Category: Understanding Addiction

Ecstasy has a mythical aura despite the fact that regular use of this drug often opens a gateway to stronger, more addictive drug use and abuse. This is not hearsay, but is borne out by many ‘E’ users during their frank admission in terms of recreational drug use.

Here are some facts about this drug, the potential path users are treading and where it can ultimately lead to:

What is it?

Its chemical name is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which, unlike the pill itself is a bit of a mouthful, hence the abbreviation MDMA.

It is a manmade drug that was first patented in Germany in the early 1900’s. The pharmaceutical company Merck did not state on the successful patent application what its intended use was, and although it is thought their intention was to market it as a diet pill, the company decided against its commercial use in any form and had nothing more to do with it.

In terms of popular recreational use the drug really made its mark in the 1980’s and has maintained its popularity since then.

It is a firm favourite with the Rave culture and is a very regular guest at festivals and house parties.

Ecstasy by name, not MDMA by nature:

Please do not think for one moment that the drug you are buying is the pure form of MDMA.

While it is true to say that the early years of ‘E’ production majored on large quantities of MDMA, it is equally true to say that the pills you purchase today are very likely to contain none, or at best very small quantities of this ingredient.

Illegal drug producers, many of which thrive in basement or ‘kitchen’ operations have no approved standards to worry about.

What should also be made very clear is that they most certainly have no qualms whatsoever in concocting this drug by mixing chemicals such as ephedrine, ketamine, methylone, mephedrone and a whole host of other substances to sell under the enticing umbrella they falsely call ecstasy.

It is just as important to remember that these drug operations are not interested in your personal health and safety, but they are very interested in your money.

Lights, Sensations, Actions:

Regardless of whether you are actually getting the ‘true’ product or not there must be something to this drug that attracts so many.

It is most popularly taken in pill form and once swallowed the effects generally take between 30-60 minutes to kick-in. This can of course vary dependent upon the quality of the contents and your surroundings. Lights, loud music and ‘lovely’ people all add to the buzz.

A very pleasant euphoria will sweep over you which gives feelings of well-being, inner peace and happiness.

Regular ecstasy users report a huge increase in sociability, a feeling of being at one with those around them and a need to express their contentment by dancing without a care in the world.

Sensations and sexual desire increase while their inhibitions decrease. Users often have mild hallucinations and generally feel very good about life and within themselves.

Such feelings generally peak between 1.5 and 2 hours after first use and will tail off after about 3.5 hours.

Multiple pills per trip:

While the ‘benefits’ stated above sound enticing, it is more often the case than not that as a user begins to feel these effects wearing off they will counter this by ‘necking’ another ‘E’.

Dependent upon the event they are attending or the length of the party they are at it is very easy and just as tempting to consume pill after pill.

You can be assured that what goes up MUST come down:

Please do not think you will walk away from an extended ‘E’ Episode scot-free.

Because of the highly euphoric feelings experienced during your ‘high’ it is only reasonable to be prepared for extreme feelings of depression when you are coming down. You need to add fatigue and increased irritability to this.

Physically you are likely to experience muscle aches and headaches, possible dizziness and nausea. If you have neglected to take on board enough water during your ecstasy binge there is also a strong possibility you will suffer from dehydration.

While the physical symptoms of this comedown may pass relatively quickly, the psychological symptoms can stay with you far longer. Such extended psychological problems should not be wished upon anyone.

Building up a tolerance = Increased Exposure:

Like the vast majority of illegal substances your body and mind quickly become tolerant of ‘E’. What this means is that to achieve the same high as your previous one you will need to take more of the drug.

Taking more on a regular basis leaves you open to possible dependency, or, as many users have discovered to their great cost, it can urge you to seek out stronger drugs with the potential for bigger highs, and an even bigger potential for addiction.

Once aboard the drugs merry-go-round it’s not easy to step off:

PLEASE do not think addiction to drugs will never happen to you. The route to dependence is fairly straight forward. First it is an ‘E’ before a Rave, then a couple at a party, then multiple ecstasy use every time you attend a concert, festival or ‘big’ night out with friends.

Before you know it that handful of pills is not doing the trick. Mention this to your dealer or to acquaintances whose dependence on other drugs is far beyond yours and they will have ‘instant solutions’.

“Try this”, “Take that”, “Just one injection will give you the biggest boost on the planet”.

If your quest and hunger for bigger highs tempts you down such a route then the end result will in all probability be addiction.

Act sooner rather than later:

If you are one of the millions who find you are using ‘E’ more and more, and in greater quantities just to achieve that feeling of well-being you need to take action.

There is NO shame in admitting your ecstasy use has gone beyond sensible limits. Indeed, it is a very courageous thing to do.

Once you accept this fact there are some very positive drug rehab programs that have been established for use in outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation centres.

Their overriding aim is to help you work through your issues in a structured and sensible way.

Such care, attention and professional assistance will go a long way in terms of overcoming your current problems. It will also empower you to look forward to a future that is drug free.

The addiction anguish for those around you means very little to those who have become totally dependent upon their ‘poison of choice’.

An addict’s need for their next fix overrides everything. They are not blind, but choose not to see, they are not deaf, but choose not to hear. Harsh words indeed, but very true all the same.

If you are currently addicted to any substance it is time to stand up, admit to yourself and your loved ones how serious your problem is, and take positive action by seeking the help of professional rehab services.

Let’s take a step back and understand how your addiction is affecting not only you, but those closest to you.

Dabbling with drugs:

Like all addicts you clearly did not intend to become addicted when you first started using various drugs. It was all ‘a bit of fun’ and something you were sure could be turned on and off as easily as a tap.

Then the occasional toot turned into something more regular, and fairly quickly you found life wasn’t really fun without your drug of choice, or that particular drug wasn’t really ‘doing it for you anymore’.

Obvious solution: Try something a little different, a little more potent, a bigger hit or high. One thing is for sure your ‘friendly dealer’ will always be on hand to ‘suggest’ something that would suit.

The rest as they say is history:

These stronger substances certainly did give you a better rush IN THE BEGINNING! They also gave you a stronger need to decrease the time between each hit and increase the amount consumed. The end result being dependence and addiction.

When do you realise drugs are taking over your life?

There are many pointers that indicate you are now dependent upon your drug of choice. The fact that you choose to ignore these signs does not hide them. In fact it only deepens the addiction anguish for those around you.

Here are just 5 of the many signs that should tell you drugs are now in control of you and not the other way around:

All consuming:

The most important thing on your mind is when you will take your next hit, where it will come from and how quickly you can secure that deal.

Anxiety:

Anxiousness is part and parcel of an addict’s life. This is one of the many unwanted effects your drug of choice creates. Another reason for increased anxiety levels is related to your constant concerns about where your next hit is coming from.

Fear and depression:

Again this is related to your ability to ‘score’. You will become tense and worried if your stash is getting low, or you cannot secure the drugs you need. This can lead to depressing periods until you have managed to find that much needed supply.

Mood swings:

Your mood can change like the wind. While the hit is hovering in and around its height you may well be over effusive, bright and excessively cheerful. You will go through periods where you appear ‘normal’ and times when you will be grumpy, unresponsive and even aggressive.

Such erratic mood swings are a major source of addiction anguish for those around you.

Appearance:

Your appearance changes. This can be from a physical and a personal grooming aspect. Many addicts have a drawn and haggard look about them, others take very little interest in their personal hygiene or manner of dress.

Your situation will NOT improve on its own:

It is vitally important for anyone who is dependent upon drugs to realise that things are not going to improve on their own. Indeed it will only get worse unless you confront your issues and seek long term rehab assistance.

The reason for this is ‘tolerance’. We will briefly explain how your mind and body’s tolerance levels are affected by repeated drug use, and also put tolerance in a different light that is not so often mentioned:

Tolerance – 2 sides to the story:

Tolerance – The User: When you start using drugs the ‘rush’ or ‘hit’ you feel is very pleasant. Your mind and body tell you this. The problem is that you can quickly become tolerant of the drug.

This tolerance means that to achieve the same high as previously you need to take a larger dose. Many who are now addicted discovered their ‘original’ drug of choice was not giving them as big a ‘high’ as they wanted.

The response to this is to start using something stronger. Again, the body and mind quickly take to the stronger drug, but tolerance follows and you find yourself using more often and taking larger quantities to achieve similar highs.

In short: A very vicious circle!

Tolerance – Addiction anguish for those around you: This is a much overlooked point when it comes to those closest to a person dependent upon drugs.

They tolerate your behaviour and attitude, they tolerate your requests for money, and above and beyond the call of duty they will tolerate your lies and deceit. They will defend you when others criticise, and they will stand by you even though you give them no reason whatsoever to do so.

BUT, their love, loyalty and desire to protect you has its limits. Everyone has a breaking point and if this is reached you really will be alone.

Professional help is required – Professional help is available:

If you are currently dependent upon drugs you know deep down the physical and psychological damage you are doing to yourself. You also clearly see, but choose to ignore the addiction anguish for those around you.

It is very understandable that you are scared to seek professional rehab assistance. This is due to your fear of life without your drug of choice.

Nevertheless, you must take the very brave step of admitting to yourself and to your loved ones that you need help.

There are some excellent inpatient rehab establishments that are completely geared to assisting you overcome your drug dependence issues in a professional and structured way.

This will be achieved through physical, psychological and spiritual sessions that have proven successful to many men and women who have been in ‘the same place’ as you currently find yourself.

It is not just short term help:

What is vital for an addict to understand is that during the recovery process physical ‘scars’ should heal quite quickly, but the psychological problems can remain far longer.

This is why a professional rehab centre will offer a variety of aftercare options, and you will make a joint decision with your counsellor which one is best for you.

Such aftercare is aimed at ensuring that once you are ‘clean’ you will stay ‘clean’ for the foreseeable future.

By seeking help in coming to terms with your drug issues you are also taking a huge step in relieving the addiction anguish for those around you.

Such a step is the least they deserve, and it will hopefully begin the healing process in terms of repairing damaged relationships.

Many recreational drug users consider taking amphetamines as a harmless way to enjoy a high. If you are one of these, please think again!

What’s the buzz?

Speed is probably the most common name given to these psychostimulants. This should come as no surprise when you understand that it works by stimulating the central nervous system and literally speeds your mind and body up.

It does so by increasing the presence of three neurotransmitters (chemicals) which are Dopamine, Serotonin and Norepinephrine. Although it increases the activity of all three chemicals its major work is on Dopamine.

Once taken the user may feel nauseous, but this rapidly gives way to feelings of euphoria, a huge lift in energy and they become very talkative.

Every action taken is carried out in double quick time, and sleep along with hunger are the furthest thing from your mind.

How is it taken?

Street amphetamines are generally sold in powder form or as tablets, and there are 5 fairly common ways of taking them. Let’s take a brief look at each in turn:

Bombing:

Considered by many to be the safest and easiest way to take. The speed is put into a folded cigarette paper and twisted into a ‘bomb’ shape and then swallowed.

Dabbing:

Beware of a sore throat/throat swelling, but this is also considered a ‘safe’ way of consumption. The user opens their wrap of speed, licks their finger and dabs it into the powder before swallowing it.

Snorting:

If you are looking to damage your nostrils, or don’t mind unexpected nose bleeds then you would chop the powder finely, roll up a note and snort it.

Injecting:

While no method of taking amphetamines is recommended, injecting it should definitely be seen as a BIG NO-NO. Those who do are leaving themselves wide open to such infections as HIV and Hepatitis, not forgetting the risk of overdose.

The powder is dissolved in a teaspoonful of water, boiled by a naked flame under the spoon and drawn into the syringe before intravenous injection.

Smoking:

The powder can be mixed with tobacco and smoked, many feel this is the least effective way of taking the drug, plus the potential health risks of tobacco use should be taken into account.

How long to take effect?

This depends on how the drug is taken. If bombed or dabbed it can take anywhere between 20-45 minutes to feel the effects. If snorted, smoked or injected the effects are almost immediate.

How long does it last?

How long is a piece of string? If you take one hit then you should start to come down around 4-6 hours after using. However, the need to maintain the buzz means many will continue taking at regular intervals throughout their speeding session.

‘Speed Freak’ is a valid name for the many users who are known to go for several days on an ‘Amp Bender’.

Rest assured, this is not good for your health, wealth or long term happiness, and if such benders continue on a regular basis then these individuals will quickly be looking at a stay in residential rehab.

So what’s the problem with using amphetamines regularly?

Regular users face many issues. This is because your mind and body quickly warm to a tolerance of the drug.

While it tolerates it, this means to get the same high as your previous one you need to feed this desire with greater amounts.

Simple really: The more you take, the more you want, and the more you need to reach the same high. Before you know it you cannot live without it.

This regular use, or constant heavy speed binging that last days on end will in all likelihood also buy you a one-way ticket to long term rehab treatment.

What damage am I leaving myself open to?

The problems that many habitual users face are both physical and psychological.

Amongst many other things it will damage your stomach lining, there is a good chance it will thin your arteries which can lead to internal bleeding, and then there is depression and psychosis to be prepared for.

Trying to quit:

Those using amphetamines on a regular basis, or those who are binge merchants will believe at the outset that it is fairly easy to quit and can do so whenever it suits them.

PLEASE think again. Once this drug has you in its clutches it will not let go easily.

Immediately stopping use will lead to a whole host of withdrawal symptoms that include extreme fatigue, some heavy users find that when they do sleep it is for one full day, little wonder really if they have not slept for 3 or 4 days on the spin.

Excessive hunger is also a big issue. At risk of repetition, this is once again little wonder because however long your speed bender has lasted for one thing is for sure; very little food, if any at all will have passed your lips.

Many suffer from a lack of coordination, you may find your heartbeat is either rapid or irregular, irritation with everyone and everything will not be far from the surface, some have worrying hallucinations, and the sleep you so desperately crave for will be far from peaceful as nightmares are common.

Amphetamine abuse assistance:

If you are one of the many who feel you are now dependent upon amphetamines either to function, or they are required simply to have a good time then professional drug rehab assistance is a must.

Such establishments are geared towards helping you in the best way possible. They employ fully qualified and caring medical, counselling and support staff who will do their utmost to help you kick your habit.

This will be achieved through individually tailored inpatient rehab treatment which is focused on helping you through what is undoubtedly a very testing time of your life.

Just as importantly, they will offer you a variety of aftercare options to allow you to choose the most appropriate for your home situation.

This carefully crafted combination will give you the springboard to maintain an amphetamines free future.

 

Dependent upon where you live it has a variety of street names. Think ‘dollies’, ‘done’ ‘junk’ or ‘jungle juice’ to name but a few.

What is it?

It is a synthetic opiate pain reliever that offers long lasting effects. It works by acting upon the brain’s opioid receptors in a very similar way to heroin or morphine, but chemically it is different.

Similar to heroin and morphine with one major difference:

When taken this drug offers similar feelings and highs to heroin and morphine, but very importantly it offers far longer lasting effects.

Because it is released more slowly into a user’s system it does not wear off in a couple of hours, indeed one ’hit’ can last between 8 hours and 2.5 days. The length of effect depends greatly on the dose taken and the tolerance of the user.

Why is it used as a substitute for heroin?

As just mentioned, methadone offers similar effects to Smack, but these effects last far longer. It would therefore seem very sensible that those trying to kick their heroin habit use this drug as a substitute.

This is because a heroin addict will only need to take a daily dose to suppress their heroin cravings and withdrawal symptoms while coming of it.

So, what’s the problem?

Because the dose and feelings last far longer than heroin the theory is that it allows addicts to deal with their heroin addiction issues and kick their heroin habit.

The problem is that regular use of this substitute is very prone to causing as much of a physical and psychological dependence as heroin does.

Basically you are substituting one debilitating addiction for another, and more importantly, many drug professionals now believe that methadone detoxification is as difficult, if not more difficult to achieve than detoxing from heroin alone.

Similar withdrawal symptoms:

Withdrawing from ‘Dollies’ produces similar symptoms to Heroin withdrawal, but in many cases these symptoms are more severe.

During the initial stages the withdrawal may feel like you have the flu. You will feel tired and restless. Anxiety will increase as will sweating. Muscle aches and pains are also extremely common.

As your withdrawal continues the likelihood is you will feel very nauseous and many vomit. They will have body cramps and diarrhea.

It must be said that withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and in severity. This is very much down to the addict’s current state of health and how long they have been addicted.

Such advanced withdrawal symptoms are severe and can affect you for several days this is a major reason for considering inpatient rehabilitation services.

Staff at such residential rehab establishments are geared towards helping you through this very trying period, and such support will greatly reduce the chances of a quick relapse.

How long before withdrawal symptoms kick-in?

Methadone withdrawal symptoms kick-in far later compared to other opiates. They will usually start within 30 hours of last use.

It is important to understand that while the withdrawal symptoms take longer to kick in, they will be no less severe.

Why do so many avoid withdrawal?

As can be seen from the above, withdrawing from this drug is not a pleasant experience and a major reason addicts choose not to go through the withdrawal process is fear.

Not just the fear of the withdrawal symptoms, but a fear of how they will possibly cope in the future without their regular ‘fix’.

While this is understandable, it is extremely important that an addict admits to themselves that this drug is not only ruining their life and that of those closest to them, but there is a strong possibility that heavy, continued use will lead to death.

Surely a period of pain and unease during withdrawal is a far more preferable option than ending up in a morgue.

The longer an addict delays methadone detoxification the harder it becomes, and the less likely they are to do the sensible thing and seek the help of professional rehabilitation services.

Beware of overdoes during any relapse:

It must always be remembered that there is a chance of relapse once a person has come through the withdrawal process.

Having said that, it is also extremely important for anyone who goes into relapse to understand that similar size doses taken when ‘clean’ to those taken when addicted can be lethal.

This statement should constantly remain uppermost in every recovering addicts mind if and when temptation to begin re-using surface, and make no mistake, such temptations will exist, but they must be resisted.

The reality is that getting back on this highly addictive drug after detoxification greatly increases the possibility of breathing difficulties, changes in heart rate, sedation that leads to coma and ultimately death.

Help IS available:

Any person addicted to methadone MUST realise that help is available. They should not think they need to go cold turkey, they should not think they have to go through this trying period of their life alone.

There are a host of options to assist. These range from seeking help from your health practitioner through to an inpatient stay at one of the highly professional addiction recovery resorts that offer care, assistance and teaching. This support will help greatly in terms of helping the addict for a future that is free of this highly addictive drug.

Do NOT let fear of withdrawal thwart your recovery efforts:

It is a very simple thing to say: The only way to escape the depressing and often debilitating effects of a methadone addiction is to stop using it.

It may be simple to say, but it is harder to do. However that should not stop an addict from taking the brave decision to withdraw.

Fear of withdrawal should NOT stand in the way of your recovery. Yes, such withdrawal can be difficult, but the long term benefits you will gain far outweigh the misery you will go through if use of this drug is continued.