Rise in Ecstasy Use Shows Up in ER Visits

The club drug that boomed in the late 90’s had apparently peaked shortly after 2000 and then waned, but has been rising again in recent years. A recent release from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showed that the number of people under the age of 21 showing up in emergency rooms because of Ecstasy has more than doubled.

According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), Ecstasy-related emergency department visits rose a total of more than 120 percent between a six-year period for those under the legal drinking age. The number jumped from less than 4,500 visits to more than 10,000. While this represented only a small portion of the total drug-related visits, the continuing increase in MDMA use is substantial and alarming.

Among the most common side effects that could induce a trip to the ER for Ecstasy could be rapid heart rate, dehydration and hallucinations. Additional substance abuse while taking the drug also increases the incidence of seriously harmful reactions.

Even for those who don’t have immediate serious reactions, scientists say that Ecstasy use causes a depletion in serotonin availability after the initial burn-up, leaving many users in a depressed state. This is a dangerous and vulnerable time, especially for younger people, and their reactions unfortunately often include more substance abuse to try and cover up the feelings.

If you or someone you know needs help for Ecstasy abuse, contact us today for more information about successful treatment options from Desert Cove Recovery.

Blake Nichols

Blake Nichols is the Director of Operations at Desert Cove Recovery. Blake battled his own addiction to drugs and alcohol and was given the gift of recovery at the age of 23. Since 2008, Blake has dedicated his life and career to the field of addiction. He has experience in all aspects of addiction treatment including direct care, admissions, marketing, and administration.

Blake feels that the greatest reward of working in the recovery field is being part of the transformation that a person goes through from the time they arrive and begin treatment, through the hard work and the Miracle of recovery, and ultimately the change into a confident and capable person ready to carry the message of recovery.

“My career has focused on serving others. I have accepted ownership of my responsibilities as that is the key to working at the highest level of professionalism. I have worked to be positive and offer solution-based suggestions in my work and personal life.”