Are you trying to get ecstasy out of your system? Long-term ecstasy use can cause problems. But getting the drug out of your system can be hard on your own.
Ecstasy is also called MDMA or molly. It’s a popular party drug because it causes a strong feeling of euphoria. It doesn’t have any medical uses.
It’s not known if ecstasy is physically addictive. It doesn’t share the same withdrawal and cravings as highly addictive drugs like opiates or alcohol. But any drug can be psychologically addictive.
Psychological addiction is in your mind, but that doesn’t make it less real. You could be addicted to ecstasy even without physical withdrawal and cravings.
Signs of Ecstasy Addiction
- Using ecstasy even when it causes health or life problems
- Avoiding responsibilities to use the drug
- Moodiness when not using ecstasy (this is called an “ecstasy crash”)
- Financial problems because of spending on ecstasy
Addiction makes it harder to get through detox. Getting ecstasy out of your system may go better with help. A substance abuse treatment center gives you the resources and support that you need to get off ecstasy.
Here’s what you need to know about getting ecstasy out of your system:
How Long Does Ecstasy Stay In Your System?
After you take ecstasy, the amount of the drug in your bloodstream reaches its peak in about 2 hours.
You’ll feel the effects of the drug for 2 to 6 hours. The exact length of time depends on factors such as:
- Your weight and height
- The dose you took
- Whether you’re using other substances
- How often you use ecstasy
- Whether you have liver or kidney problems
After the dose wears off, drug tests can still detect ecstasy in your system for some time. A urine test can find ecstasy 2 or 3 days after you’ve taken it. And hair tests can find traces of ecstasy up to 3 months after use. You can also read our article on How Long Does Ecstasy Stay in Your System.
How Can You Detox From Ecstasy Faster?
Nothing you do can speed up the detox process. Don’t fall victim to products claiming they can help you test negative for ecstasy faster. The only way your body can get rid of ecstasy is naturally, and that takes time.
You can help the detox process go better by taking care of your body. That includes drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious foods. Just don’t expect those steps to speed up your detox process.
If you think you need help stopping ecstasy abuse, call a certified substance abuse treatment center today. Inpatient or outpatient treatment can help you through the most uncomfortable parts of detox and set your recovery up for success.
What To Expect During Ecstasy Detox
Detoxing from ecstasy doesn’t cause physical withdrawal the way opiates or alcohol do. That’s because ecstasy doesn’t cause physical dependence.
Physical dependence is what happens when your body gets addicted to a substance. You can get very sick when you don’t take a drug you’re dependent on. An example is an alcoholic having seizures when he suddenly stops drinking.
Instead, ecstasy causes:
- Psychological dependence: Just because you’re not physically dependent doesn’t mean that you can’t be addicted. Psychological dependence happens when you get used to having ecstasy as a coping mechanism. You might use it to self-medicate and have a hard time functioning without it. Your behaviors might start to center around ways to get more ecstasy.
- Changes in dopamine and serotonin: Your brain gets used to having extra dopamine and serotonin when you use ecstasy. These two chemicals cause feelings of happiness and love. When you stop using ecstasy, your brain has to get used to lower levels of dopamine and serotonin again. This can make you feel depressed when you’re not taking the drug.
When you stop using ecstasy, you might experience a combination of psychological dependence and a sudden drop of dopamine and serotonin. The result is feelings of depression and anxiety, and a desire to use ecstasy.
If you prepare for these symptoms before you experience them, you’ll have a better chance of overcoming detox. It’s important to have a plan and a support system in place before you stop using ecstasy or any other substance.
How To Stop Using Ecstasy
You’ll have an easier time recovering from ecstasy abuse if you have a treatment plan. Get in touch with a substance abuse treatment center to talk about your substance use.
Recovery is individual. There’s no single treatment plan that works for everyone. So your doctor will help you come up with a plan that’s made for you. After treatment, you’ll need social support to stay in recovery.
Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
The first step to recovery is getting in touch with a treatment center. Your first contact will be a consultation. You’ll sit down with a medical professional or counselor and talk about your history and your recovery goals.
Be willing to talk honestly about your drug use. If you use other drugs besides ecstasy, make sure to mention them. Getting away from illicit drug use is an important part of ecstasy recovery.
Treatment Plan Choices
- Inpatient treatment: If your use is severe or you use other drugs such as heroin or alcohol, then your doctor may recommend inpatient treatment. This allows doctors and counselors to check your progress often. They can also manage pain or side effects from substance withdrawal.
- Outpatient treatment: You may get outpatient treatment if your drug use history is simple and you’re not taking drugs with dangerous detox symptoms. If your doctor thinks this kind of treatment is right for you, then he’ll discuss what to expect with you.
- Safe environment for recovery: Whether you get inpatient or outpatient treatment, your treatment team will give you a safe space to recover. That means access to the therapies you need to get through detox. It also means the freedom to focus on your health first.
- Individual therapy: Therapy is part of many patients’ recovery. It might be part of active treatment or part of a long-term treatment plan. Some kinds of therapy used in substance abuse treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and contingency management therapy.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Medication isn’t an option for treating ecstasy abuse alone. But if you’re taking other drugs, like heroin or alcohol, then medication can be a helpful tool in your recovery. Drugs used in medication-assisted treatment include methadone and buprenorphine.
Your treatment probably won’t include all of these steps, but it could include most. A doctor will help you choose the right level of treatment for you.
Social Support
Recovery doesn’t end with treatment. Having a social support system increases the odds that you’ll have a successful recovery from ecstasy.
The right social support network for substance abuse recovery looks different for everyone. Yours could include:
- Group therapy: Your treatment center or local community runs different groups for substance abuse support. Check in with your treatment center for more information. There are groups that are drug-specific and broader groups for substance abuse recovery.
- Loved ones: If you have supportive friends and family, let your loved ones know how they can help. The people you live with and see every day can be your most valuable resource.
- Therapy for loved ones: Support groups exist for friends and family, too. If your loved ones aren’t sure how to help, show them a local therapy group that can teach them coping skills.
If a one-on-one therapist isn’t part of your treatment plan already, consider adding one to your social support network. The benefits of a therapist are huge: you can get a better understanding of why you use ecstasy. And when you understand why you use ecstasy, you can avoid situations that trigger use.
Find Treatment For Ecstasy Abuse
A personalized treatment plan and the right social support can help you get away from ecstasy use. Getting treatment is easier when you know what to expect. Even though ecstasy isn’t a physically addictive drug, it can still be hard to stop.
Substance abuse doesn’t have to be part of your future. If you’re ready to stop using ecstasy, Recovering Champions is here to help you meet your recovery goals. Don’t wait to stop using ecstasy. Call and speak with one of our treatment specialists today to start your commitment toward sobriety and health!
