What To Do When Ecstasy Use is a Form of Escapism

Daily life can be filled with issues and conflict. On top of that there can be other stressors and people can get burned out. It’s no wonder that some individuals can go looking for refuge and end up with unhealthy habits as a form of escape.

Creating a Fantasy World

Ecstasy (MDMA) was created as a result of technological innovations in the field of chemistry. Amphetamines have long been used as appetite suppressants. What should have been merely an easy weight control method, had become a drug popular for its other side effects, such as hallucinations and euphoria. Ecstasy can begin to take the place of real human connection. Individuals who prefer to stay hooked on Ecstasy prefer to stay in their fantasy world, rather than the real world, since it’s easier and they don’t have to deal with any of their problems.

What Happens when Ecstasy Stops Working

While individuals with an Ecstasy addiction can find escape for a few hours at a time, the euphoria is short lived. Any relationships formed due to the drug are not healthy. Isolation becomes a way of life for them. So what next?

Instead of the individuals looking for a new high, they would be better served by asking themselves a few searching questions:

  • Why do they continue to run away from their problems instead of facing them?
  • What can they do to feel more comfortable in their own skin?
  • How can they choose healthy relationships to empower their growth?
  • How can they finally leave the fantasy world?

How to Get Back to the Real World

When an individual with an addiction reaches the point where the isolation and the drug produced euphoria are not enough, then they should start taking steps to get back to the real world. Here are three steps to consider:

 

  • Finding Good Role Models

 

Finding a mentor is a good way to start. Mirroring their behavior can give the individual

with an addiction a tool to deal with their own life.

 

  • Safeguarding Intimacy

 

All individuals crave relationships with others. But in this situation perhaps it is safer to  take some time to heal before resuming relationships or meeting new people. Spending time alone, maybe with a book, would be far more beneficial.

 

  • Asking the Hard Questions

 

Looking back over life’s choices and why one made the decisions one did at certain points can be cathartic. Doing so leads to learning why bad choices were made and who they affected.

Recovery is hard work but you don’t have to do it alone. Call The Villa to find out how we can support your goals for sober living.

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Medically Reviewed By:

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Dr Courtney Scott, MD

Dr. Scott is a distinguished physician recognized for his contributions to psychology, internal medicine, and addiction treatment. He has received numerous accolades, including the AFAM/LMKU Kenneth Award for Scholarly Achievements in Psychology and multiple honors from the Keck School of Medicine at USC. His research has earned recognition from institutions such as the African American A-HeFT, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and studies focused on pediatric leukemia outcomes. Board-eligible in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Scott has over a decade of experience in behavioral health. He leads medical teams with a focus on excellence in care and has authored several publications on addiction and mental health. Deeply committed to his patients’ long-term recovery, Dr. Scott continues to advance the field through research, education, and advocacy.

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