Once a party drug, ecstasy is now being used by a wider audience. Known as the "love drug," it acts on the brain to induce euphoria and increase empathy. However, its toxicity is extremely high even at low doses, making it a dangerous substance that can be highly addictive.
In Turkey, specialized centers offer comprehensive care to help patients get rid of their addiction in complete safety.
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What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy, known by its scientific name MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine),is a synthetic stimulant and hallucinogenic drug that combines the properties of amphetamine and mescaline.
It comes in the form of colorful tablets, often with logos such as hearts, stars, or lightning bolts. It can also be found in powder or capsule form.
On the illegal market, ecstasy is also known as "EX," "Tata," "Ecsta," "Mitsubishi," or "Bonbons".
Ecstasy composition
Ecstasy is never a pure substance. Illegally manufactured, it can contain up to 50% MDMA, mixed with other substances with varying, sometimes very dangerous effects:
- Caffeine and ephedrine: Increase the stimulant effect.
- Amphetamines: Cause increased excitement.
- Dextromethorphan (DXM): A toxic additive that can cause hallucinations and neurological risks.
- Ketamine and LSD: Alter perception and enhance hallucinogenic effects.
- Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA): A particularly toxic substance.
Because it is manufactured in clandestine laboratories, the exact composition of each tablet or capsule is impossible to determine, making each dose potentially lethal.
Ecstasy may seem harmless to some, but its use exposes them to serious health risks and even fatal complications.

Why do people become addicted to ecstasy (MDMA)?
Ecstasy, or MDMA, acts directly on the brain by stimulating three essential neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Its euphoric, empathogenic effects are mainly due to a massive release of serotonin, which increases feelings of pleasure, confidence, and connection with others.
As the effects of MDMA wear off, however, dopamine levels drop sharply, giving way to feelings of emptiness, fatigue, and irritability. This "downhill" phase can be accompanied by anxiety, stress, and a profound state of craving.
To compensate for these discomforts, the user may be tempted to increase the dose and frequency of use. This is how dependence gradually sets in, trapping the user in a vicious cycle where each use leads to a growing need to take more to avoid the negative effects of withdrawal.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of addiction, it's important to talk about it and seek professional help. Don't let ecstasy take control of you!
Ecstasy addiction: what are the consequences?
Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a drug that acts directly on the central nervous system. While its effects may seem euphoric at first, regular or excessive use can have serious physical and psychological consequences.
Medium-term effects
Regular users often experience a drop in energy, slower reflexes, and emotional coldness. Gradually, apathy sets in, accompanied by persistent anxiety and depressive periods that can lead to mental collapse.
Overdose risks
Excessive use of MDMA, especially in combination with alcohol, can lead to severe intoxication. Some of the most alarming symptoms include
- Convulsions.
- Hyperthermia.
- Acute dehydration.
- Cardiovascular problems.
In extreme cases, this can lead to pulmonary edema or liver and kidney failure. MDMA also promotes excessive serotonin release, which can lead to serotonin syndrome. The latter manifests as excessive sweating, nausea, rapid heart rate, tremors, hallucinations, and in the most severe cases, coma.
Long-term effects
Prolonged use of ecstasy can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and epilepsy. Neurologically, it can cause irreversible damage, leading to cognitive and motor dysfunction.
In addition, several studies have linked prolonged use of MDMA to the development of psychiatric disorders such as chronic anxiety and major depression.
Far from being harmless, MDMA can cause irreversible damage to your health. If you or someone you know is affected by problematic use, consult a medical professional or a specialized center in Turkey immediately.
How do you help someone addicted to ecstasy?
Helping a loved one overcome an ecstasy addiction requires patience and kindness. It's important to avoid judgments, reproaches, or overly brutal approaches that risk creating a block and breaking trust.
Instead of rushing him, respect his pace and listen to his needs. Encouraging him without pressure and showing him that he's not alone in this struggle can make all the difference. The support of a healthcare professional, such as an addiction specialist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist, is often essential for effective treatment. An addictology consultation can also be a beneficial option.
Thanks to Turquie Santé, you can benefit from a customized follow-up with specialists in addiction, psychiatry, or psychotherapy. Give your loved one the support he or she needs to return to a more serene life.
Why choose treatment in Turkey?
With Turquie Santé, you benefit from excellent medical care in clinics specialized in addiction medicine, combining :
- Absolute confidentiality: strict protocols to protect your privacy.
- A human approach: Personalized attention in a warm, reassuring environment.
Our experts will guide you to the best facilities in Istanbul for gentle withdrawal and lasting recovery.
Contact us today for a discreet, no-obligation consultation.
Ecstasy addiction treatment process in Turkey
Ecstasy addiction treatment is based on a structured program that combines different therapeutic approaches to maximize the chances of recovery. Here are the main stages of the treatment process:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective relapse prevention method. It helps patients identify and modify negative thought patterns associated with MDMA use. This therapy allows them to develop strategies for detoxification and long-term abstinence.
Group therapy
Group sessions provide a space for sharing and support among people going through similar experiences. They promote motivation, strengthen commitment to the recovery process, and allow patients to share their challenges and successes.
By integrating these therapies within a specialized medical framework, our clinics in Turkey offer comprehensive support to help each patient return to a balanced, addiction-free life.
How do you prevent relapse?
Getting off ecstasy (MDMA) is a real challenge, and the risk of relapse can be present. However, with the right preparation and a solid frame of mind, it's possible to stay the course.
- Stay motivated: Make a list including the benefits of quitting.
- Avoid consuming even one tablet during parties.
- Stop buying MDMA, throw away the tablets in your possession.
- Do not isolate yourself, spend more time with your friends or relatives.
- Avoid people who have introduced you to using this drug.
- If you slip up, find out why you used Ecstasy again. Once these reasons are found, make a list of triggers to avoid in the future.
- You have to put in place a new lifestyle and reorganize your life. If you are a party person, you have to clean up your life and challenge yourself.
- It's okay to regret, but don't beat yourself up too much. It can trap you in a vicious cycle and you can relapse.
- Learn to ask for help when it's needed. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, see a doctor specializing in psychiatry or psychotherapy.
- If you have withdrawal symptoms (depression, anxiety and nervousness) contact your doctor immediately.
- Think about the circumstances that led to your addiction in the first place. Make sure that you no longer find yourself in the same conditions.
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Ecstasy remains in the blood for up to three hours, while it can be detected in urine even after four days of use. However, traces of ecstasy can remain in the body's metabolism for longer periods, as they can remain in the hair for up to 3 months.
Ecstasy is nicknamed the "love drug" for its empathogenic (generating empathy) and entactogenic (facilitating physical contact) effects. As such, it enhances sexual desire.
Detoxification at our addiction treatment centers can take up to six months or even longer. This depends on the level of dependence and damage caused by the drug.
Withdrawal from ecstasy can affect the patient's psychic and physiological well-being as:
- Anxiety and agitation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Memory and concentration problems, etc.
There is no proven drug treatment for MDMA addiction. However, many specialists can use modafinil to minimize symptoms.
To stop taking ecstasy, you need to start by changing your environment. This means avoiding contact with people who encourage drug-taking.
After that, Turquie Santé invites you to take part in the support program rehab set up by our professionals at our medical-psychological centers.