Frequently Asked Questions About Ecstasy

Frequently Asked Questions About Ecstasy

• Kate Pindera
• 19 Jan 2018

Ecstasy addiction has become a prevalent issue in our society as an increasing number of young people tend to imbibe the drug at various social events. While this drug has been making the rounds for decades, it began to resurface and gain greater momentum in the rave and late-night clubbing scenes that were popular in the mid to late-1990s. Since then, its popularity as a “party drug” has expanded to regular social gatherings and it’s often used in conjunction with alcohol and other illicit substances. The following FAQ is a helpful resource to educate yourself about the perils of ecstasy addiction and find effective ecstasy addiction treatment in Toronto.

1.What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a mood-altering drug that’s often used by young people in social settings such as dance clubs, concerts, music festivals, and house parties. It’s classified as a schedule 1 drug, which means it doesn’t have any official medical purposes or benefits. Street names for this drug include “Molly,” “Adam,” “E,” “XTC,” and “beans.”

2.Is ecstasy addictive?

Ecstasy isn’t a physically addictive drug, but many people do develop a strong dependency on it. It can help a lot of people unwind and let go of their inhibitions by instilling a feeling of total euphoria. Users often get to the point where it’s almost impossible to function without having the drug in their system because the emotionally and mentally stressful hardships they face in life may become too much to bear while sober.

3.How long does it take for ecstasy to leave the body?

Small amounts — approximately 1% — of ecstasy can linger in your system for up to 48 hours after your last use. Even though this amount can’t adequately be detected on a standard drug test, you could end up testing positive for amphetamines.

4.What are the short and long-term effects of ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a neurotoxic drug, which means that it does have a long list of potentially long-term side effects associated with it. Even though the dangers of using ecstasy aren’t necessarily immediate, they are certainly imminent. Ecstasy use can result in permanent brain damage including short- and long- term memory loss; the inability to retain new memories; memory impairment; limited ability to concentrate; and diminished brain functionality. It can also create a surge of abnormal adrenaline throughout your body, which can lead to overheating and dehydrate your organs. Many users have succumbed to heart attacks, heat exhaustion, and over- hydration as a result of ecstasy use.

5.Is ecstasy very dangerous?

In short, yes ecstasy can be very dangerous. Oftentimes, people take the drug without realizing it’s been laced with other potent illicit drugs or they purposely combine it with alcohol to create what’s known as a “drug cocktail” of sorts.

6.Does ecstasy affect men and women differently?

Yes, it’s been reported that ecstasy does have greater adverse affects on women than it does on men. Since it’s a synthetic drug that affects the serotonin levels released by the brain, ecstasy can result in prolonged and frequent mood swings, bouts of depression and anxiety, as well as severely diminished self esteem. All of these side effects of the drug are more likely to have a long-lasting impact on women than men.

Freedom From Addiction is one of the few privately owned and operated drug rehab centers in Toronto to have also received accreditation from Accreditation Canada. Contact us today if you or someone you know is suffering from an ecstasy addiction in Toronto.

Image Credit: iStock.com/serpeblu