Dealing with Ecstasy Addiction in California

Ecstasy is a fairly common drug of abuse that used to be mostly only popular with individuals interested in attending raves and dance clubs. However, as time has passed, ecstasy has become more and more popular with more "mainstream individuals."

Ecstasy Addiction in California

California hosts a vibrant rave scene and at times this is problematic because of ecstasy's popularity with ravers. In the U.S., over 12 million people have used ecstasy at least once in their lifetimes, and this figure may be an understatement.

Understanding Ecstasy's Effects

Part of what sets ecstasy apart from other drugs is that it is an entirely synthetic compound. There is no counterpart to ecstasy in nature. This is part of what makes the drug so dangerous.

Ecstasy has an unique impact on the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. When users ingest ecstasy, they trigger the release of massive amounts of serotonin in their brains.

This causes people to feel feelings of extreme bliss and also to feel like they love everyone around them. Unfortunately, after this feeling fades, there is typically a crash. Users can feel depressed and have difficulty feeling positive emotions.

This is because the brain is only capable of producing a limited amount of serotonin, and if too much serotonin is used up in too short a time period, serotonin levels can plummet. Without adequate amounts of serotonin, it is impossible to feel emotionally stable and function well in everyday life.

Ecstasy's Most Damaging Side Effect

The most dangerous thing about using ecstasy is that it can cause permanent brain damage. Numerous studies in animals have documented the fact that ecstasy is a potent neurotoxin.

While light users may not experience permanent brain injury, some heavy ecstasy users are forced to deal with the effects of having permanent brain damage.

Dealing with Ecstasy Addiction

Ecstasy addiction is challenging to deal with. Breaking out of the grip of an ecstasy addiction is no easy task. Too many ecstasy users find themselves cycling between using ecstasy regularly and trying to break the habit. Adding to the problem, because ecstasy users typically use ecstasy in social situations, it is difficult for them to maintain their social relationships and break their addiction. This often means it is necessary for them to develop a new network of friends -- something that is very challenging on its own.

Ecstasy Rehab

The good news is that there are many good rehabilitation programs for ecstasy addicts in California and other states. Ecstasy addiction is a real disease, and if it is treated like a disease, it is easier to handle than if it is simply considered a social problem. While there is no easy way to deal with ecstasy's negative effects on society, as research continues on the biochemical basis of ecstasy addiction, treatment strategies will improve in the future.

Creative Strategies to Deal with Ecstasy

It is possible that researchers may be able to develop drugs that short circuit the high ecstasy produces. This would enable rehab centers dealing with ecstasy addiction in California and other places to better help patients to get a grip on their ecstasy related problems. Until then, ecstasy addiction can only be dealt with through a combination of skilled counseling, interventions, and life style changes.