior with multiple partners
Physical symptoms
- Dehydration
- Heightened sexual arousal
- Elevated body temperature
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Nausea and chills
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Clenching teeth
- Unexplained weight loss
Cognitive symptoms
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Confusion and disorientation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Vertigo
Ecstasy Addiction Treatment Overview
Alpine Recovery Lodge uses research-based treatment techniques to help individuals overcome their addiction and regain their lives. If you or a loved one needs substance use disorder treatment, ecstasy addiction specialists provide the following care services:
- Medically supervised detox
- Individualized inpatient rehabilitation
- Ongoing aftercare and support
Treatment Approach
The clinical team at Alpine Recovery Lodge has developed a leading-edge program tailored to address your unique needs, whether you want to overcome a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or both.
Call Alpine Recovery Lodge at 801-901-8757 for the personalized, compassionate care you deserve when you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting recovery in a safe, compassionate environment.