Signs and Symptoms of Ecstasy Use
Since much of the world’s Ecstasy has originated from Europe, particularly the Netherlands, this is a drug that has long seen popularity in Europe. Currently, there are more centres of production, especially in Asia, but the Netherlands is still a strong source country.
Ecstasy use has always been associated with night clubs, dance clubs and music festivals. Men use Ecstasy more frequently than women (except in Sweden and Finland) and nearly all the users are under 35 years of age. Highest levels of use are seen in the 15-24 age group. Signs and symptoms of Ecstasy use are therefore more likely to appear in persons that fit these demographics and who attend venues offering music, light shows and other such entertainments.
Ecstasy is a strong stimulant that makes emotional changes as well. It is closely related to the drug methamphetamine. A person using Ecstasy will not feel tired or hungry and therefore can dance through the night. He (or she) can easily overheat, especially in a room where hundreds of other people are also dancing. These dance venues commonly sell high-priced bottles of cold water and may have “chill rooms” – rooms that are highly air conditioned – so the patrons can cool down.
Signs and symptoms of Ecstasy use include heightened tactile sense, euphoria, nausea, sweating, chills and muscle tightness, particularly in the jaw. A user may involuntarily grind his teeth. Ecstasy can increase one’s sexual sensitivity. Women may be targeted by sexual predators who give them Ecstasy and then exploit the woman’s heightened sexual feelings. A woman may be so euphoric and hallucinatory that she may be convinced that she is in love with the man she just met – who gave her Ecstasy.
When Ecstasy Use Goes From Bad to Worse
There are certain kinds of brain damage that are signs of Ecstasy use. These changes can last long after Ecstasy use stops. A large dose of Ecstasy can cause overheating that results in organ damage, particularly for the kidneys. Organ breakdown can and has resulted in death, even after one use of the drug.
Symptoms of prolonged Ecstasy use include depression, addiction, confusion and aggression.
Recovering from Addiction to Ecstasy
European cities with active nightlifes may see more cases of Ecstasy addiction than other cities. Fortunately there are close to twenty Narconon drug rehabilitation centres on the Continent and the UK. These Narconon addiction recovery programs have successfully helped thousands of people over the last forty-five years recover from addiction.
Lasting addiction recovery is possible if there is a long-term program that gives a person enough time to repair the damage, that alleviates the guilt, cravings and depression that would otherwise drive a person back to drug use, and that teaches drug-free life skills. It is common for an addicted person to lose life skills while addicted, especially if addiction lasted for several years or even longer.
A person must relearn how to communicate with family and friends and must regain control over himself again. He must know how to make a drug-free decision when faced by challenges. These are the changes that a person typically experiences during the Narconon addiction rehab program.
Find out how the Narconon addiction rehab program can help someone you care about recover from addiction.
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