Ecstasy Addiction Intervention and Treatment in Texas
Ecstasy addiction intervention and treatment in Texas include multiple intervention resources, drug detox programs, and drug rehabilitation programs to help individuals addicted to ecstasy or MDMA. Ecstasy abuse is a common problem among young people, and it is abused as a recreational drug or part of polydrug use. Ecstasy is a dangerous drug causing symptoms that can lead to coma or death. Drug rehab centers in Texas are equipped to manage ecstasy addiction and treat people abusing the drug with other similar substances. The first step in treating drug addiction involves drug detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Standard drug detox programs in Texas are effective in treating ecstasy addiction. The next phase of drug rehabilitation involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab center in Texas. Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab centers offer short-term and long-term programs. Typically, the severity of drug addiction determines what length of time is needed in treatment. Residential drug rehab is usually the better option to help addicts. In addition, it is important to follow through with aftercare support like 12-step meetings, peer support groups, or sober living homes. Overall, no one form of drug rehab in Texas is right for every person, and treatment settings and interventions should meet the needs of the addict.
What is Ecstasy, and How is it Used?
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Ecstasy is a common recreational drug and is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens. Ecstasy produces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. Ecstasy initially became popular in the nightclub scene and at dance parties. People who use ecstasy take the drug as a capsule or pill that is swallowed. The drug is also found in a liquid form, and the powder form of ecstasy could be snorted.
The effects of ecstasy last about three to six hours, and many users take a second dose as the effects of the first dose begin to wear off. The moderate use of the drug can lead to irritability, impulsiveness, aggression, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, memory and attention problems, decreased appetite, decreased interest in pleasure and sex. Large amounts of ecstasy can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, causing liver, kidney, or heart failure and death. The pill, capsule, and powder forms of ecstasy pose a significant risk because they may contain other drugs.
What are Common Street Names for Ecstasy
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, common street names for ecstasy include Adam, Beans, Clarity, Disco Biscuit, E, Ecstasy, Eve, Go, Hug Drug, Lovers Speed, Peace, STP, X, and XTC. Within the United States, MDMA is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The drug has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. MDMA produces effects similar to amphetamine-like stimulation and middle mescaline-like hallucinations.
Adolescents and young adults use ecstasy to promote euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality. The drug is a synthetic chemical made in labs and primarily manufactured in and smuggled into the United States from Canada. Ecstasy is also referred to as a party drug or club drug and is commonly used with other hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, referred to as candy flipping. The term stacking refers to using three or more ecstasy tablets at once.
What Causes Ecstasy Drug Addiction?
Recreational ecstasy use and regular use of the drug create physical and psychological dependence to the stimulating and hallucinogenic effects. Drug rehab centers in Texas routinely treat young people abusing ecstasy in combination with other drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals. The drug increases dopamine levels, producing increased energy and activity, and it acts on the reward center of the brain, reinforcing drug-taking behavior. MDMA increases norepinephrine, causing an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Additionally, the drug increases serotonin, affecting mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. The drug triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust—large amounts of serotonin cause emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy. The effects of ecstasy become addictive, and people choose to use MDMA for different reasons. Most drug problems begin with recreational drug use that eventually progresses into drug addiction. Most people abusing ecstasy are using other drugs in combination; however, many young people use the drug recreationally.
The effects of ecstasy include nausea, muscle cramps, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, chills, and sweating. The effects of ecstasy occur within 30 to 45 minutes of swallowing the drug and are prolonged depending on the amount consumed. Severe dehydration can result from the combination of the drug’s effects and the crowded and hot conditions in which the drug is often taken. Chronic use of ecstasy can result in damage to the serotonin system.
Ecstasy Drug Addiction Treatment and Detox in Texas
Ecstasy drug addiction rehab and drug detox in Texas involve multiple approaches and treatment options for ecstasy addiction and polydrug use. Most people addicted to ecstasy are abusing other drugs as part of a larger drug addiction problem. The first step in treating ecstasy addiction is drug detox to manage withdrawal cravings and symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and trouble concentrating. Withdrawal symptoms are not usually severe, but this depends on the drug use and if other drugs are abused.
The next phase of drug rehabilitation involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab program in Texas. Typically, the severity of addiction and other associated issues determines what method of drug rehabilitation is required. Residential and outpatient drug rehab programs offer long-term and short-term options. Common therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, and family-based therapies. Many drug rehab centers in Texas incorporate holistic treatment or experiential therapy. In addition, aftercare support is essential, such as 12-step meetings or sober living.
Family Intervention for Ecstasy Addiction in Texas
Drug addiction does cause a person to be in denial about their addiction and refuse help. Family intervention in Texas involves bringing together family and friends with the help of an interventionist. During the family intervention, the drug-addicted family member is confronted about their addiction. Everyone works together to motivate the individual to seek help and commit to a drug rehab center. With the help of a professional interventionist, the family sets clear boundaries and consequences if the addict refuses to accept help. A properly planned intervention works, yet a poorly planned family intervention worsens the situation causing the individual to feel attacked.
Sources-
NIDA. “MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 15 Jun. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Ecstasy-MDMA-2020.pdf
