Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy addiction can set in rapidly for some who abuse this drug on a regular basis. It is impossible to know if it will be the user's first pill or their hundredth that gets them hooked. One thing is for sure, those who abuse ecstasy will find that they have a difficult time when they want to stop taking the drug. This is because the pleasant effects of ecstasy diminish with time, requiring the user to take more and more of the drug in an attempt to get "high". Typically, users do not use ecstasy for a prolonged period of time (day after day) because they are physically unable to experience the same euphoria they did initially. However, the addictive nature of the drug makes stopping difficult and the vicious cycle of ecstasy addiction continues.

Not everyone who uses ecstasy becomes addicted. When a user begins to seek out and take the drug compulsively, that person is said to be dependent on the drug or addicted to it. Ecstasy is considered to be emotionally addictive. When someone is an ecstasy addict, they tend to gravitate to others who share their common interest in the drug. They also tend to lose interest in activities that once meant a lot to them such as going out with friends and participating in sports.

What is the difference between a "casual user" and an ecstasy addict? There are many different levels of ecstasy problems. Ecstasy use becomes abuse when it adversely interferes with the user's life. At this point, people are often considered a "problem user". An addict is somebody who uses ecstasy excessively and/or frequently despite awareness of associated negative consequences directly or indirectly related to its use.

For many, using ecstasy seems to be a way of averting emotional and/or physical pain. While on ecstasy the user feels a temporary and illusionary escape from their problems of day to day life. However, there is a dark side to ecstasy's seemingly rewarding effects. Those who develop an ecstasy addiction also experience many of the drugs negative psychological effects too. These include confusion, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and paranoia. These symptoms occur during use as well as the weeks after taking the drug. There are many negative physical effects of ecstasy use such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills, sweating, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.

Almost every ecstasy addict tells themselves at some point they can conquer their addiction without help from others. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict makes an attempt to discontinue drug use without the aid of professional help, statistics show that the results do not last long. Attending a drug rehab will help in the recovery process from ecstasy addiction. While in rehab, the recovering person will be surrounded in a compassionate and supportive environment. The staff there will be experienced in helping people of all ages recover from their addiction problems.

Not only is ecstasy addiction difficult for the addict, it is extremely hard on those people around who care about them. For the addict, admitting they have an addiction problem can be hard. However painful this may be, it must be acknowledged as the first gradient to overcoming the problem. Most people who suffer with ecstasy addiction initially believe that they can conquer addiction on their own. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case.

When someone with an ecstasy addiction problem makes an attempt to quit using and tries to detox without professional help, statistics show that the results do not last long. Research into the effects of long-term ecstasy addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs. This is why a person who wishes to recover from addiction needs more than just strong will power to stop using. Users attempting to quit on their own must conquer detox, drug cravings, re-stimulation from their past, and changes in their brain function. It is no wonder that recovering from ecstasy addiction without professional help is an uphill battle.

For those who truly want to make a lasting recovery from ecstasy addiction, attending a drug rehab is the key to success. Trained addiction professionals will conduct individual assessments that address the addicts specific treatment needs. Most programs offer access to a variety of care. Attending a drug rehab will provide a recovering addict with the appropriate intensity of therapy throughout each stage of recovery, from extended residential care to aftercare services.