OVERVIEW: OHIO MDMA ABUSE & ADDICTION TREATMENT
High instances of MDMA abuse in Ohio reflect a growing trend across the country. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 20 million Americans have tried MDMA at least once. [1] Due to the drug’s addictive properties, many one-time users become long-term abusers. Sadly, this is reflected in hospitals and treatment facilities throughout Ohio, as thousands of people in the state are currently struggling with MDMA addiction.
At Prosperity Haven, we believe in keeping people informed on the true dangers of addiction and all of the available paths toward recovery. Below, you can read more about MDMA, including what it is, how to identify if someone you care about is abusing it, and the long-term effects of MDMA addiction. Lastly, we will provide more information on our MDMA addiction treatment program that can help you or someone you love to get a new lease on life.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA is the short name for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, a synthetic drug often associated with raves and party culture. Also known as Ecstacy or Molly, MDMA is used recreationally because it can stimulate the user, alter their perceptions, and temporarily boost feelings of pleasure. Though the drug has been around for more than 100 years, it did not become a popular element of the international party scene until the 1970s and 80s.
MDMA typically comes in the form of a tablet or capsule, but it can also come in a powder or crystalline form. The desired effects of the drug last anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours, though lingering side effects like insomnia can go on for a few hours beyond that. Since the aftereffects of MDMA use are unpleasant, many users will take more of the drug to continue the high, greatly increasing the chance of addiction.
WHAT IS MDMA?
WHAT IS MDMA?MDMA is the short name for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, a synthetic drug often associated with raves and party culture. Also known as Ecstacy or Molly, MDMA is used recreationally because it can stimulate the user, alter their perceptions, and temporarily boost feelings of pleasure. Though the drug has been around for more than 100 years, it did not become a popular element of the international party scene until the 1970s and 80s.
MDMA typically comes in the form of a tablet or capsule, but it can also come in a powder or crystalline form. The desired effects of the drug last anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours, though lingering side effects like insomnia can go on for a few hours beyond that. Since the aftereffects of MDMA use are unpleasant, many users will take more of the drug to continue the high, greatly increasing the chance of addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of MDMA Addiction
For years, many people assumed that MDMA did not have addictive properties. While more research is needed, various studies have definitively concluded that MDMA affects the same parts of the brain and neurotransmitter systems as other addictive drugs. Most research indicates that MDMA is not as addictive as drugs like heroin or methamphetamine, but its ability to change serotonin and dopamine levels shows that it can lead to a long-term substance abuse disorder.
The signs of MDMA abuse are often easiest to spot while a person is high on the drug or coming down from a very recent high. In either case, the user may display various physical and behavioral symptoms indicating their abuse of the drug. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of MDMA addiction:
- High energy levels
- Reduced need for sleep
- Increased libido
- Low inhibitions
- High sense of self-confidence
- Greater empathy and affection
- Dry mouth or dehydration
- High body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Cold sweat
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Euphoria
- Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
- Memory problems
- Issues with balance
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MDMA Addiction
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MDMA AddictionFor years, many people assumed that MDMA did not have addictive properties. While more research is needed, various studies have definitively concluded that MDMA affects the same parts of the brain and neurotransmitter systems as other addictive drugs. Most research indicates that MDMA is not as addictive as drugs like heroin or methamphetamine, but its ability to change serotonin and dopamine levels shows that it can lead to a long-term substance abuse disorder.
The signs of MDMA abuse are often easiest to spot while a person is high on the drug or coming down from a very recent high. In either case, the user may display various physical and behavioral symptoms indicating their abuse of the drug. Here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of MDMA addiction:
- High energy levels
- Reduced need for sleep
- Increased libido
- Low inhibitions
- High sense of self-confidence
- Greater empathy and affection
- Dry mouth or dehydration
- High body temperature
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea
- Cold sweat
- Anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Euphoria
- Sensitivity to light, touch, and sound
- Memory problems
- Issues with balance
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Long-Term Effects of MDMA Abuse and Addiction
Since MDMA is commonly associated with partying and “feeling good,” many people are unaware of the potential dangers. In the short term, MDMA abuse increases the risk of overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or other drugs. MDMA overdose can result in hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) and seizures. If you believe that someone close to you is overdosing from MDMA, it is vital to contact emergency medical help immediately.
In addition to the risk of overdose, MDMA abuse also has many negative long-term effects. Some of the long-term effects of MDMA addiction include:
- Lasting cognitive issues like confusion, depression, anxiety, reduced attention span, memory problems, impulsivity, paranoia, and diminished interest in sex
- Physical effects like fatigue, kidney failure, heart failure, heart arrhythmia, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, anhedonia, and damaged teeth (due to teeth grinding and clenching)
Not all of the effects of MDMA addiction are purely cognitive or physical. Many of the effects are apparent in the personal life of someone abusing the drug. Here are some common issues that can arise from MDMA addiction:
- Financial problems
- Legal problems
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Reduced academic or work performance
- Increased risk of STDs
Long-Term Effects of MDMA Abuse and Addiction
Long-Term Effects of MDMA Abuse and AddictionSince MDMA is commonly associated with partying and “feeling good,” many people are unaware of the potential dangers. In the short term, MDMA abuse increases the risk of overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol or other drugs. MDMA overdose can result in hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) and seizures. If you believe that someone close to you is overdosing from MDMA, it is vital to contact emergency medical help immediately.
In addition to the risk of overdose, MDMA abuse also has many negative long-term effects. Some of the long-term effects of MDMA addiction include:
- Lasting cognitive issues like confusion, depression, anxiety, reduced attention span, memory problems, impulsivity, paranoia, and diminished interest in sex
- Physical effects like fatigue, kidney failure, heart failure, heart arrhythmia, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, anhedonia, and damaged teeth (due to teeth grinding and clenching)
Not all of the effects of MDMA addiction are purely cognitive or physical. Many of the effects are apparent in the personal life of someone abusing the drug. Here are some common issues that can arise from MDMA addiction:
- Financial problems
- Legal problems
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Reduced academic or work performance
- Increased risk of STDs
Ohio MDMA Detox and Withdrawal
Once someone has begun using MDMA regularly, their drug tolerance level will increase to the point that they need more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Increasing dosages also increases the chances of overdose and accelerates the severity of the addiction. That said, MDMA withdrawal can start to show after just the first time the drug is used. Some of the signs of MDMA withdrawal include:
- Decreased appetite
- Low energy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cravings
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
If you or someone you care about has been using large amounts of MDMA, withdrawal symptoms could be even more severe and dangerous. This is why MDMA detox should be monitored by professionals like the team at Prosperity Haven.
Ohio MDMA Detox and Withdrawal
Ohio MDMA Detox and WithdrawalOnce someone has begun using MDMA regularly, their drug tolerance level will increase to the point that they need more and more of the drug to achieve the same effects. Increasing dosages also increases the chances of overdose and accelerates the severity of the addiction. That said, MDMA withdrawal can start to show after just the first time the drug is used. Some of the signs of MDMA withdrawal include:
- Decreased appetite
- Low energy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cravings
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Paranoia
If you or someone you care about has been using large amounts of MDMA, withdrawal symptoms could be even more severe and dangerous. This is why MDMA detox should be monitored by professionals like the team at Prosperity Haven.
MDMA Addiction Treatment Near Cleveland, OH
No matter what name it goes by — MDMA, Ecstacy, Molly, E, X, Beans, Adams, or something else — 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine is an addictive and harmful drug. Like many addictive drugs, MDMA can be dangerous from the very first use. This is part of the reason why MDMA abuse is difficult to overcome; the addictive properties begin working on your brain immediately, while the euphoric effects create emotional, psychological, and physical dependence.
But just because overcoming MDMA addiction is an uphill battle doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. In fact, with the help of substance abuse specialists, you can achieve sobriety and beat your addiction. This is where our team at Prosperity Haven comes in.
At Prosperity Haven, we offer one-on-one counseling, as well as dozens of effective detox and recovery programs. It is our goal to help clients understand the reasons why they turned to MDMA in the first place. Additionally, we use many natural therapies to heal the physical and psychological scars left by the abuse of the drug.
MDMA addiction can be a lonely and painful experience, but with our friendly, professional staff and holistic approach, you can achieve recovery in comfort. To learn more about MDMA addiction with Prosperity Haven, be sure to visit our contact page or call us at 440-253-9915 today.
