Recreational use of MDMA — more commonly known by its street names “Molly” and “ecstasy” — has surged in recent years. Originally popular in nightclubs and dance scenes, use has expanded to music festivals, parties, and general recreational use. Often viewed as a relatively harmless party drug, there is a darker side, including significant risks such as Molly addiction, overdose, and more.[1]

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be abusing ecstasy or struggling with addiction, learning the side effects of MDMA is an essential first step. Understanding the nature of Molly addiction — as well as the options for treatment — is also crucial. Continue reading to learn more about MDMA, its effects, and different ways to treat Molly addiction. 

What is Molly?

Molly is a common street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a synthetic or lab-made drug that acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic. It is both euphoric and energizing, produces mild distortions in time and perception, as well as lowers inhibitions, enhancing feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality.[2]

MDMA increases energy levels and causes users to feel more alert. It can heighten visual, tactile, and auditory senses, influencing the activity of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, three neurotransmitters that affect mood and behavior.

Modalities of manufacturing and associated risks

Also called ecstasy, MDMA is an illicit drug that is usually sold in the form of colorful pills imprinted with characters or logos, as well as capsules, powder, or liquid. The drug is typically consumed orally or by crushing and snorting the tablets.

Molly is not as widely used as other drugs like alcohol, opioids, or cocaine.[3] However, it is still just as serious. MDMA is manufactured illicitly, which means there is no quality control or consistency between batches. For example, some doses of MDMA may be far more potent than others. Additionally, manufacturers often cut fillers into tablets, including drugs like methamphetamine or fentanyl, which can have life-threatening consequences.

Hallucinogen use in the US

A recent study reported that 3% of individuals aged 12 or older used hallucinogens in the past year — that’s a whopping 8.5 million people. Within that 3%, hallucinogen use was high among young adults aged 18 to 25 at 7.7%. Adults aged 26 and older ranked at 2.5%, and adolescents aged 12 to 17 came in last at 1.4% (or 358K people).[4]

Is MDMA/Molly addictive?

Research suggests that Molly addiction is a growing concern. Some people who use MDMA report symptoms similar to criteria for substance use disorder, such as tolerance, continued use despite adverse effects, withdrawal symptoms, and cravings. Ongoing studies are looking into its addiction potential, its side effects, and the benefits of addiction treatment for Ecstasy abuse. If you have concerns that you or a loved one may be addicted to Molly, STR Behavioral Health can help.

Side Effects and Symptoms of MDMA/Molly Addiction

Molly causes a range of both short-term and long-term physical and psychological effects. While fatality associated with ecstasy use is rare, effects can range in duration and severity depending on the following factors:

• Amount of the drug taken
• Purity of MDMA used in manufacturing
• Method of intake
• Length of MDMA drug usage
• Whether or not MDMA is used with other substances
• Pre-existing physical and mental health conditions

Let’s look at some of the typical short- and long-term side effects of MDMA.

Short-term effects

Short-term side effects of Molly are usually enjoyable, which is why it often leads to continued use. These effects arise generally within 30 to 45 minutes of taking the drug and include:

• Elevated alertness
• Happiness or euphoria
• Heightened energy levels and stimulation
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Longing to be closer or more connected to others

However, not all short-term effects of MDMA are pleasurable. There are many unwanted mental and physiological effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Confusion
• Depression
• Drug cravings
• Faintness
• High blood pressure
• Involuntary teeth clenching
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Paranoia
• Rapid heart rate
• Restless legs
• Severe dehydration
• Sleep problems
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Vomiting
  

The short-term effects of ecstasy usually last four to six hours. However, in some cases, they can occur or last weeks after ingestion and even have long-term effects.

Long-term effects

The long-term effects of Molly — especially among those who use high doses or use the drug regularly — can range from mild to very serious. Some of these long-term effects include:

• Appetite changes
• Arrhythmia
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Changes in memory and cognitive function
• Depression
• Difficulty with attention or concentration
• Disruption of sleep patterns
• Heart damage
• Heart disease
• Irritability
• Impulsivity
• Liver damage
  

The more ecstasy you use — or the longer you use it — the greater your chances of experiencing long-term effects. These symptoms may last for days or weeks after the initial effects of the drug wear off. In some cases, short- or long-term use of MDMA can cause hyperthermia, a sharp increase in body temperature that can result in liver, kidney, and cardiovascular system failure — and sometimes even death.

Health Risks of Molly/MDMA Addiction

Over the past decade, opioids like fentanyl have been increasingly found in the drug supply, causing a dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths in the US alone.1 As such, the short- and long-term effects of MDMA also come with severe health risks, such as:

• Damage to the serotonin system: MDMA has a severe influence on the distribution of serotonin in the brain. Chronic Molly abuse can cause lasting damage to the serotonin system, an ironic effect that reduces the person’s ability to feel pleasure.
• Heart problems: MDMA is a stimulant, meaning it can have effects similar to other powerful stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine. These can include heart problems such as cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis, or valvular heart disease.
• Liver damage: Molly is considered hepatotoxic to humans, and the abuse of the drug can cause severe liver damage when taken in high doses or for long periods.[5]
• Molly addiction: Molly addiction is one of the most severe health risks of chronic MDMA use.  According to the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), some users report symptoms similar to the criteria of substance use disorder (SUD).

Start Your Recovery Today

If you or a loved one could be experiencing any of the health risks above, it is time to reconsider your Molly use. There’s a chance the short- and long-term effects may subside if you eliminate MDMA from your life, but you may need help cutting back or quitting.

Substance abuse treatment programs like those at STR Behavioral Health provide a path out of the grips of Molly addiction and towards a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Please contact us if you or a loved one needs help with a treatment program. Find a location near you and connect with our admissions team today to find the program that best fits your needs.