Addicted to ecstasy and alcohol

Addicted to ecstasy and alcohol

QUESTION:

your avatar   Sheena, 17-year-old woman

I have tried ecstasy about 20 times and I want to stop but I can't - it's really addictive. How do I stop?

ANSWER:

    Jef Gazley, M.S., LMFT, LPC, LISAC, DCC

Both of the drugs that you are using cause tremendous problems and pain. Alcohol is physically addictive for only those people with the genetic makeup of alcoholism. Ecstasy has been thought to not be physically addictive, but a relatively new study challenges this belief. Here is that link.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is the chemical name for ecstasy. It is a hallucinatory amphetamine drug. It accelerates the central nervous system and causes visual hallucinations. It greatly affects serotonin, which is a brain chemical that regulates mood and helps cognition. There have been reports of a shrinking of the serotonin fibers from ecstasy use, and depression and anxiety attacks have been noted. Sheena, this is one of the most dangerous drugs out there so really take this problem seriously.

The major "high" that people notice from this drug is that they become energized, euphoric, and feel both sexual and loving feelings that seem to be directed at almost anyone they come into contact with. It acts as an aphrodisiac.

Alcohol and the problems related to its use have been well documented. I will not go into great detail here and would instead refer you to the book "Under the Influence" by Milam and Ketchum for more information.

People begin using drugs and alcohol for a number of emotional and physical reasons. Many people use to either medicate emotional difficulties or they self-medicate because of an underlying chemical disorder. It is imperative to accurately assess what factors are involved in the usage so that appropriate treatment can be given.

Sheena, I would suggest several avenues for you. I would contact AA and try to join a group with other young people. Given that you are having such a hard time staying off ecstasy, which is touted as non-addictive, I am assuming that you have an underlying chemical problem with serotonin. Therefore, I would make an appointment with a psychiatrist who is familiar with addiction and this drug.

Take care.

Jef Gazley, M.S., LMFT

This question was answered by Jef Gazley M.S. Jef has practiced psychotherapy for twenty-five years, specializing in Love Addiction, Hypnotherapy, Relationship Management, Dysfunctional Families, Co-Dependency, Professional Coaching, and Trauma Issues. He is a trained counselor in EMDR, NET, TFT, and Applied Kinesiology. He is dedicated to guiding individuals to achieving a life long commitment to mental health and relationship mastery. His private practice locations are Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona. You can also visit Jef at the internettherapist, the first audiovisual mental health online counseling center on the net.For more information visit: http://www.asktheinternettherapist.com/

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