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Ecstasy, also known as 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine or MDMA, is a controlled substance that produces both hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Users find it delivers feelings of euphoria or increased energy, empathy, heightened sexuality and distorted time and perception.
After reading this article, you will understand what ecstasy withdrawal looks like, how long it lasts, the risks that users face when taking this drug and safe detox treatment options.
If you are looking for a treatment program, call
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What is Ecstasy Withdrawal?
Ecstasy withdrawal can occur when an individual has a history of regular or heavy use.
Researchers have not agreed on whether or not ecstasy is “addictive”. However, individuals who abuse the substance can develop signs of psychological dependence and may experience mental health changes, such as depression or anxiety, when they stop.
Withdrawal from ecstasy can be described as a “crash.” This crash results from a drop in the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These brain chemicals are primarily responsible for our reward system and mood.
Repeated use of the drug changes the way our brain can regulate these chemicals, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms that can last for weeks.
Symptoms of Ecstasy Withdrawal
Symptoms of Ecstasy withdrawal include:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intense cravings
- Changes in self perception
- Agitation
- Muscle aches, jaw pain and headaches
It is important to remember that there is a difference between ecstasy comedown and withdrawal. Within hours of using ecstasy, individuals start to feel the impact of the drug wearing off. They experience a depressed mood, fatigue, muscle aches and an increased feeling of emptiness. This period and these symptoms are referred to as a “comedown.”
An individual who regularly uses ecstasy or uses it in large amounts will exhibit these same symptoms; however, the amount of time and severity of symptoms may be drawn out. This is due to the disruption in the brain’s neurotransmitters, requiring an extended amount of time to repair itself.
Ecstasy Withdrawal Timeline
The timeline for ecstasy withdrawal can last from a couple of days to weeks. Several factors influence this process, including one’s overall physical health, co-occurring disorders, emotional and mental wellness, support systems and use history.
Typically, withdrawal symptoms will develop within 1-3 days, peak between days 3-10 and generally subside by days 11-28. If a person has a long history of use or has used large amounts of the drug, they can have persistent withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months.
Risks and Dangers of Withdrawal
Because ecstasy impacts the neurotransmitters in the brain, withdrawing from ecstasy can lead to serious changes in an individual’s overall wellbeing. Fatigue, memory problems or difficulty concentrating can hurt daily life, such as work, family or school. Making relationships or productivity difficult.
Ecstasy withdrawal can also lead to mental health changes, such as depression, anxiety or, for some people, thoughts of self-harm. Insomnia and fatigue result in disrupted sleep patterns, which can contribute to mood disturbances, increased accidents or participation in risky behaviors.
Individuals with underlying co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety or depression, can experience symptom worsening to the point of suicidal ideation or urges to self harm.
Ecstasy Detox and Treatment Options
There are several options when considering detox and treatment. Things to consider when choosing the right type of program include history of use (how long and how much), overall physical and mental wellness, availability of a support system, co-occurring disorders (especially anxiety or depression) and whether you can be away from home, work or family.
There are no FDA-approved medications for MDMA-related substance use disorders, and many people do not need medical detox. A supervised program can help people with severe depression, thoughts of self-harm, other substance use or co-occurring mental health conditions. In a supervised program, individuals receive around the clock support that includes close assessment and intervention if needed.
For some, the short term use of antianxiety medications can help to make the process easier. Others may benefit from an antidepressant such as an SSRI or SNRI. Medications and treatment plans may need to be adjusted if an individual is currently being treated for a co-occurring disorder.
Other interventions include developing a healthy sleep schedule, hydration support, healthy meals, exercise and alternative measures such as yoga, meditation or regulated breathing.
Following detox, an individual should participate in a comprehensive treatment program that utilizes psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), along with individual, family and group therapy. Depending on the circumstances, these programs can be provided through an inpatient or residential facility or an outpatient treatment program.
These programs provide you with the tools to build a future in recovery, including stress management and healthy coping skills, education, relapse prevention measures and relationship building. Peer support groups such as AA, NA or SMART Recovery support long term recovery and provide a place to connect with people who understand the day to day struggle of living with an addiction.
Relapse Risk After Withdrawal
Relapse is always a risk. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40-60% of all people in recovery will relapse at some point in the journey toward long term sobriety. This is lower than the relapse rate for people with high blood pressure or asthma.
Relapse does not indicate failure; it means the current treatment plan is not working. Relapse can occur at any time. However, during or immediately after withdrawing from ecstasy is commonly a time of higher risk for relapse. This may be due to the physiological and mental discomfort of not having the drug. Individuals return to use or relapse to decrease their discomfort.
Returning to use also brings back the usual risks of MDMA, such as overheating and dangerous drops in sodium, and pills or powder sold as ecstasy or molly often contain other drugs.
Ecstasy FAQs
What are Common Symptoms of Ecstasy Withdrawal?
The most common symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal include:
- Depression
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intense cravings
- Changes in self perception
- Agitation
- Muscle aches, jaw pain and headaches
How Long Does Ecstasy Withdrawal Last?
Ecstasy withdrawal usually lasts between 1-28 days. The acute phase begins between 1-3 days after the last dose, peaks between 3-10 and starts to improve by 11-28 days.
It is important to remember that factors such as use history, overall physical and mental health status, support system availability and co occurring disorders can impact the duration and severity of this process. Some individuals will develop post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which describes symptoms that persist for weeks or months.
What’s the Difference Between Comedown and Withdrawal?
Comedown refers to the period when the drug (ecstasy) wears off. This can also be described as a “crash.” The comedown usually occurs within hours of the “high” ending and can last for 1-3 days.
The symptoms of a comedown result from the depletion of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, but are not normally life threatening. Symptoms of a comedown include fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, difficulty concentrating and irritability.
Withdrawal symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a comedown, but they can last longer and feel more intense. Individuals with a long history of ecstasy use or who have used it in large amounts are at risk of developing or worsening symptoms of anxiety, depression, paranoia and agitation. This also increases the risk of self harm.
Can Ecstasy Withdrawal Cause Depression or Anxiety?
Yes. Ecstasy withdrawal can harm overall mental health. Individuals in withdrawal may develop symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Those who have a history of these disorders may find these symptoms worsen. Because of this, people with worsening depression, anxiety or thoughts of self-harm should get medical or mental health care, which may include a detox program, where they can receive the physical and mental health support they need.
How is Ecstasy Withdrawal Treated?
Ecstasy withdrawal treatment includes both physical and mental health support.
Treating symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating a balanced meal and getting adequate hydration and electrolyte replacement. Regular exercise is another way to treat these symptoms, increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of acute anxiety may benefit from the use of short term antianxiety medications. Worsening or prolonged symptoms of depression may improve through the use of antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs.
Find Treatment Today
Seeking treatment that matches your needs, from outpatient counseling to inpatient care when symptoms are severe, followed by a comprehensive addiction treatment program, is the safest way to recover.
Medically supervised detox programs ensure around the clock support that provides close assessment and early intervention should complications arise.
Inpatient or residential treatment is best for people with moderate to severe addiction, those who lack a strong support system or have co-occurring disorders, especially anxiety and depression.
Outpatient programs are good for people with mild addiction symptoms, those who have strong support systems and those who have other family or work commitments that won’t allow for an extended absence.
Once stabilized, individuals benefit from behavioral interventions that utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and participate in individual, group or family therapy and peer support groups. Aftercare and relapse prevention planning should also be included as a crucial part of their individualized treatment plan.
Call
800-681-1058
(Sponsored)
today to speak with someone, and find out which treatment may be right for you.
