Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms to Look Out For

Ecstasy or MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) that, when taken, can alter a user’s mood and perception. Using ecstasy can increase pleasure, emotional warmth, and energy and can distort a person’s sense of time. All of these effects make MDMA a popular party drug, and it can easily be found in nightclubs, concerts, and outdoor festivals.

In the United States, the Drug Enforcement Administration classifies MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means that it has a high risk for misuse with no accepted medical use.

The drug can be addictive, and many people can find themselves struggling with ecstasy addiction. When they seek treatment for it, the first step is often to detox. But to detox from ecstasy can come with many complications.

At Luxe Recovery, we help people through all phases of the recovery journey, including the crucial first step from substance use disorder.

Understanding Ecstasy Detox and Withdrawal

Ecstasy detox is the process by which a person purges all MDMA from their body. Because many people who need to detox are addicted to MDMA, they have become physically and psychologically dependent on their drug abuse. As their body acclimates to the lack of the drug, users may experience withdrawal symptoms.

While detox can be an incredibly uncomfortable process, it is a vital part of the treatment process as it gets a patient ready for the later stages of their treatment, such as inpatient rehab or an outpatient program.

Having medical supervision is essential as professional supervision and intervention may be required to help patients going through withdrawal from ecstasy.

Understanding Ecstasy Detox and Withdrawal

Psychological and physical symptoms for ecstasy withdrawal can present at different times. Withdrawal symptoms at different times may include:

1 to 3 Days

The first 1 to 3 days is the acute phase of ecstasy withdrawal. During this time, a patient may experience the most intense symptoms, which can include irritability, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. During this time, cravings for ecstasy are quite strong.

4 to 10 Days

After around 4 to 10 days of detox, depression and cravings will persist, and a patient may have a memory fog and may have a difficult time falling asleep.

11 to 28 Days

After around 11 to 28 days, patients will generally experience a marked improvement in their symptoms. Sleep patterns may return to normal. Cognitive functions such as memory will normalize. Cravings and other psychological problems may persist, but they won’t be as intense as they were during the acute phase.

Long-Term

While most withdrawal symptoms usually subside after about a month or so, some psychological symptoms, such as cravings, mood swings, and anxiety, may persist. Many treatment programs account for this.

Effects of Ecstasy Use

The use of ecstasy can induce a number of effects. These effects can include:

Short-Term Effects

Some of the short-effects that ecstasy users may experience include dehydration and hyperthermia. However, this can lead to hyponatremia as some people can drink excessive amounts of water to quench their thirst or cool down, but this can dilute the body’s sodium levels.

MDMA can also release excess amounts of serotonin, which can lead to confusion, agitation, and cardiovascular issues such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, and rigid muscles.

Taking ecstasy can also cause a person to engage in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, which can increase the risk of being infected with a sexually transmitted disease.

Long-Term Effects

Using MDMA long-term can also lead to long-term effects. Taking the drug long-term is associated with mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Users can also experience executive dysfunction, memory problems, and decreased attention span.

Chronic use can also lead to sleep disturbances, such as insomnia. It can also weaken the immune system, which makes users more susceptible to falling ill. Long-term use can also damage the liver, kidneys, and the cardiovascular system, which can lead to numerous health complications.

What to Expect from an MDMA Addiction Treatment Center

It is possible to stop using ecstasy, and one of the ways in which people seek help for ecstasy addiction is through residential rehab. Some of the ways that a treatment center can help address addiction include:

Personalized Care

One of the main benefits of inpatient treatment is that a person can be thoroughly assessed so that the team can tailor their treatment approach to each patient’s unique needs and goals. This may include dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring disorders.

These personalized treatment plans ensure they get the help they need throughout recovery, from detox treatment to aftercare programs.

Continuous Support

Another benefit that treatment facilities can offer is that their staff is available all day. This means that patients will have support whenever they need it, and the staff will also protect patients from themselves or others.

Controlled Environment

Another benefit of inpatient care is that it is a controlled environment. Patients will not be able to access any drugs other than any medically necessary medication. They’ll also be away from triggering circumstances and enablers, giving them the space they need to reflect on their addiction recovery.

Holistic Care

Many treatment centers integrate holistic care into their approach. These practices complement evidence-based therapies and can enhance a patient’s overall well-being.

Find Help for Ecstasy Addiction at Luxe Recovery

There’s nothing wrong with going to clubs or music festivals and having a good time. For some people, there may not even be anything wrong with enhancing that good time with a drug. 

But the trouble is that some people can get addicted and will have to go through a drug detox program and the withdrawal process to begin their recovery journey.

This process can be difficult, but it is well worth the effort to overcome addiction and retake control over your life. At Luxe Recovery, we make it our mission to help our patients develop the tools they need to recover from addiction, and we’ll guide them through every step of the journey, including the first one.