Ecstasy Drug Help
Ecstasy is a drug that is a rising problem across the U.S. This page will provide
you with information on how to help yourself or someone you care about who has
a problem with ecstasy. Research suggests that people who used ecstasy at least
25 times had lowered serotonin levels for as long as a year after getting help.
This problem can be remedied with knowledgeable help.
Anyone can develop a problem with ecstasy. There is no known single characteristic
shared by everyone who abuses ecstasy. Those who have a problem with ecstasy
can be any age, profession, ethnic group or social class.
Ecstasy is most often distributed at late-night parties called "raves,"
nightclubs, and rock concerts. As the rave and club scene expands to metropolitan
and suburban areas across the country, ecstasy use and distribution are increasing
as well. Ecstasy is often used in combination with other substances. Once a
person begins using Ecstasy or begins frequenting events where Ecstasy is widely
used, a vast array of drugs become accessible as well. Ecstasy users often seek
to increase their high by combining their pill with a dose of marijuana, LSD,
ketamine, GHB, amphetamines, cocaine, or heroin. This experimentation can lead
to addiction.
The effects of long-term ecstasy use are just beginning to undergo scientific
analysis. In 1998, the National Institute of Mental Health conducted a study
of a small group of habitual ecstasy users who were abstaining from use. The
study revealed that the abstinent users suffered damage to the neurons in the
brain that transmit serotonin, an important biochemical involved in a variety
of critical functions including learning, sleep, and integration of emotion.
The results of the study indicate that recreational ecstasy users may be at
risk of developing permanent brain damage that may manifest itself in depression,
anxiety, memory loss, and other neuropsychotic disorders.
If you or someone you care about has a problem with ecstasy and needs help
here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Don't Rescue the Addict
Friends and family members can attempt to protect an addict from the consequences
of his behavior by making excuses about his addiction or getting him out of
trouble. This behavior must stop! Once the addict experiences the effects
of his behavior, he may become more motivated to stop using drugs.
- Don't Become an Enabler
Family members should be careful not to reward the addict by paying his bills,
bailing him out of jail, letting him stay for free or ignoring his behavior.
- Be Honest
Tell the addict that you are concerned about his ecstasy addiction and want
to be supportive for him while he gets help. Support your concern with examples
of the ways in which his ecstasy use has caused problems for you, including
any recent incidents.
- State the Consequences
Tell the addict that until he gets help, you will leave him to the consequences
of his behavior and will no longer bail him out. Make it clear that you are
not trying to punish the addict, but protect yourself from the harmful effects
of his addiction.
- Be Prepared
If the addict is ready get help, don't wait. Once he's agrees to get help,
work immediately to find the treatment approach that is right for the individual.
- Don't Give Up
If the addict refuses help, don't give up. Be supportive and don't enable
or allow his behavior. Listen whenever you can and be ready to help the addict
into treatment when he is ready.
- Find a treatment approach
The importance of locating a qualified treatment facility is important to
the addicts recovery. There are numerous types of treatment programs available,
find one that is right for the individual.
It is important that the individual receives help early on in their abuse.
Treatment is known to be more effective if conducted at the onset of the problem.
Treatment options include a wide range of approaches: education, counseling,
therapy, rehab, and groups. Our website will help you in your search for the
treatment approach that is right for you or someone you care about who has a
problem with ecstasy.