Ecstasy Addiction

Is there such a thing as Ecstasy addiction? Many think so. But even if the user doesn’t become addicted there are very real dangers that exist. Tragically, Ecstasy is one of the most popular drugs among youth today. It is estimated that more than 10 million people have tried the drug at least once – the vast majority being teenagers and young adults. Mixed with alcohol, ecstasy is extremely dangerous and can, in fact, be lethal. Instances of death from ecstasy have been reported after only one use. Emergency room incidents have skyrocketed over 1200% since ecstasy has become a drug of choice at all night raves and dance clubs.

Rehabilitation means to restore to a previous state or condition. So what exactly does this mean when applied to drug or alcohol rehabilitation? An effective rehabilitation will address both mental and physical conditions that have been altered and worsened as a result of the addiction. Ceasing drug or alcohol use is usually the easier of the problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse. With correct medical and nutritional care and proper withdrawal regimens this can be gently and quickly achieved in a few days in most cases. Rehabilitation of the individual and the body follows. Cravings, guilt, and depression are among the key factors needing addressed and resolved in order to obtain lasting rehabilitation and a return of previous abilities, behavior levels, and personal drive. A truly effective drug rehab can actually put a person in even better mental and physical shape than he was prior to the onset of drug or alcohol abuse. When the factors which cause the original abuse are handled and tools for the future obtained, the need or desire for further drug or alcohol abuse tends to fall away and not return. Narconon Arrowhead is such a program and routinely delivers such results.

As an opiate, regular use of methadone causes physical dependency - if you've been using it regularly (prescribed or not) once you stop you will experience a withdrawal. The physical changes due to the drug are similar to other opiates (like heroin). If you are a woman using methadone you may not have regular periods - but you are still able to conceive. Methadone is a long-acting opioid; it has an effect for up to 36 hours (if you are using methadone you will not withdraw for this period) A Personal story of methadone withdrawal: “I've been on both ends of withdrawals, heroin and methadone, every patient of methadone will always tell you the same, as I do; I can kick heroin anytime, but methadone that is something else. In 15 yrs of heroin addiction, I've kicked 3 times, 'cold-turkey'. In 10 years on methadone I've never kicked methadone.”

Addiction is a condition characterized by repeated, compulsive seeking and use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances despite social, mental, and physical consequences. It is usually accompanied by psychological and physical dependence on the abused substance and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the addictive substance is rapidly decreased or terminated. When addiction exists, the drug use controls the individual rather than the individual controlling the usage. Many of today’s illegal drugs are extremely addictive as well a many prescription drugs – particularly ones for depression and sleep problems, as well as painkillers.

As individuals and loved ones move through a seemingly endless cycle of rehab, relapse, rehab, relapse etc. one cannot but wonder what the solution is. More and more people are looking for long term drug rehabilitation as a more viable and lasting solution. Narconon Arrowhead is a long term drug rehabilitation facility, but we take this even one step further. Our rehab services are based on RESULTS and not on time spent. Ours is a self-paced program to assist the individual in confronting all the factors necessary to go beyond hope and actually achieve a drug free productive lifetime. Average time is around 90-120 days, some take longer. It is not a matter of ‘you have been here X amount of time and now its time for you to go’. It is a matter of getting all the tools, abilities, and skills needed to end all the cravings, and feeling of quilt and depression that are the major reasons behind relapse.