Are you worried about someone you love using the dangerous club drug Molly? Or perhaps taking the drug yourself? It’s essential to understand the drug and its risks so that you can help yourself or those in your life make informed decisions.
In this article, we will explore “What is Molly?” and detail its potential dangers. Our goal is to help guide concerned family members and anyone else dealing with addiction impacted by this drug onto a more positive path toward recovery.
Synthetic Drug Abuse
Molly, aka MDMA or Ecstasy, is a party drug created in an illegal laboratory setting. It is a synthetic drug with psychoactive and stimulant effects that can alter one’s mood, perception, and overall senses.
Ecstasy and supposedly “pure” Molly often include pure MDMA plus other drugs which have alarming effects when combined with MDMA.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has categorized Molly as a Scheduled I-controlled substance in the US. This means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Molly is usually taken orally in pill form, capsules, or powder form. It may also be snorted, smoked, or injected. The pill comes in various colors with famous logos or cartoon characters stamped onto the outside.
According to National Institute on Health:
Data shows that MDMA produces an acute and dose-dependent rise in core body temperature in healthy subjects.
While many insist that it can produce pleasurable sensations and mild euphoria, there are lasting physical and psychological implications to consider, including increased body temperature and heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and memory problems.
This is because 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine increases certain chemical levels in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Long-term abuse of Molly can cause an imbalance of these brain chemicals, leading to altered moods, changes in cognitive function, and other issues.
Side Effects of Molly
The side effects of using Molly are typically temporary and last four to six hours after ingestion. Several factors depend on the severity of side effects, such as the amount taken, a person’s body chemistry, age, and tolerance.
Physical and mental side effects include of this synthetic substance:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Muscle cramps
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or anxiety
- Impaired judgment and memory problems
- Depression, confusion, or panic attacks
- Increased libido
- Euphoria
- Aggression
- Sleep problems
- Appetite suppressant
Tingling and dilated pupils and blurred vision are also common side effects. When taken with other drugs, such as prescription medicine, synthetic cathinones (bath salts), cocaine, or marijuana, the risk of prolonged side effects increases significantly.
In addition to the short-term risks posed by taking Molly, long-term risks are associated including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Memory problems
- Psychosis
- Addiction and dependence
- Heart problems
- Liver damage
- Stroke
Risks of Using Molly
Molly is dangerous because users never know what they’ll get when they take it. It is often cut with other illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, ephedrine, and bath salts. This increases the intensity of effects but also puts users at risk for serious health complications or even death.
Individuals with certain health conditions like epilepsy, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney ailments, and mental or mood disorders can be at risk of experiencing serious harm if they take ecstasy.
Molly Withdrawal Symptoms
It is possible to experience symptoms of withdrawal when trying to quit using Molly. Physical and psychological symptoms can occur when the brain has become used to the drug’s effects and then suddenly stops taking them.
Common symptoms of withdrawal from Molly include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Decreased appetite
- Memory problems
- Irritability
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Cravings for the drug
Prolonged symptoms can linger for months after someone discontinues Molly usage. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical assistance if you are determined to quit taking the drug.
Although using Molly carries certain risks, with specialized healthcare and guidance, individuals can overcome its consequences and live invigorating lives.
Signs That You or Your Loved One Have an MDMA Addiction
Just like other substances, it’s possible to become addicted to MDMA. If someone is taking Molly more than once a week, there could be an underlying addiction issue that needs to be addressed. The signs of an addiction include:
- An intense craving for the illegal drug
- Neglecting responsibilities due to use
- Engaging in risky behavior related to MDMA
- Continuing to use Molly despite physical or psychological problems
- Spending a lot of money on the drug and neglecting bills
- Frequent intoxication while using Molly
Other behaviors that point to addiction include lying, social isolation, stealing or borrowing money to buy Molly, and taking significant amounts of the substance.
MDMA Addiction Treatment Options
Fortunately, addiction to dangerous synthetic drugs such as Molly can be overcome with the help of available treatments. Listed below are the primary treatment methods to address a dependency on MDMA:
- Detoxification: Detox allows individuals to rid their bodies of residual toxins from the drug. It’s a necessary step toward full recovery and should be monitored by medical professionals.
- Medications: Certain medications can reduce the intense cravings associated with withdrawal symptoms. These include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and sleep aids.
- Counseling: Addiction counseling, either individual or group sessions, can help individuals learn to manage their cravings and regain control over their lives.
- Rehab Programs: Rehabilitation programs provide a safe and supportive environment along with intense therapy and emotional support. Residential or outpatient programs can be tailored to fit an individual’s needs.
- Support Groups: Support groups are an invaluable asset to those recovering from addiction, creating a protective atmosphere where everyone can express themselves truly and openly without apprehension of criticism or condemnation.
La Hacienda Treats MDMA Addiction
Choosing the ideal addiction treatment center for your recovery depends on carefully evaluating which facility provides the best care for your situation.
Certain factors need consideration when searching for a suitable facility:
- Do patients get access to specialized addiction therapy programs?Yes, at La Hacienda we offer specialized groups based on each person’s needs. For example, we offer trauma therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, relapse prevention, and support groups for patients who have to meet licensing or certification standards, such as pilots, doctors, and teachers.
- What sort of amenities are offered?La Hacienda is situated on 40 beautiful acres in the Texas Hill Country. We have our own swimming pool, gym, ropes course, cafeteria, bookstore, and walking trails.
- Is treatment affordable?La Hacienda Addiction Center is in-network with most major insurance companies. If your insurance is not applicable, our admissions staff will help you find a treatment program that is covered by your insurance.
- What aftercare options are available if additional support is needed once formal treatment ends?Continuing care staff help patients formulate a discharge plan to include services needed including intensive outpatient care, sober living, and referral to other professional treatment options. La Hacienda also has alumni groups throughout Texas, and online support groups meet weekly.
La Hacienda also has a team of doctors on campus seven days a week who meet with patients daily. Psychiatrists are available for virtual consultations and there is nursing care 24/7.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has provided insight into Molly, from the withdrawal symptoms of people who use it to understanding the dangers and warning signs that someone you care about may be taking it.
Molly is a dangerous drug with the potential for life-altering consequences. Getting assistance for addiction to Molly is essential.
If you or someone you care about is ready to make a life-altering change, please call La Hacienda Treatment Center.
Our professional team will be with you every step of the way as you journey toward sobriety and long-term recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information on how we can assist in your recovery!
Sources:
https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3494/index.htm#What
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly
https://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/22/health/9-things-molly-drug/index.html
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ecstasy-or-mdma-also-known-molly
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/ecstasy.html
https://www.poison.org/articles/club-drugs-molly
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/ecstasy
https://www.talktofrank.com/drug/ecstasy#how-it-feels
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/ecstasy#risks-of-ecstasy-mdma
