Symptoms of Ecstasy Dependency and Abuse
Once ecstasy use has reached a level of psychological or physical dependency, users can expect to experience negative drawbacks. Interference with normal sleeping patterns, panic attacks, radical mood swings with extreme highs and lows, weight loss, high blood pressure and increased body temperature resulting in unusual sweating. Another sign to look out for is unusual teeth and jaw clenching resulting in sore jaws and worn teeth.
Health Risks of Ecstasy Dependency
Not long ago, research done at Harvard University relating to ecstasy health risks was published in the Guardian Newspaper. Comparing club-going users vs club-going non-users, the study results found that Ecstasy users and non-users performed equally well in cognitive tests. The study implies that “brain damage” is not one of the risks of taking ecstasy. It should be noted however, that the sample group was quite small. Additionally, the study did not track subjects over time.
The study also failed to address the affects of Serotonin depletion on mood and psychological well-being. Serotonin depletion may be at the root of many of the reported withdrawal symptoms discussed below.
To ignore the rave and club culture risks of dehydration, over-hydration and chemical cocktail overdosing would be naive. The Harvard study may demonstrate that ecstasy does not affect your IQ, but there are most certainly risks associated with taking the drug.