Molly is the crystallized version of MDMA, which is also known as Ecstasy. This widely used club drug can be addictive and even deadly. Understand the short and long-term effects of Molly, as well as what it takes to treat an addiction.
How and Why Molly is Used
Because Molly is a stimulant, it’s popular among those who attend all-night parties and raves. However, an increasing number of people take Molly in other recreational ways that are just as dangerous.
Individuals typically consume Molly in pill or capsule form. It’s often brightly colored, and it may even feature cartoon characters. Molly can look like candy, making it especially appealing to younger teens and especially worrying to parents.
Many Molly users say they take the drug in order to experience a boost of energy along with increased euphoria. They may also use the drug to escape from reality or a way to avoid pain or unhappiness.
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The Immediate Effects of Molly
After consuming Molly, users see an increase in three different chemicals within the brain: dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The effects of Molly last about six hours, although repercussions can last for a week. Even after a single use, many users struggle with negative short-term effects.
For Molly users, increased dopamine generates euphoria. Increased serotonin also enhances the euphoric experience by promoting closeness and encouraging risky sexual behavior. Norepinephrine, the third brain chemical, increases heart rate as well as blood pressure.
Because Molly use releases these three chemicals at the same time, it’s not uncommon for users to continually seek the drug. However, it can also cause serious physical side effects. After Molly consumption, many users will experience nausea, extreme sweating, dehydration, involuntary clenching of the teeth and blurred vision.
After the effects of Molly wear off, users may experience even more unpleasant symptoms. Irritability, aggression, anxiety, depression and a decreased appetite are all common for up to a week using the drug.
The Long-Term Effects of Molly
Individuals who use Molly for a prolonged period of time can also suffer from additional consequences and physical side effects.
Since Molly spikes internal temperature, long-term abuse can cause the body to also struggle with temperature regulation. Because it can cause extreme dehydration, continued Molly abuse possible can also lead to liver, kidney or heart failure.
Long term effects of Molly can also include worsening mental health conditions such as paranoia, anxiety and depression. Because Molly promotes risky behavior as well as closeness, increased sexual activity is common. Unfortunately, it can lead to an increased likelihood of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
Perhaps most damaging, chronic Molly abuse increases tolerance. This means that individuals require more of the drug to feel the same level of euphoria. An increased tolerance can absolutely lead to addiction. When individuals make Molly a top priority in their lives, they can experience broken relationships, financial ruin and career failure in addition to harmful physical symptoms.
Treating a Molly Addiction
Addiction treatment at Sober College offers a rehab for young adults with a wide range of programs. In order to combat dependence on Molly, we recommend detox followed by on-campus residential treatment.
To combat the physical and behavioral effects of Molly and other types of addiction, we offer life-changing therapeutic approaches, including:
- Multi-tiered approach to recovery
- Experiential therapies
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Sober living and continuing care options
- Transferable college courses in a sober environment
Have questions regarding Molly addiction for yourself or a loved one?
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