Shulgin went on to develop a range of new compounds, including MDMA and PMMA (paramethoxymethamphetamine), many of which ended up as versions of street ecstasy. Although ecstasy affects many neurotransmitters in the brain impacted by other addictive drugs, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that research has not determined whether MDMA is addictive. The American Society of Addiction Medicine shares that the definition of addiction is continued use despite harmful consequences. It targets the serotonin system, a chemical pathway that is affected by other addictive drugs.
- The name “molly” comes from the way the drug is bought and consumed.
- The emergency and referral resources listed above are available to individuals located in the United States and are not operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
- Dependence develops due to repeated use after your body adapts to the presence of the drug and needs it in order to function optimally.
- However, the powder in Ecstasy is mixed with other ingredients to help it keep its shape and sometimes reduce production costs.
Molly/Ecstasy Side Effects
In some cases, this can cause liver, kidney or heart failure, which can be fatal. MDMA abuse is also linked with risky sexual behaviors, which can increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or hepatitis. While the underlying chemical in both ecstasy and Molly is the same, the two drugs do differ in some ways. In pressed tablet form, MDMA is known as ecstasy; in a “pure” powder form, it’s referred to as Molly.
MDMA Addiction, Overdose, and Withdrawal
It’s not uncommon for party drugs to have female nicknames (for instance, methamphetamine is also known as Tina). While molly and ecstasy administration methods differ, they still contain the same synthetic fentanyl laced weed compound. Molly is thought to be the purer of the two, but both can be mixed with different substances, creating undesirable and harmful effects on a person’s physical and mental well-being.
Molly vs Ecstasy: What’s the difference?
A comprehensive addiction treatment program is one of the most advisable ways to treat problematic drug use as it can help people cope with cravings, deal with triggers, and avoid relapse. Molly is short for “molecular.” It was given this nickname because this ecstasy comes in power or crystallized form, not in traditional pill form. Molly can be purchased in capsule form or in a baggie, and it can be swallowed or snorted. The name change coincided with a boom in popularity in electronic dance music (EDM). The new name appears to have attracted a new cohort of youngsters to ecstasy (possibly as a marketing tactic).
While it’s true that they’re both forms of MDMA, there are some slight differences. Below is more information that you should know about molly vs ecstasy. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Its primary effects are in the brain on neurons that use the chemical serotonin to communicate with other neurons.
Signs & Symptoms of an Ecstasy or Molly Overdose
The name “molly” comes from the way the drug is bought and consumed. It’s thought to be a pure “crystalline” or “molecular” powder co-occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety form of MDMA by people who use it. Generally, MDMA is taken in capsules, although it also comes in liquid or powder forms.
In a 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was shown that of those 12 years of age and older, almost 2.2 million people used ecstasy in the last 12 months. MDMA primarily works its magic by elevating serotonin activity in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—a molecule used by the nervous system to carry messages between brain cells and muscles cells. Compared to LSD, MDMA also increases plasma concentrations of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” as it promotes social bonding, trust, empathy, and sexual attraction.
Individual counseling involves meeting one-on-one with a therapist to discuss your struggles and work through addiction-related challenges. Here, you can learn about the root causes of your substance abuse, develop strategies for dealing with cravings and triggers, and explore other treatment options. MDMA can also cause you to grind your teeth, which can result in dental problems.
Another significant danger is the fact that people taking ecstasy don’t know what they are actually ingesting. In one study, researchers found that only 60% of samples contained any MDMA at all and many were mixed with so-called “fake cocaine,” a substance typically made with synthetic cathinone. In nearly 25% of the samples, the researchers were unable to identify what was actually in the tablets.
For street use, ecstasy is made illegally in labs with many ingredients, including isosafrole, amphetamine, and caffeine. Note that if a drug is sold as “ecstasy,” it still may not have any MDMA at all. Addictive ingredients are used to make ecstasy, causing you to crave more. Along with these mental and physical effects of ecstasy, the drug also causes changes in how you see the world, such as not knowing what time it is or seeing things that are not there.
Beyond the physical risks, the psychological impact of MDMA abuse is significant. Additionally, the social and legal consequences of MDMA abuse can disrupt one’s life significantly. This classification is used for substances that have a high potential for addiction and misuse. Some studies are finding therapeutic uses for MDMA in treating certain mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recovering from drug addiction can be extremely difficult without professional support.
For those in the Central Ohio area, The Recovery Village Columbus offers a full continuum of addiction services, ranging from medical detox to outpatient care. Our inpatient facility features a wide variety of amenities, including an art studio, a yoga room and two gyms, so you will be able to enjoy various activities during your stay in treatment. If you’re ready to take the first step toward recovery, contact us today to learn more about MDMA addiction treatment programs that can work well for your situation. The crystalline form may also be sold under the name Molly or other names. The powder does not bind well into pill form by itself, so ecstasy involves at least some fillers to maintain its shape. In many cases, this means other active ingredients, which can have an intense effect on the person taking the ecstasy pill.
Or, there may be other people at their home who use substances, creating an environment they don’t wish to be around as they pursue sobriety. Residential treatment eliminates access to substances like MDMA, reducing temptation and allowing a person to progress through treatment. MDMA addiction is a real threat, especially for young individuals. Since the drug messes with the chemical balance in the brain, it’s very easy to develop addictive habits. Molly and ecstasy are both MDMA, but they represent two different forms of the drug.
Insomnia and sleep deprivation caused by excessive MDMA use can lead to short-term amphetamine psychosis and memory loss. Since MDMA increases your heart rate, using too much Molly or ecstasy can create cardiovascular problems that can be exacerbated by dehydration. The purity of Molly varies widely, but you shouldn’t assume the powder you’re buying is purer than ecstasy tablets. In fact, research has found little difference between the contents of Molly and ecstasy samples. In many cases, Molly is simply ground-up tablets that would be sold to others, likely older, users as ecstasy. The name “molly” is short for “molecular.” Molly is used as a slang term for 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA).
Outpatient treatment is better suited to individuals with less severe addiction and a safe and sober environment at home. People often choose outpatient treatment if they have outside responsibilities to maintain while overcoming addiction, such as childcare, education or work. The intensity of outpatient programs can vary, with some attending treatment every day or a few times per week for several months. You may also participate in a medication-assisted detox program to help you manage severe withdrawal symptoms, allowing you to direct your focus on the rest of your treatment and prevent a relapse. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
In more concrete terms, the drug has a unique touchy-feely pharmacological profile that increases feelings of emotional empathy, closeness with others, and prosocial behavior. MDMA is a psychedelic often referred to as the “hug drug.” With a reputation as a party pill, MDMA can heighten sensations and enhance social connection. However, this potent compound boasts therapeutic uses that extend far beyond its ability to bring good feels at a rave. Ecstasy is a colorful tablet often imprinted with a specific brand and disguised among other colorful candies. Treatment is available to help you overcome current addictions and create better habits to avoid future addictive behavior.
This powder can then either be sold in pressed tablets, which is ecstasy or as a “pure” powder, usually in capsules, which is Molly. Molly is a slang name for the synthetic substance 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). By itself, MDMA has properties that are similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens.
It can be a challenge to step back and realize you or a loved one might be misusing molly or any other drug. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will detox and treatment articles answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
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