Ecstasy Withdrawal Symptoms
Though most people use Ecstasy recreationally, there are some who develop a psychological dependence. They begin to need it just to feel normal. Anytime they aren’t able to get their fix, they’ll start to suffer withdrawal symptoms. While many Ecstasy drug withdrawal symptoms are psychological, there are still some physical symptoms as well.
Why Are There So Many Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms?
Ecstasy, the nickname for MDMA, causes extreme euphoria by using the body’s supply of serotonin. When someone comes down from an Ecstasy high, they experience a serotonin crash. Since low levels of serotonin are often associated with depression, the sudden drop in serotonin levels can cause many psychological symptoms.
Someone who regularly uses Ecstasy over a long period of time will have very low serotonin levels. The body can restore serotonin levels, but it takes time. In fact, it may be over a month after a person quits before they’re able to feel somewhat normal again.
Psychological Ecstasy Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting Ecstasy “cold turkey” will absolutely result in withdrawal symptoms. Common Ecstasy drug withdrawal symptoms include:
Depression | Anxiety | Insomnia | Confusion | Depersonalization | Paranoia | Psychosis
Though symptoms like psychosis are rare, they can be incredibly dangerous for the person going through withdrawal as well as others around them. Attending a medically managed detox program can help ensure safety and comfort when dealing with psychological Ecstasy drug withdrawal symptoms.
Physical Ecstasy Drug Withdrawal Symptoms
Generally speaking, the psychological withdrawal symptoms are much more difficult to deal with than the physical symptoms. However, there’s no denying that the physical symptoms can be uncomfortable, too. The following physical symptoms may occur when quitting Ecstasy use:
Loss of appetite | Cravings | Muscle pain and stiffness | Fatigue | Headache
Withdrawal Timeline
Understanding the withdrawal timeline and what you can expect from each stage is a good way to prepare for detox. However, the timeline doesn’t look the same for everyone. It varies depending on physical health, duration of addiction, average dosage, and other factors. Here’s a general timeline to give you an idea of what to expect.
Days 1-3: Most of the physical symptoms begin, along with depression. You’ll likely experience cravings and discomfort during this time period. There’s a high chance for relapse as well.
Days 4-10: Generally, withdrawal symptoms last for 7–10 days. Symptoms should peak somewhere around the middle and then begin to decline, though there’s a good chance that the depression and anxiety will hang around.
Days 10+: While many of the physical withdrawal symptoms subside at this point, the body is still working to normalize and replenish serotonin. Expect to continue to deal with depression and related symptoms for a month or more.
Seeking Help
If you’re attempting to end an active Ecstasy addiction, Ecstasy drug withdrawal symptoms can complicate matters. We can connect you with the best resources to help you through the detox and recovery process. Don’t lose another day to Ecstasy addiction.