Ecstasy Drug Treatment

Ecstasy drug treatment is a general term used for drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It is a word used for the rehabilitation and recovery of ecstasy addiction. Ecstasy, which is really the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine also commonly known as X, E, XTC, Adam, etc.) is a semi-synthetic chemical compound. In its pure form, it is a white crystalline powder. It is usually seen in capsule form, in pressed pills, or as loose powder. The average cost of Ecstasy ranges from $10-$30 (U.S.) a dose. Common routes of administration of Ecstasy are swallowing or snorting, although it can be smoked or injected as well. Currently, Ecstasy is on the U.S. Schedule I of controlled substances, and is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell in the United States. Most other countries have similar laws.

When an individual enters ecstasy drug treatment, they are attending a program that will help them on the road to recovery. Ideally, a drug rehab not only helps the individual with their problems pertaining to ecstasy abuse and addiction, but also addresses the psychological issues that lead to their addiction problems.

Studies have shown that the effects of Ecstasy on the user's brain are serotonin related. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that affects moods, so that after the initial high, the user may feel tired, depressed, or moody. Their body will eventually produce more serotonin, but it may take some time to get it back to normal levels. So, after a weekend of heavy partying, they may have trouble getting up and going to class or work.

One of the first steps of recovery from ecstasy addiction is detoxification. This is also known as drug detox. It is where the drug user discontinues abusing drugs and allows their body to rid itself of the drugs and toxins it has accumulated. The user's body "re-adjusts" to living without drugs and often goes through a period of withdrawal. For the recovering drug user, detox can range from mild to very intense, and at times life threatening. For this reason drug detox should be monitored by a trained professional.

Those who go through medically assisted withdrawal to minimize discomfort but do not receive any further ecstasy drug treatment, perform about the same in terms of their substance use as those who never attended a drug rehab. Over the last 25 years, studies have shown that attending a drug rehab works to reduce drug intake and crimes committed by drug-dependent people. Researchers also have found that drug abusers who have been through a drug rehab are more likely to have jobs. Another initial goal of long term drug rehab is to improve the individual's ability to function in society again. A drug rehab will help minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse.

As mentioned above, it is important to address any psychological issues that lead to the drug user's addiction. Many ecstasy drug treatment programs incorporate some type of behavior modification into their program. This is beneficial for the recovering drug user because it helps them to replace their old drug using habits with new healthy ones they can use once they have completed treatment.

There are many different types of treatment available depending on the individual's needs. Ecstasy drug treatment programs range from low levels of participation such as outpatient treatment to more intensive inpatient long-term care. Low level ecstasy drug treatment is where the individual attends meetings and does not change many areas of their day to day life while receiving drug addiction treatment. The other end of the spectrum would be residential or inpatient treatment. This form of addiction drug rehab treatment is much more intensive for the recovering drug user. The individual stays at the treatment facility while receiving care and are given support and guidance twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

This form of ecstasy drug treatment is considered to be the most successful drug rehab method currently available. A team of NIDA-funded researchers from the University of Chicago, Brown University, and Rhode Island Hospital has found that, in general, the more time a person spends in treatment for addiction, the better. Individuals who participate in long-term drug rehab are typically those with serious health/medical related issues as a result of their drug use and/or they have attended other types of drug rehabilitation with little to no success. The ultimate goal of a rehab program is to enable the individual to achieve lasting abstinence from drug use. The short term goal of rehab is to help the individual through detox and withdrawal from drugs.

Ecstasy abuse can cause many problems for the user. Ecstasy has a physiological effect that is similar to amphetamines and cocaine. As such, studies have concluded that even mild to moderate ecstasy abuse may cause changes in the way the brain produces and distributes nero-transmitters. These are the chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, known to play a role in regulating mood, memory, appetite, sleep, aggression, sexual activity and sensitivity to pain. This can lead to long-term depression and other mental illness.

Extended use of ecstasy causes difficulty differentiating reality and fantasy, and causes problems concentrating. Studies have found that ecstasy destroys certain cells in the brain. While the cells may re-connect after discontinued use of the drug, they don't re-connect normally. Like most drugs, this one impairs memory and can cause paranoia, anxiety, and confusion. In a study in England, ecstasy users had memory impairment on average 2� years after they stopped taking the drug!

Some ecstasy drug treatment centers offer additional treatment programs. These may focus on dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders), DUI or DWI rehab, detox, teen drug rehab, or court ordered treatment. To make a successful recovery, the recovering individual needs new tools in order to deal with situations and problems which arise. Factors such as encountering someone from their days of using, returning to the same environment and places, or even small things such as smells and objects trigger memories which can create psychological stress. This can hinder the recovering individual's goal of complete recovery, thus not allowing the addict to permanently regain control of his or her life.