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Finding Treatment for Ecstasy Misuse

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA or Molly, is a popular synthetic party drug. Ecstasy use may be potentially harmful due to the effects it can have and behaviors it may lead to, so seeking help to stop using Ecstasy, or other drugs may be helpful.

What Types of Ecstasy/MDMA Treatment Are Available?

Numerous recovery options and treatment types may be available for Ecstasy treatment or other substance use disorders. When selecting any type of treatment, focus on your personal needs and the severity of your substance misuse.

Below are the different kinds of addiction treatment options:

  • Inpatient facilities: allow you to live at the location while focusing on your treatment.
  • Outpatient programs: give you the freedom to continue to live at home while receiving treatment.
  • Dual diagnosis programs: help those suffering from addiction and any mental health issues.

Inpatient Treatment Programs

Because people live temporarily in an inpatient treatment center, it is possible to create a controlled environment that is trigger-free. Individuals are less likely to relapse if they are not surrounded by the temptation present in their daily lives. This type of treatment is recommended for those suffering from severe Ecstasy misuse or other substance use disorder.

Outpatient Treatment Programs

Outpatient facilities provide a great option for those who can’t leave behind work or family obligations for an extended period of time to receive treatment. Outpatient will be most beneficial for those suffering from a less severe MDMA addiction.

Outpatient treatment may include:

  • Mutual support groups like 12-step programs, including those like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which offer a supportive fellowship to people suffering from substance addiction. It is a 12-step recovery program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.4
  • Individual therapy – A therapist determines the cause of addiction and triggers for relapse while helping you build positive and healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Group counseling – A therapist will lead a therapy session using many of the same models of individual therapy but will focus on interpersonal interaction and insight.
  • SMART Recovery– A 4-point program focused on empowerment and the use of up-to-date scientific knowledge on addiction and recovery.2
  • LifeRing Secular Recovery – An abstinence support group that welcomes religious and non-religious people. You design your own program based on your needs. There are both face-to-face meetings and online meetings.2
  • Matrix Model – An outpatient treatment program lasting 16 weeks that is designed for the treatment of stimulants (Ecstasy has effects similar to stimulants and hallucinogens). It includes but is not limited to relapse-prevention groups, urine and breath testing, individual counseling, social-support groups, and education for the client and family.1

Mental Health Treatment

Dual diagnosis means someone is simultaneously dealing with substance addiction and any mental health conditions. To get the most out of your recovery, it’s important that you get evaluated by a medical professional for any co-occurring disorders before seeking treatment. Many treatment centers specialize in dual diagnosis, and this will benefit you as you begin your path to a sober and healthy life.

MDMA use can impair normal functioning in the serotonergic system of the brain, which plays a part in the control of mood and cognition. As a result, those who have abused MDMA tend to report more severe depressive symptoms than those who haven’t abused the drug.5

Treatment for Other Substance Use Disorders

Evidence also suggests that Ecstasy users are more likely to be poly-drug users (using more than one substance at a time), which could pave the way for a multi-substance addiction.

The most common drugs misused concurrently with MDMA are:7

Another study compared poly-drug use between Ecstasy users and marijuana users and found that people misusing MDMA are more likely to have used LSD, inhalants, cocaine, and heroin in the past year.8

Medications Used in Treatment

No formal medications are used to treat Ecstasy dependence or tolerance. However, there has been some groundbreaking research on the administration of oxytocin, a naturally occurring bonding hormone, to those suffering from addiction.

Preclinical research shows that delivering oxytocin to stimulant users helps to prevent self-administration of MDMA as well as the stress associated with being exposed to the substance. Research suggests that oxytocin could help prevent further addictions and can reverse the damaging social effects of long-term Ecstasy abuse.

How Much Does Treatment Cost Ecstasy?

The cost of MDMA addiction treatment varies significantly depending on what kind of treatment you choose:

  • Outpatient vs. inpatient: Typically, outpatient facilities are cheaper than inpatient facilities, with the exception of some very intensive outpatient programs. Inpatient facilities offer access to round-the-clock services and amenities that outpatient facilities do not, which is why the cost is higher.
  • 12-step programs are not considered formal treatment; however, they may be a helpful intervention for people in treatment and recovery. 12-step programs and support groups are free and provide support and camaraderie while recovering from addiction. Many residential and outpatient programs incorporate 12-step programs. Furthermore, participation in 12-step support groups is encouraged as part of an aftercare plan when inpatient/residential or outpatient treatment is completed.
  • Duration: Cost is also affected by the length of your treatment. Inpatient rehabilitation can range from 30 days to months or more if required, and the duration will affect how much you pay.

Paying for Treatment

Addiction treatment can be expensive. Few are in a position to make a full up-front payment to cover the costs of a treatment program. Fortunately, you have a couple of different options to pay for rehab.

  • Insurance: Many insurance companies will provide partial or full coverage for drug rehabilitation. If you aren’t sure if your insurance covers addiction treatment, call to ask them about their rehab policy.
  • Payment plans: Many facilities will create a payment plan for you to make monthly payments that are appropriate for your financial situation.
  • Financing: Tap your savings account, borrow money from friends and family, use a credit card or take out a loan.

Does the Program Offer Medically Supervised Detox?

Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms, which are usually mild and manageable, include:

  • Depression.
  • Fatigue.
  • Anxiety.

No specific detox process exists for MDMA, and withdrawal does not require medical intervention.9 However, a post-detoxification medical examination is recommended to evaluate any mental or physical health conditions once your system is clean of Ecstasy, and it can help direct the treatment plan.10

Does the Program Offer Aftercare?

People who complete treatment programs are at greater risk of relapse when faced with stressors and triggers. Aftercare may help a person prevent relapse and develop positive coping skills.

Coping skills and relapse prevention techniques will be especially important for those struggling with Ecstasy misuse since MDMA is typically misused in social settings where there can be triggers to use. People recovering from Ecstasy addiction can experience particularly strong peer pressure to use the drug should they resume a pre-treatment pattern of socializing with other young adults in the nightclub setting. 12

Aftercare plans may include:

  • 12-step programs.
  • Non-12-step mutual support groups.
  • Group counseling.
  • Individual therapy.
  • Post-treatment screening or monitoring.
  • Sober living environments.
  • Medication management.

It’s all about what works best for you. Some people enjoy camaraderie and support from a group. Others benefit more from a 1-on-1 setting.

Find a Recovery Center Today

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance misuse, call to speak with a caring treatment support person at American Addiction Centers (AAC) to learn about treatment programs. We are available 24/7 to take your call and help you check insurance at AAC facilities, listen to your story, and support you as you begin on a new path.

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