Ecstacy Treatment Program for Women at Balboa Horizons
Ecstasy is the common
street name for a synthetic, psychoactive drug called MDMA
(methylenedioxymethamphetamine). MDMA has both stimulant and
hallucinogenic effects and produces feelings of euphoria, increased
energy and altered reality. Ecstasy is one of many dangerous and
habit-forming substances known as “club drugs.” It has long been
associated with the nightclub and rave scenes and users claim to enjoy
the drug for its ability to diminish social anxiety and create a sense
of belonging. They experience emotional warmth and increased empathy
with others and these emotional and social qualities make ecstasy
extremely attractive to female users.
Although
ecstasy use has diminished since its
peak in 2000, the drug is still a widespread problem and studies show
that it remains highly popular. Perhaps one of the most dangerous
misconceptions concerning ecstasy is the belief that it is a harmless
party drug with little potential for abuse or addiction. Nothing could
be further from the truth. The consequences experienced as a result of
ecstasy abuse are severe and treatment is highly recommended. At Balboa
Horizons, we have treated many women addicted to ecstasy and other
“club drugs,” with whom ecstasy was their primary drug of choice. We
understand the multitude of reasons why women are attracted to this
class of drug and have experience in successfully dealing with the
aftermath of an ecstasy addiction.
Ecstasy is most commonly ingested in tablet or
capsule form. Although all ecstasy is known to contain MDMA, street
ecstasy is typically a cocktail of drugs including heroin,
methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, ephedrine or any number of toxic
substances. These are dangerous recipes and users rarely know what
combination of drugs they are actually ingesting. Furthermore, many
ecstasy users commonly take ecstasy along with alcohol or marijuana,
greatly compounding the risk of adverse health effects and
neurotoxicity. One-time use can cause severe dehydration, hypothermia,
liver, kidney or cardiovascular system failure and death.
Ecstasy is known to produce confusion,
depression, insomnia, severe anxiety and drug dependency. A survey of
young adult ecstasy users found that 43% of those who reported ecstasy
use met the diagnostic criteria for dependence. Those addicted to
ecstasy will experience increased tolerance along with the presence of
serious withdrawal symptoms should they discontinue their use, making
ecstasy a highly dangerous and addictive drug. Aside from these
physical implications, perhaps the most severe risks are due to the
distorted reality created by ecstasy. Users experience seriously
impaired judgment, heightened levels of trust or bouts of extreme
paranoia, which can lead to a multitude of traumatic events including
rape, injury, car accidents, assault and criminal charges.
Ecstasy has the ability to dramatically alter
brain chemistry. MDMA works on the neurotransmitter serotonin, which
regulates mood, aggression, sexual activity, sleep and pain. It binds
to the serotonin transmitter, increasing and prolonging the serotonin
signal to the brain. It also causes an excessive release of serotonin
from the neurons, increasing feelings of euphoria. After any period of
use, ecstasy can permanently damage serotonin nerve terminals. Due to
these serotonin deficiencies, many women recovering from ecstasy
addiction will struggle with depression. Our clinical staff is highly
trained to treat depression associated with addiction and we employ a
variety of treatment modalities that have been proven effective. In
addition, there are a multitude of psychiatric medications known as
SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, that may be helpful
if necessary.
