Molly is widely known as a party drug. But how much to you really know about this substance? For example, when you take molly, what are you actually putting into your body? What are the short- and long-term effects of molly abuse? Can you get addicted to molly?
What is “Molly”?
Molly is the street name of a recreational substance that can produce euphoric, hallucinogenic effects. The actual name of this synthetic drug is 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine, or MDMA.
Molly usually appears as a crystal powder. When MDMA is used in tablet or capsule form, it is often referred to as ecstasy or XTC.
MDMA was originally synthesized in 1912 by a chemist who was employed by Merck, a German pharmaceutical company. Researchers explored potential uses for the drug several times through the decades, without much success. In the 1970s some therapists began to use the drug to promote more open and introspective conversations among clients. Recreational use of MDMA also increased during the 1970s and 1980s.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classified MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1985. According to the DEA website, Schedule I drugs have “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.†Although the DEA has determined that MDMA is a dangerous substance, the Schedule I classification does not answer the question, can you get addicted to molly?
Symptoms of Molly Use
Someone who has taken molly may initially exhibit symptoms such as:
- Dilated or enlarged pupils
- Elevated mood
- Surge of energy
- Feelings of euphoria
- Loss of inhibitions
- Heightened sense of empathy and openness
- Increased self-confidence
Some of the less-pleasurable symptoms of molly use include:
- Muscle cramping
- Blurred vision
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Excessive perspiration
- Nausea
- Dehydration
Molly use can also cause a person to involuntarily clench their jaw and grind their teeth. This can be both painful and a potential source of future dental problems.
Dangers of Taking Molly
People who engage in recreational molly abuse typically do so as a means of experiencing enhanced pleasure. However, in addition to the potentially distressing side effects mentioned in the previous section, molly use can also expose a person to other types of harm.
The potential dangers of using molly include:
- Extended side effects: After molly’s initial effects wear off, a person may experience irritability, depression, memory problems, disrupted sleep, and anxiety. These extended side effects may persist for a week after the person took molly.
- Abuse or assault: When a person is under the influence of molly, they may not have the clarity, strength, or situational awareness they need to prevent physical abuse and/or sexual assault.
- Unintentional physical harm: The diminished inhibitions that molly can produce may result in a person engaging in unsafe sex or other dangerous practices. This can lead to injuries, sexually transmitted infections, and possible exposure to HIV/AIDS.
- Addiction: Yes, you can get addicted to molly. The urges and compulsions that are associated with molly addiction can have a profound negative effect on a person’s body and mind.
Another significant danger of using molly is that you often have no way of knowing what drug you are actually taking. Molly is often mixed with other substances, including caffeine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. These substances can significantly alter the effects a person experiences, which may expose them to even greater harm.
Symptoms of Molly Addiction
The clinical term for addiction to molly or MDMA is hallucinogen use disorder. Symptoms and warning signs of molly addiction may include:
- Spending considerable amounts of time seeking molly, using it, and recovering from its effects.
- Making molly use a priority over important personal, academic, or professional responsibilities.
- Using molly in exceedingly dangerous ways, such as combining it with alcohol or other drugs, or taking it prior to driving a car.
- Lying or being otherwise deceptive about their use of molly.
- Trying to borrow or steal money so they can acquire more of the drug.
- Needing to use larger amounts of molly to experience the high they could previously achieve by using much less of the drug.
- Becoming irritated or agitated when they can’t use molly.
- Trying to stop using molly and discovering they are unable to do so.
The symptoms of molly addiction can be different from person to person. But if someone has been exhibiting signs such as the ones listed above, they may need professional help.
Treatment for Molly Addiction
Treatment for molly addiction may involve detoxification, psychotherapy, education, and other services.
Detoxification, or detox, can help a person get through withdrawal. When a person who has become addicted to molly stops taking the drug, they may experience considerable psychological pain. Common symptoms of molly withdrawal include anxiety, depression, intense cravings for molly, disorientation, loss of appetite, and sleep problems.
If a person tries to stop using molly on their own, these symptoms can quickly push them back into their self-defeating behaviors. During detox, they will be in a safe place with no access to molly or other addictive substances. Detox professionals can offer both medical care and therapeutic support to help people manage their symptoms and minimize their distress.
After a person completes detox for molly addiction, they can then begin to build the skills that will enable them to resist relapse. Therapy can help people understand what contributed to their substance abuse in the first place. Therapy can also help people address any co-occurring mental health concerns that have been undermining their ability to live a healthier life.
Detox, therapy, education, and continued support can empower a person to successfully pursue a drug-free future.
Safely Detox From Molly Addiction in Memphis, TN
Detoxification can be an essential first step on the path toward long-term recovery from molly addiction. Brentwood Springs Detox is a premier provider of comprehensive detox services for adults in the Memphis, Tennessee, area. With our help, you can end your molly abuse once and for all. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
