Author: James Anderson

Ecstasy Withdrawal & Detox: Understanding Symptoms & Timelines

Law enforcement has found that when someone buys Ecstasy, they are only getting a tablet or capsule with MDMA about 60% of the time. When you take Ecstasy on a regular basis, stopping the drug causes withdrawal symptoms because the brain cells are producing fewer neurotransmitters than they need. Ecstasy causes intense euphoria followed by a crash for several days because it depletes neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Uncomfortable symptoms of a crash then fuel craving because a person wants to stop the negative symptoms. Contingency management is another effective treatment for addiction and is based on a reward system. In most cases, the therapist provides incentives to the patient in exchange for ongoing abstinence and acceptance of treatment.

People who become addicted to Ecstasy will experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug. This kind of therapy is useful for people who have been addicted to ecstasy, especially those who have underlying conditions such as anxiety or depression. DBT is also effective for PTSD and for people who exhibit self-destructive behaviors. In essence, CBT helps clients learn new, drug-free ways to cope with triggers that might encourage them to use ecstasy again. CBT is known to be effective and long-lasting as clients can continue utilizing these strategies once their therapy sessions have ended. While ecstasy is less dangerous to detox from than many drugs, it is not recommended that you do it alone.

Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Ecstasy addiction is more psychological than physical, but withdrawal can still occur. However, the symptoms are milder compared with other drugs like meth, cocaine, and some prescription drugs. Therapy and ongoing support are essential during this time, as relapse is likely. The temptation to take more ecstasy in a simple effort to feel good again can trigger a relapse. Therefore, withdrawal can be tough for anyone who has become dependent on the substance to improve their mood or boost their energy. Ecstasy influences serotonin in the brain, which is a naturally produced chemical that regulates sleep, appetite, mood, cognition, and memory.

1. Dosage plays a small role in the severity of withdrawal symptoms because, generally, if someone is addicted to MDMA, they are not taking small doses.
2. DBT also helps clients identify negative influences in their lives and learn how to develop healthy coping skills.
3. Intensive outpatient programs are less involved than partial hospitalization programs and typically take place at a treatment center or outpatient clinic.
4. Even if you’re not addicted to ecstasy, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.
5. Each person has different needs in a detox center and should consider locations, cost, available programs and long-term support services in their decision.

Known for its widespread use as a “party drug”, ecstasy is commonly taken by young adults to boost their mood and energy, which can lead to emotional and psychological addiction. This is especially the case for individuals with underlying mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, as withdrawal from the drug can exacerbate these conditions. If withdrawal symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, this is sometimes referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).

Mental Health Complications

The advantage of going to a detox center is that medical assistance is readily available. A detox center will place you in comfortable surroundings where you can be assured of help in case of emergencies. This is all dependent on how long the person has been taking ecstasy, how much they took during their last session, and what other drugs were used simultaneously. While these symptoms can fade after 2 weeks, they can sometimes last for months.

However, there are a few medications that have proven to be helpful during the rehabilitation process. Dialectical-behavior therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on mindfulness, how to live in the moment, how to cope with stress, and how to improve relationships. DBT also helps clients identify negative influences in their lives and learn how to develop healthy coping skills. Standard outpatient programs are suited to individuals who have just completed an inpatient program and want to continue some form of therapy. Standard outpatient is also ideal for people who may be juggling other responsibilities such as work or school.

Alternative or Holistic Therapies

Ecstasy withdrawal is essentially a longer process of coming down off the drug. Meditation can also stimulate the pleasure centers of the brain and improve cognitive function. Additionally, research has shown that meditation can be useful for easing tension and calming the nervous system. Participants who continue to abstain receive rewards such as prize draws for money or in-demand objects. With a comprehensive approach to recovery, you can stop using ecstasy for good. Also, If any other drugs were present in the Ecstasy pills, these could be identified with drug testing techniques.

Avoiding Triggers

Eliminating an addiction to ecstasy consists of multiple stages of rehab that target the physical, psychological, and emotional causes of addiction. If the body is already coping with other issues, it is less able to adjust to the changes brought about by withdrawal. Because the drug affects mood-altering chemicals in the brain, the user often experiences psychological symptoms when they withdraw from regular use. They may also experience physical symptoms like jaw clenching, appetite suppression, and extreme tiredness.

Generally, the withdrawal process from ecstasy takes a few days, but some symptoms can persist for weeks. Each person has different needs in a detox center and should consider locations, cost, available programs and long-term support services in their decision. Getting adequate nutrition after detoxing from substances is vitally important. The right diet can help repair any damage incurred following sustained drug use and lead to improved immunity, cognitive function, and energy. Nutritionists or doctors can provide tailored food plans specific to addiction recovery.

The “crash” and mood symptoms of MDMA can be very severe, and people withdrawing are at an increased risk of depression and anxiety symptoms, which may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. Dosage plays a small role in the severity of withdrawal symptoms because, generally, if someone is addicted to MDMA, they are not taking small doses. Through guided therapy, patients learn about issues connected to addiction and relapse.