Ecstasy (MDMA) Addiction Treatment in Toronto

Ecstasy (MDMA) Addiction Treatment In Toronto

Ever since the 1980s, ecstasy has been one of the most popular club drugs in the world, with around 21 million people using the drug every year. Due to its close association with music festivals, clubbing and electronic music, it is an extremely popular drug with teenagers and young adults. This presents the dangerous possibility of developing an addiction to ecstasy from a young age, compounding its harmful physical and psychological effects.

At Freedom From Addiction, we approach ecstasy addiction treatment with a holistic program of medical detoxification coupled with cognitive behaviour therapy to address the root cause of addiction, rather than just treating the symptoms. This approach has enabled us to become one of the most trusted private drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres in Toronto.

What is Ecstasy?

3, 4 - Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), more commonly known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that is extremely popular in the party scene. It was first synthesized in 1912, before being used for a brief period in the 1970s in psychotherapy, and evolved into a club drug from the 1980s onwards. As MDMA is an amphetamine analogue, it is classified as a Schedule I drug in Canada, putting it in the same class as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines.

The main effects associated with ecstasy use include euphoria, increased feelings of self-confidence, empathy, emotionality, reduced anxiety, enhanced sensations, altered sense of time and mild hallucinations. Physical effects of ecstasy use include grinding of teeth, dilated pupils, loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and insomnia. Ecstasy is usually consumed in the form of compressed pills or capsules, with effects peaking around 75 to 120 minutes and lasting between 3 to 6 hours.

Following the use of ecstasy, approximately 60% of users will experience withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite, and depression. While MDMA is typically taken less frequently than other amphetamines, it still has both physical and psychological addiction potential. Tolerance to both the desired and adverse effects occurs with regular ecstasy use, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. Coupled with the frequent adulteration of street ecstasy with potentially life-threatening additives, and ecstasy addiction can be a very serious issue.

The Effects Of Long Term Ecstasy Use

Long term use of ecstasy has been shown to cause a range of serious physical and psychological issues that are not easily reversed.

Heavy and frequent MDMA use has been correlated to the formation of neurotoxic brain lesions, a form of brain damage. Significant structural and functional deficiencies have been observed in chronic users, leading to impairments in mood, learning difficulties, and disordered thinking. The imbalance caused by the overproduction of serotonin can also cause depression and anxiety lasting beyond the typical withdrawal period.

Ecstasy has also been shown to make the blood-brain barrier more permeable, potentially allowing dangerous environmental toxins and pathogens access to the brain and spinal fluid. This is of particular concern for teenagers, as their immune systems and brains are still developing, and could lead to permanent damage to these fragile systems. This makes seeking ecstasy addiction treatment essential in order to avoid serious long-lasting neurological damage.

Signs of Ecstasy Addiction

While ecstasy is not as addictive as other amphetamines or illicit drugs, it can still cause physical and psychological dependence. There are several signs to look out for that are characteristic of ecstasy addiction, including:

• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Depression and anxiety
• Sore jaw muscles and teeth damage
• Insomnia and fatigue
• Prioritizing ecstasy use above all other social or personal responsibilities
• Learning difficulties
• Spending unsustainable amounts of money on ecstasy

Ecstasy addiction can be a life-threatening condition, as every use comes with the risk of ingesting harmful adulterants, or potentially dying from overheating and hyperthermia. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should seek ecstasy addiction treatment immediately.

Ecstasy Addiction Treatment At Freedom From Addiction

Freedom From Addiction is the leading ecstasy addiction treatment centre in Toronto, focusing on a combination of medical detoxification and comprehensive therapies to address addiction at its core.

Our advanced medical detox facilities offer users the chance to clear the ecstasy from their systems while under the careful watch of medical professionals. Vital signs can be monitored, and assistive drugs can be administered that can help with the more unpleasant side effects of withdrawals. This gives addicts the greatest chance at surviving withdrawals without relapsing and turning to drugs to make themselves feel better.

Following complete detoxification, our state of the art facility offers a range of therapies designed to give clients the tools they need to lead a drug-free life. We combine cognitive behavioural therapy with individual and group therapy sessions to address any personal issues which may have contributed to the development of the addiction in the first place. We also offer a range of amenities designed to help in the healing process, including a world-class gym, fitness classes, a library, and chef cooked meals.

Freedom From Addiction is one of the few privately owned drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities in Toronto to receive Qmentum accreditation from Accreditation Canada with commendation. This is one of the highest levels of excellence awarded by the industry, only being given to organizations that meet the strictest guidelines for client safety, comfort, and treatment effectiveness.

If you are looking for the most comprehensive and holistic ecstasy addiction treatment Toronto has to offer, contact Freedom From Addiction today.