Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy, or MDMA, is an ongoing problem in the United States. A synthetic substance that varies in chemical composition from batch to batch, it often causes medical emergencies and even overdoses and deaths in users who abuse the drug recreationally. Unfortunately, addiction is also an issue. Those who use the drug regularly often develop a dependence that can interrupt and damage the rest of their lives, their relationships with their loved ones, and even cause overdose and death. If your loved one is living with an ecstasy use disorder, don’t wait to get help. Contact us at Futures today.

Signs of Ecstasy Use

There are a number of different ways to identify the use and abuse of ecstasy in someone you love. Chronic abuse affects someone in a number of different ways, so the symptoms of use can manifest in a number of areas in their life. Acute effects include:

• Acting overly empathetic
• Demonstrating an elevated mood or “high”
• Grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw
• Having no appetite
• Developing hyperthermia
• Experiencing clouded thinking
• Behaving erratically
• Becoming agitated
• Sweating
• Being very thirsty
• Having an elevated heart rate

Many people who use Ecstasy are often a part of a culture of drug use. Few simply take the drug every night alone in their rooms. Rather, you may notice that your loved one:

• Buys new clothes, often brightly colored outfits that stand out
• Develops an interest in music that is repetitive and beat-driven
• Enjoys spending time at clubs and all-night dance parties, often traveling long distances to hear certain DJs or to be a part of different events
• Makes new friends with similar tastes

Changes in Behavior

Drug addiction of any kind often alters a person completely. Family members often recall in disbelief the person their loved one was prior to the development of drug use, and often fear that person is a thing of the past. Those who are addicted to ecstasy are no different. Some of the signs of dependence upon the drug can include some of the same issues that affect all addicts:

• Inability maintaining or finding a job
• Health problems
• Difficulties with positive relationships
• Disinterest in old hobbies and goals
• Financial problems

Don’t Ignore Drug Use

Illicit substance use is never justifiable, though many users of ecstasy will call the drug harmless and define their use as purely recreational. If you are concerned that your loved one is unable to manage their use of ecstasy or any other drug, contact us at Futures now to learn more about our intensive, evidence-based addiction treatment programs.