MDMA is short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or ecstasy. This club drug takes effect within a half hour of ingestion. From there, it boosts energy and alters the mind for about five hours. However, is MDMA addictive and do you need to go to one of the many available recovery rehab centers if you have a problem with it?
Where MDMA Came From
Club drug cooks concocted the substance by combining hallucinogens with stimulants. It became a favorite with club goers, rave dancers, and people attending similar events. However, few pushers sell pure ecstasy. Many dilute the product with other substances.
Is MDMA Addictive?
In some cases, it depends on the other ingredients in the mix. For example, when a pusher cuts the drug with methamphetamine, it’s possible to develop an addiction. The same is true for doses containing cocaine or heroin. If you’re wondering about addiction, you might be dealing with a dependency on a secondary ingredient.
However, is MDMA addictive on its own? Experts disagree. What they do agree on is the set of changes that occur in serotonin and dopamine releases. Some people do present with symptoms of addiction while others don’t.
Addictive or Not, MDMA Isn’t Safe
Is MDMA addictive? Either way, it’s dangerous. There are reports of people using ecstasy even though it affects them negatively. Moreover, there’s the risk of developing a dependency on the other ingredients, too. As is the case with so many other substances, you have to keep increasing your dose to get the same effects. Doing so puts you at risk of overdosing on the adulterating drugs as well as MDMA.
In many situations, getting off the drug is tough. You already know that people often abuse alcohol to soften the comedown from cocaine. It’s sometimes the same way with MDMA. In these cases, you put yourself at risk for polysubstance abuse.
Rehab Can Help
MDMA addiction recovery rehab centers isn’t a new thing. It might not be one of the most popular drugs out there, but that doesn’t negate the need for rehab. Instead, it is frequently one of the players in a multi-drug addiction problem. Therapists work with you to overcome addiction with modalities such as:
- Psychotherapy, which empowers you to understand what caused you to reach for the drug in the first place
- Dual diagnosis treatment for program participants who’re also struggling with underlying mental health challenges
- Family therapy that re-opens communication with loved ones and assists with healing as a unit
- One-on-one therapy sessions, which allow for personal growth, goal-setting, and relapse prevention training
- Group therapy as a means of learning how to interact with others while sober
Rehab also offers you an opportunity to tackle multiple substance abuse problems. Customization is the key to success in this situation. It’s usually a good idea to check in for a residential stay to immerse yourself in a therapeutic environment. Doing so ensures that you overcome cravings and receive the help you need.
So, is MDMA addictive? There’s a good chance that it may be habit-forming for some users. Don’t risk worsening the condition. Reach out to one of the many drug addiction recovery rehab centers for help today.
