MDMA can cause increased agitation and restlessness. Thus, seeking treatment often becomes a prolonged experience, causing more anxiety and stress. These side effects are also sometimes a reason for misdiagnoses and delay in finding the proper addiction treatment. To help prevent this, the Providence Projects team created a guide to the less-prominent and often misdiagnosed effects of drug addiction.
If you or someone you know has used MDMA and wondered why it’s causing heightened agitation and the inability to relax, you have come to the right place to uncover the answers.
Understanding Agitation and Restlessness: Symptoms and Causes
Agitation and restlessness are symptoms that various factors can cause. Agitation refers to inner tension and restlessness, where a person may quickly feel annoyed or have difficulty sitting still. On the other hand, restlessness is characterised by an inability to remain still or calm and constantly moving around.
Some common health conditions causing these symptoms include:
- Mood disorders and psychiatric conditions
- Restless legs syndrome and hyperthyroidism
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and schizophrenia
Understanding the symptoms and causes of agitation and restlessness is crucial in identifying the appropriate treatment and strategies for managing these conditions.
The Link Between MDMA and Agitation & Restlessness
Research shows that MDMA increases neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine within the synapse. It enhances their release from nerve endings and/or inhibits their reuptake. This flood of neurotransmitters can lead to the euphoria and increased sociability often associated with MDMA. Still, it can also unbalance the brain’s chemical makeup, potentially leading to agitation and restlessness. Additionally, MDMA use can result in several adverse health effects, such as involuntary jaw clenching, decreased appetite, mild detachment from oneself, illogical or disorganised thoughts, and, more notably, restless legs.
Other Effects of MDMA on Your Mental State
While agitation and restlessness are certainly notable side effects, MDMA can have other profound impacts on your mental state as well. Let’s delve a bit deeper into what these effects might be:
MDMA primarily acts on the serotonin system in the brain, which regulates mood, emotional responses, and anxiety levels. As such, MDMA commonly generates feelings of euphoria, warmth, and openness during its primary effect.
MDMA could also negatively impact cognitive functions such as memory and attention. Studies have shown that long-term or heavy MDMA use can lead to memory retrieval problems and decreased cognitive performance.
Evidence suggests that heavy, prolonged MDMA use can cause damage to the brain, affecting various aspects, including memory, sleep, appetite, mood, and learning. Serotonin neurotransmitters, essential in regulating these functions, can be particularly affected.
Some individuals may experience elevated levels of anxiety and paranoia following MDMA usage. These feelings can range from mild worry to severe panic, potentially lasting for days or weeks after taking the substance.
The heightened sociability and reduced inhibitions caused by MDMA can lead individuals to engage in high-risk or unwise behaviours, opening the door for potential legal or personal issues.
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Contact UsPreventing MDMA-Induced Agitation and Restlessness: Early Detection and Intervention
As we have observed during our 25-year-long practice of helping people fight addiction, early detection of substance abuse signs and immediate intervention are crucial to combat these outcomes. Here are some warning signs of substance abuse:
- Changes in mood, behaviour, or social activities
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using MDMA
- Neglecting responsibilities or commitments in favour of using MDMA
- Using the substance despite experiencing negative consequences
If you or someone you know shows these signs, seeking help is essential. Early intervention can prevent the onset of more severe mental health problems. Here are some steps to follow:
- Reach out: Discuss your concerns with us; we can direct you toward the appropriate resources and tailor a treatment programme.
- Get assessed for optimal substance abuse treatment options: Several forms of treatment are available to prevent relapse, so we will first assess your condition.
- Participate in support groups: We offer access to support groups which can provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges.
Overcoming MDMA Effects: Trust in the Providence Projects
The Providence Projects team of dedicated addiction professionals stand with you in your battle against MDMA dependency. We know it’s tough, but remember, you’re not alone. We are ready to help you overcome MDMA.
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