The chemical name for ecstasy 3,4-
ECSTASY:
the party
is over.
by CASIA, MARIE ASHLEY E.
Ecstasy , also commonly
known by its slang name
"molly," is a synthetic drug
known primarily for its
hallucinogenic and stimulant
effects. It's known to impart
feelings of increased energy,
pleasure, emotional warmth,
and distorted sensory and
time perception.
methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA). It is a derivative of
amphetamine and has a similar
structure to methamphetamine
("meth").
While ecstasy was initially used
primarily in nightclubs and raves, its
use has now spread to a wider range
of populations. According to a 2021
survey by the National Institute on
Drug Abuse, 0.8% of the U.S.
population over the age of 12
reported using ecstasy in the
previous 12 months.
Addiction is defined by the
ADDICTION, American Society of Addiction Medicine
as continued use despite harmful
OVERDOSE, consequences.12 Reports also suggest
that people who use ecstasy exhibit
WITHDRAWAL; such symptoms as well as other
markers of addiction including
tolerance, drug cravings, and
While ecstasy affects many withdrawal.
neurotransmitters in the brain that
are impacted by other addictive
drugs, research has not determined
whether MDMA is addictive, notes
the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
One study found that ecstasy use is
associated with changes in the
dopamine and serotonin systems
that are linked to increased
impulsivity and substance use
disorders.

Overdose is rare but can be life-
threatening. Ecstasy overdose
symptoms can include faintness, panic
attacks or extreme anxiety, high blood
pressure, and seizures. When ecstasy
use is followed by vigorous physical
activity, it can lead to a potentially
dangerous rise in body temperature
known as hyperthermia.2
Another significant danger is the fact
that people who take ecstasy don't
really know what they are actually
ingesting.
Risks of Ecstasy
While people who use ecstasy
experience increased feelings of
euphoria and alertness, taking the
drug also has a number of adverse
impacts including:
Disorganized thoughts
Feelings of detachment
Increased anxiety
Increased heart rate
Irritability
Nausea
Poor appetite
Sweating and hot flashes
How to Get Help
While there are no specific treatments for
ecstasy addiction, the National Institute on
Drug Abuse suggests that cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most
effective option. This type of intervention
helps change how people think and behave
in order to support addiction recovery. CBT
also teaches people coping skills so people
can better manage the stress that
contributes to substance use.14 There are
currently no FDA-approved medications to
treat ecstasy addiction. Recovery programs
and support groups can also be helpful,
particularly when used in conjunction with
cognitive behavioral interventions.
A list from DDB shows that as of July 2016,
there are 50 drug treatment and rehabilitation
centers across the Philippines: 47 are
residential while 3 are out-patient centers:
GOVERNMENT-OWNED RESIDENTIAL CENTERS
Department of Health (DOH) Treatment and
Rehabilitation Center – Bicutan
Address: Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan, Taguig,
Metro Manila
Contact details: (02)837-6540/ 838-0093 / 838-0261
Modality: Therapeutic Community
Capacity: 550 (male and female)
Marikina Rehabilitation Center
Address: East Drive St cor. Champagnat Street,
Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Contact details: (02) 475-4269 / 645-6407
Modality: Eclectic
Capacity: 50
GOVERNMENT-OWNED, OUT-PATIENT CENTER
Region XI Outpatients & Aftercare Center for Drug
Dependents
Address: CHD Davao Region, J.P. Laurel Ave.,
Bajada, Davao City
Contact details: 305-1495
PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL CENTERS
Bridges of Hope Drugs and Alcoholic
Rehabilitation Center – Parañaque City
Address: 364 Aguirre Ave. Phase 3 BF Homes,
Parañaque City
Contact details: (02) 662-0193 / 986-3883 / 571-9951
Modality: Eclectic
Capacity: 48 (male and female
Cebu North General Hospital – Chemical
Dependent’s Control and Rehab Center
Address: Kauswagan Road, Talamban, Cebu City
Contact details: (032) 343-7777
Modality: Eclectic
Capacity: 48 (male and female)
Roads & Bridges to Recovery – Cebu
Address: Upper Malibu Beach St, Subangdaku,
Mandaue City
Contact details: (02) 643-6006 / (032) 344-2142
Modality: Therapeutic Community
Capacity: 80 (male and female)