Drug Intervention Information: Ecstasy
Users report that Ecstasy produces intensely pleasurable effects, including an enhanced sense of self-confidence and energy. Effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance and empathy. Users say they experience feelings of closeness with others and a desire to touch others. Other effects can include involuntary teeth clenching, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, chills and/or sweating. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as seizures, are also possible. The stimulant effects of the drug enable users to dance for extended periods, which when combined with the hot crowded conditions usually found at raves, can lead to severe dehydration and hyperthermia or dramatic increases in body temperature. This can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure. Cardiovascular failure has been reported in some of the Ecstasy related fatalities. This drug is the most widely used club drug, and is very popular with adolescents.
Abuse
Abuse of Ecstasy means the “self-inflicted maltreatment, injury or damage to oneself with it.” This damage includes the physical as well as social and financial effects on this person. The far-reaching destruction will reach friends, family, co-workers and others in the social sphere of the addict. People in the addict’s life can become victims, but are often enablers of the behavior, by allowing it to continue.
Addiction and Dependency
Ecstasy dependency is when the body develops both a physical and psychological need for Ecstasy. Other symptoms often present are increased tolerance as well as withdrawal. The addict often times wants to rid him or herself of their addiction, but without professional help, a premature death is more probable.
Intervention
Just by reading this, you are closer to finding help for a loved one. The next step is to call for assistance from a professional interventionist. Calls are confidential and anonymous. Please call Intervention Authority at 1 (877) 627-0384 (toll-free) or 1 (949) 636-1268 (outside the United States). You can also email us at info@interventionauthority.com.
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