Answer Addiction

Tag: ecstasy

  • "Japanese Walter White” Accused Of Teaching Students To Make Ecstasy

    "Japanese Walter White” Accused Of Teaching Students To Make Ecstasy

    The teacher says it was all for the purpose of learning, and nothing else.

    A professor dubbed “the Japanese Walter White” has been accused of teaching his students to make ecstasy and another designer drug.

    In Japan, a government license is required to produce narcotics for academic research. Iwamura did have the license at some point, but it was expired at the time he was accused of having the students make the drugs.

    The Japan Times reports that Matsuyama University professor Tatsunori Iwamura, 61, was aware that he was breaking the law by conducting the class experiment despite his expired license.

    Iwamura allegedly instructed an associate professor and four students to produce MDMA in class—the first time being 2011-2013 and again from 2016-2017, according to the Times. Then, the professor would take the drugs “into his possession.”

    While multiple reports including from the Guardian claim that the professor also had students make 5F-QUPIC, a cannabis-like designer drug, the Times makes no mention of it. 5F-QUPIC, also known as 5F-PB-22, is a controlled substance in the U.S., UK and China.

    Iwamura says it was all for the purpose of learning, and nothing else.

    Authorities, acting on a tip, did not find ecstasy in a search of the professor’s home or lab at the university. But they did find traces of 5F-QUPIC, according to the Guardian.

    Authorities are now investigating the four students and associate professor involved in the illegal drug-making. President of Matsuyama University Tatsuya Mizogami said the university will pursue punitive action against Iwamura following the outcome of the investigation. “We sincerely apologize for causing major concern to students and their parents,” Mizogami said.

    Iwamura is facing prison time for his illicit class experiment. The Guardian reports that he could face up to 10 years in prison.

    Japanese culture is not at all forgiving about drug use. In March, Sega indefinitely halted sales of its new video game Judgment after allegations surfaced that actor Pierre Taki, who portrayed a yakuza crime boss in the game, was arrested for cocaine possession.

    According to the Japan Times, the penalty for cocaine use or possession carries a prison sentence of up to seven years.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • Help for Ecstasy Withdrawal

    Help for Ecstasy Withdrawal

    ARTICLE OVERVIEW: Regular ecstasy users mostly underestimate the potential of ecstasy for abuse and addiction. This drug does not cause a great physical dependence, yet the psychological addiction can be both destructive and dangerous. This article provides information on how difficult the withdrawal from ecstasy is, what symptoms to expect, and what kind of help you need during it.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: Around 5 minutes.

    Table of Contents:

    How Ecstasy Affects Brain and Body

    Ecstasy (also known as MDMA/Molly) primarily causes a psychological dependence rather than physical dependence. This means the body doesn’t typically need the chemical in order to feel “normal”, like heroin users.

    However, the brain reacts to ecstasy in a very particular way. When ecstasy is ingested, it disrupts proper communication between neurons by altering the chemical response of neurotransmitters. This causes many users to experience enhanced sensations of stimulation, which is the reason for its popularity on the drug scene. This drug can even cause oxytocin release, the very hormone released during a sexual orgasm.

    And though the body is affected by these brain reactions, it is actually the brain that craves for more ‘ecstatic’ feelings, such as the following:

    • Calmness and relaxation
    • Empathy for others
    • Euphoria
    • Heightened senses
    • Long-lasting energy
    • Lowered inhibitions

    Furthermore, people can feel ecstasy withdrawal symptoms even after just taking it once. People become addicted to the above feelings for a variety of different reasons, showing that addiction is a very personal experience. And most often, the reasons lying behind it are revealed much later through the treatment.

    Is Ecstasy Withdrawal Hard?

     Well, basically the difficulty you’ll experience during ecstasy detox depends on a few different factors:
    • Age
    • Dosing amounts
    • Overall physical and mental health
    • Usage frequency

    For example, those who have been using ecstasy more often and taking higher doses are more likely to experience a harder withdrawal than those who have been using it occasionally and in smaller doses. Also, chances are that withdrawal can be harder for those already struggling with mental health.

    Is Ecstasy Withdrawal Dangerous?

    Ecstasy causes primarily a psychological dependence. Still, it is possible that some mental complications due to withdrawal lead to fatal acts, as in the cases of:

    Anxiety, which becomes a risk since many individuals find it helpful to self-medicate with other drugs.

    Decreased appetite, as it possibly leads to nutritional deficiencies and detrimental weight loss.

    Depression, sometimes even extreme, that may lead to suicidal ideation.

    Insomnia, pertaining to the risk of getting oneself in accidents which could lead to injury.

    As ecstasy releases a large amount of serotonin, when it is taken away it can make the brain feel depleted. This depletion may not only be the cause for above mentioned symptoms to occur, but also for a relapse as some individuals don’t entirely understand how to manage their behavior and emotions without ecstasy.

    The bottom line is, even though ecstasy withdrawal manifests little harm to the body, there are dangers involved when it comes to the mental state.

    A List of Withdrawal Symptoms

    Although primary withdrawal symptoms are psychological, some symptoms of ecstasy withdrawal can lead to mild uncomfortable physical feelings. The exact withdrawal symptoms you can expect to feel will vary. What you experience generally will depend on the severity of your addiction and your overall mental state.

    Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms may include:

    • Anxiety
    • Agitation
    • Changes in self-perception
    • Confusion
    • Cravings
    • Depression
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Fatigue
    • Insomnia
    • Loss of appetite
    • Memory problems

    It should be noted that it’s common for users to quit ecstasy with other drugs, meaning not only ecstasy is in the system. In fact, people often take ecstasy along with other substances, such as LSD or alcohol. In these instances, withdrawal symptoms can become complicated.

    Some people can even experience an MDMA-induced psychotic disorder, which means they’ll be withdrawing and coping with symptoms for a long period of time. Though this doesn’t occur for everyone, it’s one reason you should ALWAYS SEEK MEDICAL SUPERVISION WHEN COMING OFF ECSTASY.

    The Basic Timeline

    Below is a more detailed analysis of the timeline following your last ecstasy dose:

    0-72 Hours. During this period, your mind is still very aware of the recent presence of MDMA. Even though you experience fatigue and/or physical exhaustion, you could also still hallucinate. Some people feel physical withdrawal symptoms at this time, such as the following:

    • Constipation
    • Dehydration
    • Diarrhea

    It is within these first 72 hours when you’re mostly at risk for relapse. Therefore, it’s critical that you’re under medical supervision at this time, especially if cravings are strong. A supportive medical environment can help prevent you from going back to using and provide you with medications and therapies, which ease withdrawal symptoms.

    4 -7 Days. The body has completely got rid of ecstasy’s toxins, but the mind is still aware of the euphoric effects it felt from using. Therefore, it craves and feels a strong sense of lowness. These low feelings can be any of the following:

    • Anxiety
    • Confusion
    • Depression
    • Irritability
    • Lack of motivation
    • Lethargy
    • Loss of appetite
    • Trouble concentrating

    Week 2. In general, it is much the same as week one, except for the cravings that may or may not be more apparent. With proper psychotherapy, your mind will begin to get better and you’ll find yourself in the beginning stages of easing off withdrawal symptoms.

    Week 3. Your mind starts really feeling better. It gains a sense of confidence again and you can begin to feel yourself coming back to reality. However, cravings may still be persistent. Under proper treatment, these cravings will be reduced during this time.

    Week 4. The mind has passed through and resolved acute ecstasy withdrawal effects. By this time your appetite is usually back and you feel optimistic about an ecstasy-free future.

    Medicines that Help

    Currently, there are no approved medications for ecstasy withdrawal treatment. Still, there are some pharmaceutical treatments that doctors can prescribe. Here are some examples of what can be helpful when addressing following withdrawal symptoms:

    Decreased Appetite. Being under medical supervision might be beneficial to help nutrients level out with supplements, vitamins, or minerals.

    Depression and anxiety. Antidepressants help replenishing serotonin and dopamine levels needed for managing the depression and anxiety.

    Insomnia. Those who suffer from insomnia due to the withdrawal might benefit from learning how to relax and set up health sleep routines. A good night rest can be essential for the body to resume its normal chemical functioning.

    Psychotherapies

    It’s been shown that people get much better with talk therapies, because there professionals teach you how to handle your emotions and behaviors without using drugs, how to set your goals and how to balance your brain’s chemical structure through natural means. Psychotherapies include, but aren’t limited to:
    • Family therapy
    • Group therapy (such as Narcotics Anonymous)
    • Individual counseling
    • Talk therapy

    Natural Remedies that Help

    As ecstasy is primarily a psychological dependence, there are a variety of things you can undertake to ease the mental distress during the withdrawal, including:
    • Acupuncture. Though this is still being researched, a more recent study found that acupuncture had positive effects on reducing withdrawal symptoms. In particular, those dealing with great discomfort from withdrawal can benefit from it.
    • Distractions. As you advance through your withdrawal, your brain longs for more ecstasy in order to feel good. Finding the right kind of distraction is primarily to avoid cravings. Some find help in the arts (such as playing music, drawing, or writing in a journal) while other find new habits to be beneficial (such as cooking or gardening). Don’t be afraid to experiment around while you’re in treatment. You might just learn something new about yourself.
    • Exercise. Most treatment facilities highly recommend exercise to those undergoing detox as exercise promotes natural dopamine and endorphins. Also, it has been shown that exercise promotes a better night sleep for those who experience insomnia.
    • Meditation and Yoga. Withdrawal can bring a lot of stress upon individuals. Meditation and yoga not only ease withdrawal symptoms, but also help reducing cravings. These types of alternative therapies are also beneficial for those dealing with mental illness alongside their addiction, such as anxiety and depression.

    Where to Go For Help

    In order to find help, you must first want it. By admitting you’re defeated, you’re allowing something new to happen. And you’re on your path to seeking medical help.

    But where do you look?

    First, speak with you family doctor. S/He can help refer you to local clinics or specialists. Then, call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline – 1-800-622-HELP (4357). You’ll be connected with a government worker who will talk you through next steps for finding a detox clinic or treatment center.

    Search for local results for the following:

    You’ll also want to reach out to family and friends. As you go about your recovery, you’re going to be in need of a support system. The people you can always reach out to when things get difficult. Furthermore, even after treatment, when recovery is still ongoing, you’ll have people there when necessary. If you’re a family member or friend of someone who’s addicted to crack there are a variety of options for you to seek help for your loved one.

    Your Questions

    Still have questions?

    If you have any further questions pertaining to ecstasy withdrawal, we invite you to ask them in the comments section below. If you have any advice to give to people currently withdrawing, we’d also love to hear from you. We try to provide a personal response to each comment and get back to you promptly.

    REFERENCE SOURCES:
    NIDA: MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse
    DRUG FACTS: MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
    NCBI: Is Ecstasy a Drug of Dependence?
    NIDA: Understanding Drug Use and Addiction
    THE DEA: MDMA Addiction and Other Mental Health Issues
    NIDA: Commonly Abused Drugs Charts
    Healthdirect: MDMA (Ecstasy) AND Mental Health
    NCBI: Persistent Psychosis After a Single Ingestion of “Ecstasy” (MDMA)
    NIH: MEET MOLLY: The Truth About MDMA
    NIDA: The Neurobiology of Ecstasy (MDMA)
    NCBI: Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England): The Safety and Efficacy Of ±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Subjects with Chronic, Treatment-Resistant Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The First Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
    BMJ Journals: Acupuncture in Medicine: Trials of Acupuncture for Drug Dependence: A Recommendation for Hypotheses Based on the Literature
    NCBI: Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies
    NCBI: Exercise Effects on Sleep Physiology
    NIDA: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

    View the original article at

  • The Cost of Ecstasy Rehab

    The Cost of Ecstasy Rehab

    ARTICLE SUMMARY: Rehab does not need to break the bank. This article reviews average costs of rehab for ecstasy problems, and provide you with ideas for how to pay for it. Then, we invite your questions at the end.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5 minutes or less.

    Your Health Is An Investment!

    One of the reasons why people hesitate to look for treatment and get help for an addiction is the inability to afford rehab. We understand this. But while some rehab programs can be expensive, and require a lot of resources, there are countless ways to pay for rehab. And your recovery journey does not always have to cost you a fortune.

    Make sure to keep in mind that treatment is an investment in your life. If you decide to stop using, the money you save by not taking ecstasy will be more than enough to cover the costs of a recovery program. And even if you don’t have the money right away you are still entitled to state funded rehab. Continue reading here for more.
    ____
    No more excuses!
    Your recovery is in your hands.
    Take control of your life.
    More here.
    ____

    What Is Ecstasy Rehab Like?

    Ecstasy rehab is like a cross between summer camp, adult education, and intense psychotherapy. After you have gone through the detox process if needed), you’ll participate in intensive individual and group counseling sessions that get to the root causes of their addiction. Program duration will also vary. Programs can be as short as 30 days or as long as 90 days, or more.

    Here’s what you can expect during ecstasy rehab.

    You will notice that once you read up on substance abuse treatment, the programs will generally consist of the same steps:

    1. Assessment
    2. Detox
    3. Counseling interventions and pharmaceutical medications (if needed)
    4. Support services
    5. Aftercare

    Rehab is about learning a new way to live without mind altering drugs. If you began using ecstasy to counteract depression or tired feelings or to be part of the crowd, rehab can give you a chance to fix these issues without addictive substances.

    Types of Rehab

    So, is inpatient or outpatient rehab better?

    Inpatient ecstasy rehab – Inpatient programs typically requires a person to reside in a rehab facility during the course of their treatment, which can last from a month to a year. During this time, you’ll attend daily behavior and group therapy sessions. Inpatient treatment can be best for people with more extreme cases of addiction, people without support at home, or those who were using drugs/alcohol for long periods of time.

    Outpatient ecstasy rehab – In this type of rehab, you can live at home and attend to daily responsibilities. However, you are required to travel to a rehab facility for treatment and therapy daily or weekly. Outpatient ecstasy rehab is often used as aftercare once an inpatient rehab program has been completed, but it can also be used as a standalone rehab for ecstasy.

    What’s The Cost Of Ecstasy Rehab?

    The cost of rehab varies. Not only does each rehab center charge differently, but you can receive different types of treatments for ecstasy addiction. But in general, the cost of rehab can ranges from almost free to $20,000 a month.

    Average Cost Of Ecstasy Rehab

    The price tag attached to ecstasy rehab changes from facility to facility. For inpatient services, the length of stay can greatly influence the cost. Here are the average costs of ecstasy rehab:

    Average Inpatient Costs – A residential program to address ecstasy addiction costs, on average, around $19,000 per month. This average includes high end and government subsidized treatment centers. If you prefer a luxury facility with massage treatments and spa amenities, you will be looking at $40,000 a month or more!

    Average Outpatient Costs – Outpatient programs cost, on average, about $7,000 for 10 weeks of treatment. This average accounts for both low end ($1,400), median cost ($4,000) and intensive outpatient programs ($9,000 or more).

    Ways to Finance Rehab

    If you have financial difficulties or the price of ecstasy rehab is too high for you, do not lose hope. There are ways you can manage the cost of rehab. Here are some ideas for how to make ecstasy rehab more cost friendly.

    1. Apply for a city, county, or state program.

    Government funded programs are low or very low cost and some are free. These programs have no bells or whistles but you will get the support you need. However, you need to live in the state where you receive treatment and show proof of residence before you can be considered. Sometimes, waiting lists can be days or weeks long.

    2. Claim a tax deduction.

    Medical care expenses such as insurance premiums, payments of fees to doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and non-traditional medical practitioners, payments for outpatient or inpatient treatment at a center for alcohol or drug addiction, medications, or admission and transportation to a medical conference related to addiction can be deducted from your taxes.

    3. Get good coverage.

    Good health insurance can make a big difference in the type of care you receive. Coverage for outpatient or inpatient ecstasy rehab services varies greatly from one provider to another and from one policy to another. Many insurance companies set limits on how many days of treatment will be paid for, or the level of treatment that is covered. Be sure that you choose health insurance that covers long term residential stay for addiction treatment to benefit from lowered cost of care.

    4. Ask about sliding scale fees.

    Many facilities offer sliding scale fees for clients who pay for addiction treatment out-of-pocket. Intake counselors who can work with you to arrange financing. And you may be able to qualify for a sliding scale fee based on your income.

    Can I Afford Rehab If I Don’t Have Money?

    Yes. If you don’t have insurance and have little or no money, there are still other way to pay for addiction treatment.

    #1. There are detox clinics which offer free treatment, or sliding-scale fees for healthcare to those who don’t have health insurance. Call your local health or social services department to inquire about the drug treatment programs they have available.

    #2. Another option to get into rehab when you have no insurance nor money is to use governmental financing. You can find various financing programs including the one for drug addiction treatment here: https://www.hhs.gov/programs/social-services/homelessness/grants/index.html

    #3. If you qualify for Medicaid or Medicare assistance and insurance program, you can receive detox and withdrawal treatment at no cost. Ask the facility staff to help you apply for insurance.

    #4. The membership in recovery support groups is free. You can find these groups in your local area. Common no-cost support groups include:

    • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
    • SMART Recovery
    • Secular Organizations for Sobriety

    Your Questions

    If you have any questions, concerns or comments about ecstasy problems or how you can finance a stay, please contact us. We do our best to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

    Reference Sources: NIH: Is drug addiction treatment worth its cost?
    Drug Abuse: Cost effectiveness of drug treatment
    NIH: Spending on substance abuse treatment: how much is enough?
    SAMHSA: Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

    View the original article at

  • Counterfeit Pill Ring Ran Out Of Vacant Apartment Busted By Police

    Counterfeit Pill Ring Ran Out Of Vacant Apartment Busted By Police

    The building’s super allegedly used a vacant apartment and boiler room to manufacture and package the illicit pills. 

    Three men were arrested and charged in the Bronx with alleged production and distribution of black market pills. Lab tests determined that pills said to be oxycodone were actually a dangerous mixture of heroin and fentanyl, while the 50 purported ecstasy pills contained pure methamphetamine.

    ABC 7 News reported that the men involved, Agustin Vasquez Chavez, Yefri Hernandez-Ozoria, and Roberto Castillo, are facing multiple drug charges after two separate arrests.

    The first arrest occurred in July when undercover cops on 201st Street and Grand Concourse purchased two bags of pills for $5,000. Chavez and Ozoria allegedly sold 860 pills as oxycodone and another bag of 50 pills as ecstasy (or MDMA).

    On September 11 police executed a second sting operation and arrested Chavez and Ozoria. Police confiscated approximately 3,000 purported oxycodone pills that looked to match the pills purchased on July 31.

    Law enforcement is awaiting the results of DEA laboratory analysis.

    Roberto Castillo is the superintendent of a five-story apartment building in the Bronx. Castillo allegedly used a vacant apartment and boiler room in this building to package and manufacture pills. Castillo worked with Chavez and Ozoria, who allegedly sold the manufactured and falsely labeled drugs in a large-scale black market pill distribution ring.

    All three men were arrested and charged on September 11 in connection with an alleged conspiracy to produce and distribute black market pills containing heroin, fentanyl, and meth, officials said. Chavez and Ozoria were arrested first, after which police were granted permission to search the boiler room and vacant apartment in Castillo’s building. There, in the boiler room, police found a pill press machine. 

    The boiler room and apartment were being used as a pill manufacturing operation, which included a pill press machine, pill press imprints designed to create oxycodone markings, multiple surgical masks and a vacuum sealer. The apartment contained a refrigerator filled with yet-unknown substances in assorted colors, as well as drug paraphernalia such as cutting agents, grinders and containers.

    According to an official, 420 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture were found in a suitcase, in addition to nearly 180 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 1,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills.

    “Narcotics traffickers have long exploited the nation’s high demand for pain pills, a powerful gateway to addiction, but this investigation reveals an even more deviant scheme—an organization creating and distributing counterfeit pills with highly potent and lethal compounds, manufactured in an apartment right next to the boiler room,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan in a statement.

    View the original article at thefix.com

  • How Octopuses Feel On MDMA

    How Octopuses Feel On MDMA

    A new study revealed some interesting findings about the anti-social, eight-legged invertebrates.  

    While octopuses and humans are separated by more than 500 millions years of evolution, we may share one fascinating similarity—how we respond to MDMA.

    According to new research, published in the journal Current Biology last Thursday (Sept. 20), octopuses exposed to MDMA “tended to spend more time” with other octopuses.

    The results of the study are especially fascinating because these eight-legged animals are naturally asocial, except when mating. Those that were not exposed to MDMA avoided other octopuses.

    As NPR reported, “The researchers knew from previous tests that an octopus would normally stay far, far away from a second octopus that was confined to a small cage inside the first one’s tank. But an octopus on MDMA would get up-close and personal with the new neighbor.”

    Gül Dölen, assistant professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, conducted the experiment after finding a striking similarity in how serotonin binds to brain cells in octopuses and humans while analyzing the genetic code of the California two-spot octopus.

    MDMA was administered to the octopuses by placing the invertebrates in a beaker of seawater with the drug, that was absorbed through the gills.

    They started them off at a high dose, to see how they would react. “They really didn’t like it. They looked like they were freaked out,” said Dölen. “They were just taking these postures of super hypervigilance. They would sit in the corner of the tank and stare at everything.”

    The animals reacted much differently when given a lower dose.

    “After MDMA, they were essentially hugging. [They were] really just much more relaxed in posture, and using a lot more of their body to interact with the other octopus,” said Dölen.

    Dölen and her colleagues acknowledge that the animals’ lovey-dovey behavior has yet to be affirmed. Another neuroscientist who was not involved in the study asked, “Is it really affection? How would we know? It’s totally fascinating and super-suggestive, but I am not 100% convinced that this is doing the same thing in octopus and in human.”

    He added, “It just shows us how much we don’t know and how much there is out there to understand.”

    View the original article at thefix.com