How to treat my damaged brain from heavy ecstasy (MDMA) use?

Question

Hi guys,

I am going to be honest with you. I believe it is the best way to get the best answers.

I have used lots of ecstasy (MDMA). Because of that, my brain is heavily damaged.

I am looking for any kind of natural vitamins or naturopathic remedies to cure from the ecstasy use.

I am not looking for the 5-htp or L-Tryptophan, because they are just the precursers of the serotonin. They just make serotonin, but not cure my brain.

Yes, I am looking for something to re-grow my anxons, brain cells, etc.

I am not looking for the chemical meds like the SSRIs or other meds.

I am only looking for the natural remedies or homeopathic remedies, vitamins, etc.

Can you help me?

Thank you very much.

Answer 1

As far as I know, there's not a 'magic' pill or cure-all remedy that will regrow the brain cells. They do say though that in patients with a brain injury including those that have had a stroke ('brain attack'), that the brain is very 'plastic' (can be reshaped, in a sense) and may form new pathway connections (of nerves) to help compensate for the damaged (or can refer to as injured) areas of the brain. It is not supposed to repair the damaged cells per se.

I have read that the herb ginkgo biloba, can be of help with circulation to the brain and help memory somewhat which may also help those in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (type of dementia where brain cells die off). However, even herbs and other homeopathic remedies may have side effects so please check with a dr or pharmacist. Perhaps you can also go to a naturopathic physician (N.D.) and talk to him or her about other possible 'natural' remedies. I'm not a doctor myself, but perhaps using your mind during leisure activities such as games, puzzles including crosswords (start with easier ones), word searches and reading different kinds of books including informational/reference-type books can stimulate new connections.

Someone mentioned, taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement and that may at least help you to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrients for your brain and system. (Not a substitute for actual nourishment :) I happen to take a pretty good multivitamin/mineral capsule (capsule's easier on stomach), twinlab daily one caps (120 count as cheaper), After eating food per pharmacist that does Not have iron since too much iron can be harmful to the liver. Some people do have a deficiency of iron called anemia which can leave a person tired and lethargic though I only take a multi with iron during that time of the month ;) Please do check with your dr though about recommendations.

And there were studies out there about serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which you had mentioned that showed the ecstasy can be damaging to the serotonin. Even though you really don't want to take an ssri antipressant (like prozac, zoloft or paxil), perhaps you can talk to your family dr about your options, however, one's health insurance will not typically pay for services if the person had a hand in causing their own injury. You may be depressed though and need it or so forth. You may want to look into getting cognitive (thought process) therapy to try to help with forming new connections, however, health insurance may not cover the fee if it was done by the patient him or herself even though no one wants problems with their brain :) Cognitive therapy is typically done on an outpatient basis which can include doing the puzzles, working on perception, group skills. I'm not saying that you have a brain injury or head injury as some call it, but that type of therapy can help after some sort of insult to the brain. Congratulations on stopping the use of the potentially very damaging ecstasy!

Answer 2

The good news is you are not retarded.
They won't find a way to fix what you've done to your brain because first of all, it's not a priority, as MDMA is not something that is deemed "ok" to take in the first place. Secondly, research has only just begun, because if you compare this drug to the age other illegal substances, it's still adolescent, and the long-lasting effects on humans is still yet to be fully determined.

I have however read that the effects are temporary and much like any organ in the body, it becomes restorative and new cells will produce in due time.

Good luck to you, and do yourself a favor - stay clean! :)

Answer 3

Sorry to hear that.... and you used these drugs why? Was it worth it?

Though there is research to actually regrow brain tissue, it isn't at a stage beneficial to you or any of us yet. At one time the thought was that brain tissue does not regenerate.... what you have is what you get, and no more. That is changing, but as yet, has not changed, at least not in adults....You can, however more fully develop the ones you have by working them... no pills, vitamins or anything else will do that. There is an interesting chapter in "Healthy Aging" by Andrew Weil MD that talks about keeping the brain young (what you did was prematurely age your own.) You might find it enlightening. Good luck, hon.

Answer 4

Supplements that assist in brain function are; Omega 3 fatty acids hydration proper balance of sugars, fats and proteins Nuts Glandular support like Raw adrenal or raw petuitary... It is a tincture you get at a health food store that you put under your tongue. Exersize and healing supplements that support tissue regeneration and neuropathway redirection. Your brain will relearn eventually. It will naturally learn to bypass what routes and pathways that you have destroyed and re focus and re direct themselves into other directions... You can liken it to someone getting their scalp torn off and replaced via surgery... All of the nerves have to re leran what feels what... It is common after such a surgery for the patient to scratch their forehead, and actually feel it at the nape of their neck or their ear or whereever... It is just a matter of getting used to what you have done and training your brain to function again. I don't know to what extreme you have done this damage? Your moods however may be somewhat effected for years? As neurotransmitters that control Dopamine and Serotonin, when over used and abused take brain cells with them in the hundreds of thousands. Im sorry youu have done this to yourself. Just don't give up hope. Your brain is the greatest of all the machines in existence. If you want to get better... You will. Just be patient.

Answer 5

with a lot of heavy drug use most of the damage is permanant. the best thing to do would be to stop using the drug all together and eat a lot of green leafy vegetables. also drink 6-8 glasses of water per day.

Answer 6

At least you can form a complete sentence.
Flush your system, use a multi-vitamin and stay away from MDMA. You never what that stuff is cut with.

Answer 7

Sorry dude, only some research has been done in lab work in a petri dish. See the link below...
http://www.acfnewsource.org/science/brain_repair.html

http://www.jointogether.org/news/research/summaries/2003/antidepressant-drugs-could.html

Probably a good 10 years away.......

Answer 8

uhh dude, if it was heavy use, then there isnt much to do.. its pretty much permanent