3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)—widely known by its street names Ecstasy or Molly—is a popular but illegal “club drug” known for its hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Fortunately, you or a struggling loved one don’t need to live with MDMA addiction. There are many options for substance abuse treatment in New Jersey at BlueCrest Recovery. To learn more about our MDMA addiction treatment program in New Jersey, contact BlueCrest Recovery today at 888.292.9652.
What Is MDMA?
MDMA is a synthetic drug manufactured in illegal labs and mainly smuggled into the U.S. from Canada and the Netherlands. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies MDMA as a Schedule 1 drug. It is not approved for any use, even under medical supervision.
MDMA is synthetically produced from the oil contained in the bark of the sassafras tree. The oil is distilled to produce pure safrole, the main ingredient in MDMA. Safrole was banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1960 as potentially carcinogenic. The FDA also labeled sassafras bark and oil as unsafe for human consumption and banned them for use as food additives.
When used over time, MDMA damages brain neurons that regulate serotonin, a naturally occurring chemical that impacts memory and other functions. In addition to the potential for memory problems and carcinogenic effects, MDMA may contain unknown deadly additives. Even in its pure form, the drug can be dangerous. Because it’s an illegal, unregulated drug, it’s also impossible to know if it contains added substances.
How Does MDMA Affect the Body?
MDMA has been shown to increase levels of three brain chemicals: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals affect various activities and vital functions of the body. Serotonin has been shown to increase feelings of well-being and is often called the “feel good” chemical. Dopamine interacts with the pleasure and reward system of the brain, reinforcing activities that heighten feelings of enjoyment. Norepinephrine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles.
Typically, the effects of MDMA take about 30 minutes to take effect and last between 3 and 6 hours. Even days after moderate drug use, negative side effects, similar to withdrawal symptoms, may be experienced. Adverse effects of MDMA may include:
- Irritability
- Impulsiveness and aggression
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Memory and attention problems
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased interest in and pleasure from sex
As MDMA often contains other drugs or is used concurrently with alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, some of these effects may be impacted by those substances. Mixing these drugs may contribute to overheating, dehydration, and heart failure.
Because the drug is frequently used in crowded, hot dance clubs by people who are expending high energy levels, often without sufficient hydration, MDMA use can lead to severe dehydration. Prolonged dehydration may damage the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to liver, kidney, and cardiovascular failure, seizures, brain damage, and death.
Can you Overdose on MDMA?
An overdose occurs when an individual takes a toxic substance or a dangerously high drug dose, intentionally or unintentionally, and may lead to death. Although individuals are unlikely to overdose on MDMA alone, it is possible. Difficulty in eliminating the drug from the body also increases the risk of overdose or other adverse side effects.
When MDMA is combined with alcohol, cocaine, dextromethorphan, or certain other substances, the risk of overdose increases. MDMA and alcohol are frequently consumed together, and the combination blurs the sensation of impairment. Not only does this increase the risk of a motor vehicle or other accidents, but it also increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Find MDMA Addiction Treatment in New Jersey at BlueCrest Recovery
BlueCrest Recovery’s MDMA rehab center is conveniently based out of New Jersey. It offers safe, comfortable, and highly effective outpatient and intensive treatment programs for those dependent on MDMA or other substances.
Combining therapeutic techniques with a unique holistic approach, our facility’s highly trained, compassionate staff works with you to heal your mind, body, and health. Learn more about our approach to MDMA addiction treatment, and contact BlueCrest Recovery today at 888.292.9652 for help taking the first step toward living a happy, sober life.
Everyone there is super kind, they make feel like family, they treat you with respect, and they really understand why people come there looking for help.
Every single person there is special. From the nurses, to the people to lead the group sessions, to the kitchen and the cleaning staff, everyone is just amazing.
I want to thank them for the experience they gave me, for everything they taught me, and most important, for the love and respect they showed me while I was there.
I'd recommend this place to anyone struggling with addiction. They will help you and truly understand what you are going through.
Thank you BlueCrest for everything you do.
Leo
First thing ,talking about employees,is that they showed a lot of understanding which is very important for the first steps at rehab.
I like classes a lot.Not only that I learned a lot but I participated a lot and I was asking the questions.I became open and honest definitely.
All employees gave us support and help.Guys,I love and I respect you all.
You gave us so many tools.
Just to mention one example.
My 6 years old granddaughter wrote in her card “Pop,I am so happy to have you in my life”.She did hit me with the biggest sledgehammer on the earth and woke me up definitely and she made me cry for the first time in my life.
As preschool kid I was macho
kid.So many times I went back home with bloody nose, I didn’t cry,didn’t cry as boy,my parents died,my best friend got killed in car accident, didn’t cry.For me crying was girls thing.It took me 70 years to understand that crying is not about gender,it is abut feelings.
Whole my life I was helping and supporting people.But now I’m on the other side of table.It made me unhappy,insecure.But there was moment that made so happy and proud. I took yoga class and started doing it at home.After couple days Hector joined me and during
one class he said “Predo inspired me to start practicing “. It was such a nice feeling;I am on the both sides of the table.
Thank you so much for giving me all the tools so I can build my building with the help from my family and friends.
I am not religious,I am not spiritual but I can say from the very bottom of my heart
God bless you
Predo
P.P. My relationship with alcohol, everything was tomorrow, tomorrows. Now I have a different tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll start my new life.
Listen to them.
They know what they’re doing!
