Ecstasy Abuse and Teens

Ecstasy, methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, also known as MDMA, is a manmade synthetic drug. It has both hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. Ecstasy typically comes in a pill form, but can also be injected, or in a powdered from (known as Molly).

Due to the fact that Ecstasy is a non-regulated drug, it can be laced with additives such as cocaine, baby powder, caffeine, or baking soda. The additives that may be mixed with Ecstasy remain solely up to the discretion of each individual manufacturer. Each batch manufactured can have varied ingredients and potencies. Therefore, a young person taking Ecstasy has no way of knowing the purity or potency of the drugs they are ingesting, which can be incredibly dangerous.

Short Term Effects

There are a number of short-term effects that accompany the ingestion of Ecstasy. Some of them can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Depression
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Sleep problems
• Poor judgment
• Anxiety
• Chills
• Blurred vision
• Drug cravings
• Muscle tensions
• Involuntary teeth clenching
• Nausea

Above are examples of the possible effects, but it is important to note that each teenager is different and will have a somewhat unique experience in regards to ingesting Ecstasy.

Long Term Effects

Many of the long-term effects that can result from Ecstasy abuse will depend on several factors. Every individual is different, and therefore the personal health history, the length of time one abuses the drug, the amount of drug abused, if the teen abuses any other drugs simultaneously, and the potency of the drug will all weigh into the severity and longevity of one’s long-term effects. Some of the common long-term effects can include, but are not limited to any combination of the following:

• Psychosis
• Nerve damage
• Brain damage
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Kidney failure
• Convulsions
• Hemorrhaging
• Death

If there is any concern of MDMA abuse, it is imperative to seek help as soon as possible. The fact that Ecstasy is not a regulated drug means that there is a high risk of overdose every time a young person ingests the drug. Along with the risks of experimenting with taking any unregulated drug, the consequences of taking Ecstasy can lead to severe, life-long complications and challenges.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available for young people who struggle with Ecstasy abuse. Pacific Teen Treatment prides itself on creating a uniquely tailored treatment plan for each of its residents. As is true with the abuse of any foreign substance, a young person’s body becomes accustomed to functioning with the presence of the abused substance. Treatment for substance abuse is essential in helping a teenager realign their body and mind to function optimally without the presence of the abused substance. At Pacific Teen Treatment, we feel it is essential to cater to each of our resident’s unique needs, creating individualized goals, helping our residents to work through their recovery process in a successful maintainable fashion. As a component of our treatment, we feel it is important for our clients to learn healthy day-to-day schedules to help reinforce healthy choices, practice positive patterns and establish useful habits. We feel that engaging in varied therapeutic modalities, a consistent exercise practice and healthy nutrition is essential to one’s recovery process. Substance abuse can lead to severe consequences if left untreated. However, an adolescent that acquires proper treatment for substance abuse can go on to live a happy, sober life.

For Information and Support

Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in need of mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact an individual for the long term. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Our admissions team is available to answer any general questions regarding mental health issues, treatment, and/or specific questions about the program at

Pacific Teen Treatment and how we might be able to help your family. We can be reached by phone 24/7 at 800-531-5769.