Ecstasy (MDMA) and designer drug addiction

What is ecstasy and designer drug addiction?

Ecstasy, whose active ingredient is MDMA, is a synthetic drug with stimulant and empathogenic effects: it increases energy, sociability and a sense of emotional connection. It is usually taken in party and nightlife settings, in the form of pills or crystal.

The so-called designer drugs also include substances such as MDA, ketamine, GHB or the new synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones. Many are perceived as harmless because of their recreational context, but their composition is unpredictable and their repeated use can create psychological dependence and health problems.

Although MDMA does not create a physical dependence as marked as other drugs, it does produce a compulsive pattern of use in search of its effects and to avoid the intense crash that follows. Like any addiction, it can be treated and recovered from.

Symptoms and warning signs

Ecstasy and designer drug dependence shows signs worth recognising:

• Needing to use in order to enjoy leisure or social relationships.
• Increasing frequency and amount of use.
• Intense crashes after use: sadness, apathy and anxiety for several days.
• Difficulty having fun or socialising without using.
• Problems with sleep, memory and concentration.

The classic crash in the days after use, sometimes called the Tuesday blues, is a characteristic sign of the emotional wear and tear that MDMA causes.

Causes of ecstasy addiction

Ecstasy and designer drug addiction arises from the combination of biological, psychological and social factors. These substances release, in a massive way, neurotransmitters related to wellbeing, which reinforces the desire to repeat the experience.

The social context is decisive: use is usually linked to nightlife, music and the group of friends. There is often also a search for disinhibition, emotional connection or escape from routine and distress. At Reconectar we explore the role these substances play in each person's life in order to treat the problem at its root.

Consequences of use

Ecstasy and designer drug use has significant consequences. Physically it can cause dehydration, heatstroke, arrhythmias and, in serious cases, liver or kidney damage. The unpredictability of these substances' composition increases the risk of dangerous poisonings.

Psychologically, repeated use is associated with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, memory problems and mood disturbances that can last over time. It also affects relationships, performance and general wellbeing. The accumulated emotional wear and tear is one of its most characteristic consequences.

Ecstasy addiction treatment at Reconectar

At Reconectar we treat ecstasy and designer drug addiction with an outpatient approach that combines the Minnesota Model and cognitive therapy. The person recovers without hospitalisation, keeping up their daily life and with professional support throughout the process.

Treatment is individual and personalised. We work on the emotions and beliefs that sustain use, help to recover the capacity to enjoy life without substances and provide tools to manage the crashes and prevent relapse. The entire process takes place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with complete confidentiality.

The process includes

• A free initial assessment with no obligation.
• Individual sessions adapted to each person.
• Recovery of emotional wellbeing without substances.
• Strategies to prevent relapse in leisure settings.

How to ask for help

If you feel that ecstasy or designer drugs have become more than occasional use, asking for help is a brave and wise decision. There is no need to wait for the problem to get worse. Contacting us commits you to nothing: we listen to your situation and explain how we can help you recover your balance.