The drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or MDMA, combines the effects of stimulants and hallucinogens. Also known as “ecstasy,” MDMA changes the user’s energy and sensory experiences. This drug can cause risky behavior and potentially dangerous health risks.
If you or someone you know has an addiction to ecstasy or misuses it frequently, Gateway can support you. Our MDMA drug rehabilitation centers in Illinois help patients stop using harmful drugs.
How Does Ecstasy Affect the Mind and Body?
Research shows that MDMA could have fewer addictive properties than other addictive drugs, but its use can still cause harm. Ecstasy affects three types of brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. The brain releases more of these compounds when exposed to MDMA, reducing their presence in the brain.
MDMA’s impact on the brain can cause symptoms such as:
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Memory and attention issues
- Jaw clenching
- Joint and muscle stiffness
- A rise in body temperature
An MDMA overdose can result in the following life-threatening symptoms:
- High blood pressure
- Panic attacks
- Faintness
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Regular ecstasy use for an extended period may also damage the brain. Studies suggest that people who regularly use MDMA have reduced brain activity in areas related to many important functions.
Types of Treatment for MDMA Addiction and Misuse
If you think you have an addiction to ecstasy, an MDMA drug addiction rehab center can provide treatment. Treatment for MDMA addiction tends to focus on behavioral therapy, which is where the patient works on their thoughts and feelings related to the drug. Many people who misuse MDMA misuse other drugs, so they may need treatment for multiple addictions.
A person with an ecstasy addiction may receive treatment services like:
- Medical support: A clinic may prescribe medication for you that can help you manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Specialized and group therapy: Addiction treatment centers can offer a wide range of therapy programs, including group counseling.
- Social support and care plan coordination: Some providers have treatment plan coordination and referrals to social services.
Every patient has a unique experience with MDMA addiction treatment that depends on their symptoms and provider.
Benefits of Getting Help From an Ecstasy/MDMA Drug Addiction Treatment Center
An Illinois ecstasy drug addiction rehabilitation center can help you stop using MDMA and improve your well-being. These clinics can empower you to:
- Rebuild relationships with loved ones and friends
- Return to a stable life at work, school and home
- Manage the physical and mental symptoms of addiction
With a personalized treatment plan, you can set and achieve recovery goals to take your life back from drugs.
Signs of Ecstasy Misuse and Addiction
Someone with an ecstasy addiction can have difficulty telling if they have one. You or someone you know might have an addiction to MDMA when showing these signs:
- Feeling frequent and uncontrollable urges to use MDMA
- Needing to take more ecstasy than before to get the same effects
- Prioritizing MDMA over work, school and social connections
- Dedicating an excessive amount of time and money to getting and using ecstasy
One of the professionals at an MDMA drug rehab treatment center can also screen you for addiction. They can then create a care strategy that will help you recover.
Treatment Approaches at Our Illinois Ecstasy/MDMA Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Center
Gateway’s ecstasy/MDMA drug treatment programs in Illinois involve a personalized approach to care. Our team believes that addiction has a wide range of interconnecting issues that we need to address for a successful recovery.
To treat all aspects of addiction, our care services include:
- Identifying underlying issues: Our addiction professionals will help you determine any factors that contribute to your MDMA use.
- Encouraging emotional wellness: We support every patient in finding passion in life outside of drug use.
- Building a support network: Services like group therapy empower patients to find community in each other.
- Treating medical symptoms: Addressing the physical effects of addiction makes it easier for patients to focus on a successful recovery.
We provide the resources you need to stop using MDMA and other dangerous drugs.
Reasons to Visit Gateway for Addiction Care
At Gateway, we have more than 50 years of experience working with patients in the Chicago area. We provide evidence-based treatment in a compassionate and accepting environment. To schedule your first appointment, send an online message to us.