Molly, also known as Ecstasy or MDMA, is a synthetic (lab-made), psychoactive, hallucinogenic drug that enhances mood and tactile experiences, distorts time perception, and has an energizing effect.
Using Molly carries serious health risks, including dehydration, hyperthermia, and mental status changes. In addition, Molly withdrawal symptoms can develop about 24 hours after last use. These physical and psychological symptoms of Molly withdrawal can be managed with detox and therapy.
If you or someone you love is experiencing Molly (MDMA or Ecstasy) addiction, please keep reading to learn more.
What is Molly (Ecstasy)?
Molly (also called Ecstasy) is the street name for 3,4-methyldendioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA). It is an illegal stimulant drug that comes in pill, liquid, and powder forms. The drug is swallowed (tablets and capsules) or crushed and snorted (powder). Molly (slang for “molecular”) refers to the pure crystalline powder form of MDMA that is sold in capsules.
Molly is called a “designer drug” because it was especially designed to cause hallucinations, alter perceptions, and make the user high. It is popular with adolescents and young adults as a party drug. Molly is commonly used at clubs, concerts, and rave parties to reduce inhibitions, promote euphoria, and enhance empathy, closeness, and sexuality.
What Does MDMA Look Like?
Molly tablets are often engraved with different symbols, motifs, and branding such as doves, blue elephants, cars (Ferrari), numbers (8 ½), and cartoon characters (Bugs Bunny).
Other common street names of Molly include Biscuit, Disco Biscuit, Clarity, Beans, Adam, A, 007, Eve, E, Hug Drug, Go, Peace, Lover’s Speed, X, XTC, and STP.
How Does Molly Make You Feel?
The effects of Molly (MDMA) are similar to other hallucinogenic drugs like amphetamines and psychedelic drugs like LSD. These effects are dose dependent, meaning taking a bigger amount of the drug causes more intense effects.
The initial effects of Molly occur 30-60 minutes after ingestion of the drug, peak at 90 minutes, and last for 4-8 hours on average.
Auditory and/or visual hallucinations are not common with MDMA use. The drug is commonly abused because of its pleasurable effects like euphoria, increased empathy, disinhibition, and increased sensuality. MDMA is often called the “hug drug” because it amplifies the desire to socialize and be hugged.
Side Effects of Molly
In addition to the desired effects like euphoria, loss of inhibition, intense feelings of closeness or empathy, and increased sensuality, Molly also causes unwanted side effects.
Physical Effects:
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Dry mouth
- Grinding of teeth
- Clenching of the jaw
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Flushed skin
- Sweating
- Chills
- Nausea
- Elevated body temperature
Psychological Effects:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Paranoia
- Agitation
Long-Term Side Effects:
- Problems with thinking, attention, problem-solving, and memory due to brain damage
Serious Side Effects:
Teens and young adults use Molly at raves that take place in clubs and dance halls. MDMA users typically ingest the drug to dance all night to electronic music and laser lights. Thousands of people gather and dance for many hours in hot, crowded venues. This can lead to serious side effects of Molly such as:
- Dehydration
- Hyperthermia (overheating or heat stroke) with activities like dancing
- Hyponatremia (low sodium)
- Hypertensive crisis (dangerously high blood pressure)
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Signs of serotonin syndrome
- Seizures
- Muscle breakdown
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
- Death
Molly Withdrawal Symptoms
MDMA (Molly or Ecstasy) produces its effects by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters in the brain – serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These natural chemicals regulate:
- Mood, appetite, sleep, and sexual arousal (serotonin)
- Energy, activity, pleasurable behaviors, and rewards (dopamine)
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological functions (norepinephrine)
Using Molly repeatedly can lead to tolerance (needing more of the drug to get the same effects) and withdrawal (experiencing uncomfortable symptoms when use is discontinued).
Studies suggest that Molly (Ecstasy or MDMA) addiction may be less likely to occur than addiction to other stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. This is because the rewarding effects of Molly decline sharply and the unpleasant side effects increase with frequent or continued use of the drug. Similarly, the withdrawal symptoms of Molly may be less severe compared to the withdrawal syndromes associated with many other illegal drugs. Nonetheless, users can experience the following Molly withdrawal symptoms during the comedown from the drug.
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Agitation
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Tremors
- Excessive sleepiness
Approximate Timeline of Molly Withdrawal
The length and severity of the withdrawal symptoms of Molly depend on various factors such as the amount, frequency, and duration of drug use. In addition, polysubstance use (combining Molly with alcohol or marijuana, for example) can prolong or complicate Molly withdrawal. Moreover, other co-occurring mental health issues can affect the severity and timeline of Molly withdrawal symptoms.
Generally speaking, symptoms of withdrawal from stimulants start within 24 hours of last use and resolve over the next 3-5 days. Each person’s experience during Molly withdrawal can be different, but here is a withdrawal timeline and common withdrawal symptoms:
1-3 Days:
Fatigue, lethargy, tremors, muscle aches, and changes in appetite and sleep habits.
4-10 Days:
Anxiety, depression, irritability, and agitation.
11-28 Days:
Memory and attention problems.
Dangers and Risks of Molly Use
In 2022, about 3% of the US population aged 12 years or older (8.5 million people) reported using hallucinogens in the past year. The highest percentage of hallucinogenic drug users were young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years (7.7% or 2.7 million people), followed by people 26 years or older (2.5%) and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (1.4%).
These numbers on hallucinogens, including MDMA abuse, are worrisome. There is a mistaken belief that MDMA (Molly or Ecstasy) is a safe drug with a low risk of toxicity. However, the truth is that MDMA is a powerful psychoactive drug that can have unpredictable effects and serious health consequences. MDMA abuse leads to an alarming number of emergency room visits worldwide. The risks and dangers of Molly use are briefly described below.
Overdose
A typical tablet of Molly contains 50-100 mg of MDMA. Doses of 1-2 mg/kilogram of body weight are effective in providing the desired pleasurable effects of the drug. Severe side effects like hyperthermia can occur at doses of 4-5 mg/kg (equivalent to 3 or 4 Molly tablets for a person weighing 70 kg or 154 lbs).
An overdose of MDMA (Molly or Ecstasy) can lead to hyperthermia, seizures, blood clotting problems, heart arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke, liver failure, kidney failure, and death.
Most deaths due to MDMA use occur due to hyperthermia and heat stroke (dehydration and elevated body temperature from to dancing in hot, crowded venues). Many people with MDMA toxicity have symptoms of serotonin syndrome (too much serotonin in the brain), muscle breakdown, and acute renal failure.
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+18442884672 Note: Using Molly with alcohol or certain prescription drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are antidepressants is associated with an increased risk of serious health effects.
Addiction
Research suggests that MDMA has the potential to be habit-forming. But more research is needed to confirm this. Some people who regularly use MDMA develop symptoms of a substance use disorder, such as:
- Continued use of Molly despite negative side effects.
- Tolerance (needing to take increasingly larger amounts of Molly to get the same effects).
- Drug cravings.
- Withdrawal symptoms of Molly when attempting to quit.
Notably, animal studies show that MDMA is not as addictive as other stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
Interestingly, MDMA-based psychotherapy has shown promising results in people with treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, FDA advisors have voted against approving the use of MDMA in PTSD patients because the risks outweigh the benefits.
Neurotoxicity
Like other amphetamines, MDMA can lead to potentially fatal neurotoxic effects including brain bleeds and stroke because of damage to blood vessels in the brain from increased blood pressure.
In addition, MDMA is a selective serotonergic neurotoxin that causes a massive release of serotonin. Animal studies have shown that regular use of Molly or Ecstasy (MDMA) can cause long-term neurotoxic effects including:
- Brain damage resulting in memory and attention problems.
- Psychiatric complications such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, confusion, and paranoia.
Adulteration
One of the reasons that using Molly is particularly dangerous is it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the purity of the drug. The process of synthesizing MDMA in a laboratory is relatively simple. But the drug is manufactured in clandestine locations and illicit laboratories located in garages and basements with questionable quality control measures.
Additionally, MDMA tablets are frequently cut or mixed with other psychoactive substances such as ketamine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, heroin, synthetic cathinones (bath salts), MDA, and herbal ecstasy (ephedrine). Adulteration can increase the risk of unexpected and life-threatening side effects in people with MDMA addiction.
When to Seek Professional Help: What Are the Signs of Molly Addiction?
Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a reference text to diagnose substance use disorders. Therefore, a formal diagnosis of hallucinogen use disorder can only be made by a mental health professional. However, there are signs and symptoms of Molly or Ecstasy addiction that can provide clues that a person needs help.
- Having a pattern of use of Molly that leads to significant distress and/or significant problems with day-to-day functioning.
- Experiencing frequent strong drug cravings for Molly in stressful situations, during times of happiness, and while socializing.
- Using Molly in situations that puts themselves or others in danger.
- Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of MDMA use.
- Failing to meet work and family responsibilities due to Molly use.
- Developing significant tolerance to Molly (needing to take higher doses to get the same effects).
- Having issues controlling MDMA use.
- Formally stating they wish to stop but being unable to do so.
- Spending significant amounts of time trying to obtain, use, and recover from Molly use.
- Continuing to use MDMA despite negative effects on their job, relationships, and other important aspects of life.
- Recognizing that MDMA addiction is causing health problems but continuing to use the drug.
Molly Withdrawal Detox and Treatment
What is an Ecstasy Detox?
The first step in treating MDMA addiction is a medically-supervised detoxification program during which a team of healthcare professionals manages Molly withdrawal symptoms. The team consists of physicians who specialize in addiction medicine as well as psychiatrists, therapists, caseworkers, and other medical professionals.
Following an Ecstasy detox, teenagers or young adults who have developed a Molly or Ecstasy addiction may need inpatient (residential) treatment, at least initially, to remove them from the influences of bad company and help them focus on recovery.
In some cases, an intensive outpatient treatment program may be possible instead of a residential program.
Counselling and Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Numerous large trials have shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for people with alcohol and drug use disorders. CBT can be offered in individual, couples, family, and group settings.
The core principals of CBT are that mental health problems such as MDMA addiction develop due to unhealthy or negative thinking patterns, and that people suffering from these problems can learn more positive ways of thinking as well as develop coping skills. What makes CBT particularly effective for Ecstasy addiction is that it includes elements such as:
- Motivational enhancement to increase the likelihood of a person sticking with MDMA addiction treatment.
- Contingency management to reinforce and reward positive behaviors during recovery.
- Relapse prevention to identify high-risk situations and manage them.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, it focuses on combining opposing ideas. The goal is to help people in recovery understand how their thoughts and behaviors affect their lives and to make changes in these unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
There are no specific medications that are approved for use in people recovering from Ecstasy addiction. However, healthcare professionals can prescribe medications to make Molly withdrawal symptoms less distressing. For example:
- IV fluids.
- Benzodiazepines for anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and seizure control.
- Muscle relaxants for muscle spasms.
- Nitroglycerine for cardiovascular stabilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ecstasy Withdrawal Painful?
Ecstasy withdrawal can be uncomfortable. The psychological symptoms of Molly withdrawal are typically more severe than the physical symptoms. People struggling with multiple addictions or severe, long-term Ecstasy use are more likely to have a painful withdrawal from Ecstasy. A medical detox program at a treatment center can ease Molly withdrawal symptoms and ensure safe withdrawal from MDMA.
How long do Molly withdrawal symptoms last?
The withdrawal timeline from Molly can vary depending on the amount used, the purity of MDMA, and the duration of the MDMA addiction. Generally speaking, the comedown (physical withdrawal symptoms of Molly) starts 24 hours after last use and resolve over the next 3-5 days. However, psychological withdrawal symptoms of Molly, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, agitation, and panic attacks can last for up to 10 days. Molly withdrawal symptoms such as memory and attention problems can last for 10-28 days or longer.
What causes the withdrawal symptoms of Molly?
Prolonged or repeated use of Molly causes the user’s brain to become dependent on the drug to function normally and experience normal emotions. When a person stops taking Molly after continued or repeated use, it takes their brain time to adjust to the absence of the drug. This causes the withdrawal symptoms of Molly, which are usually the opposite of what the user experienced during a Molly high.
Are there any home remedies for easing symptoms of Molly withdrawal?
Home remedies for Molly withdrawal symptoms are usually ineffective and do not treat the root cause of the MDMA addiction, leading to relapse. Moreover, without a medically-supervised Molly detox, the withdrawal symptoms can quickly worsen and become dangerous. For this reason, it is vital to seek care from a professional treatment center for substance use disorders where healthcare professionals can manage Molly withdrawal symptoms.
Final Thoughts: Molly Withdrawal Symptoms Can Be Managed with a Professional Treatment Program
MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly) is a lab-made party drug that has hallucinogenic and psychedelic properties. It is especially popular among young people in clubs and rave parties because it causes euphoria, intense emotions, altered perceptions, and enhanced energy.
Using Molly can be habit-forming. This stimulant drug can also cause serious health complications. Withdrawal symptoms of Molly occur when users attempt to quit using it. Molly can prove fatal in some cases due to dehydration and hyperthermia (heat stroke). Other health effects of MDMA abuse include heart rhythm abnormalities, kidney damage, liver damage, and long-term brain damage.
If you or a loved one has developed an MDMA addiction, seeking help at a professional addiction treatment center such as Discover Recovery is crucial. A research-backed, medically-supervised Molly detoxification and inpatient rehabilitation program can help you or your loved one get your life back on track.
Related Resources and Articles
Here is some further reading from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA):
