Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy (MDMA) Use
If you are a parent, a family member or a close friend of someone who is going out to clubs, music festivals or similar events frequently, you would be wise to know the signs and symptoms of ecstasy use. Illicit use of ecstasy is very common at these venues. Ecstasy is highly damaging and addictive, and the person who gets into heavy use of this drug may need professional help to escape from the addiction.
Ecstasy, which is also known as MDMA, is a modification of methamphetamine and has some similar effects to that drug. It is immediately a stimulant, but its stimulating effects can increase to dangerous levels. It causes the body to heat up, which, combined with hours of dancing in a warm environment, can cause the bodily temperature to reach lethal levels. Dance clubs where many patrons use ecstasy often provide a “chill room” where a person can buy cold water and cool off. When the temperature gets too high, organ breakdown can occur, especially in the kidneys, and this can kill the drug user.
People take the drug for the euphoric, intoxicating effects. Signs of ecstasy use include heightened sensory perception, and the tactile sense may be exaggerated. A person may want to be touched or want to touch things that feel good. A person going to clubs to dance will have their energy increased so they can dance all night.
But the user may also experience nausea, chills or involuntary teeth clenching. Muscles may cramp and vision may blur or be otherwise disturbed. It could be a sign of ecstasy use if a young person comes home after an all-night party and seems excited and energetic, but perhaps a little confused. They may also be sweating in combination with chills and nausea. They may have a dry mouth and dilated pupils. Muscles may be tense and the person may seem overly alert for the circumstances.
Watching for Signs of Ecstasy Use
If you want to know if your loved one is using ecstasy, watch for small colored pills in the person’s pockets or bags. There may be candy necklaces on stretchy strings. Some of the “candy” may be ecstasy pills. These pills often have imprints of characters or product logos, like the Mercedes auto logo. Occasionally ecstasy is used in liquid form.
Other signs of ecstasy use could include an irregular sleeping schedule and a lack of awareness of pain. For example, if a person got hurt and did not realize it, you might suspect ecstasy use.
Ecstasy use is commonly connected with multiple sexual partners. A symptom of ecstasy use includes a person feeling they are in love with the person they are with, even if they just met.
One of the most dangerous effects of ecstasy (other than the possibility of death from overheating or overdose) is the cravings that can very quickly set in. These cravings drive a person to use ecstasy over and over, even when they know it is harmful.
Symptoms of Ecstasy Use Include Brain Damage
Recent research reveals that changes in the brain take place very quickly after a person starts to abuse ecstasy. These changes can result in anxiety, depression, and confusion. Further symptoms of ecstasy use include poor performance on tests requiring memory or cognitive ability. Tests have shown that even brief exposure to ecstasy can result in damage that lasts years.
When the use of the drug becomes heavy, signs of ecstasy use may include paranoia, depression, confusion, and aggression. Immediate signs of ecstasy use generally last around five hours, but some signs may persist for weeks.
It is not safe for a person to drive after they have taken ecstasy as they may lose judgment and take more risks than usual.
Ecstasy and Club Drugs Health Risks:
- Specific Dangers
- Abuse of Club Drugs
- Understanding Club Drugs
- Effects of Club Drugs Including Ecstasy
Signs of Ecstasy Use
Ecstasy is a strong stimulant that often comes as small white or colored pills stamped with logos or words. Users may have lollipops or baby pacifiers to help with clenched jaw muscles caused by the drug.
Changes in Activities:
- High levels of stimulation
- Unusual levels of energy
- Long hours awake
- Acting abnormally friendly
- Dancing for long periods
Changes in reactions:
- Overly sensitive to music or lights
- Exaggerated pleasure from touch
- Pain is dulled
Physical changes:
- Nausea
- Chills
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Muscle cramps
- Tight, clenched jaw
- Overheating
- Collapse
Worst Symptom of Ecstasy Abuse May Be Addiction
When a person becomes addicted to ecstasy, they will continue to go to dance parties and use the drug even though when not on the drug they realize the damage they are doing. You can help a loved one who is addicted to ecstasy by contacting the nearest Narconon drug rehabilitation center.
The Narconon recovery program and the sauna detoxification that is one of its steps help conquer the cravings. The sauna detoxification uses moderate exercise, time spent every day in a low-heat sauna and generous nutritional supplements to flush old drug toxins out of the body. The result for most people is lowered or eliminated cravings, making it easier to resume a drug-free life.
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