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3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) or ‘Ecstasy’ is made out of a synthetic drug that changes a person’s mood or perceptions. A common name for Ecstasy is ‘Molly.’ It is similar to other stimulants and hallucinogens which can produce feelings of warmth, increased energy, pleasure, and distorted time and perception.
Initially, Molly was popular in night-clubs among people who would go to party with their friends. Now it is more commonly used by a broader range of people for the intense effects it has on the body.
Molly has an increase on these three chemicals in the brain:
“MDMA can also stress the heart, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and can damage the kidneys. Animal studies show that MDMA may also damage specific neurons in the brain, 10–12 but research on MDMA’s effects on the human brain is not conclusive at this time.”
Molly or MDMA can last anywhere from 3-6 hours in the body, but many people will take an additional dose because the first dose will begin to fade quickly. Within a week of using the drug, a person may experience some side effects.
Many side effects of Molly (MDMA) can last up to 24 hours after taking the drug, including:
Additional effects can happen the week following Molly use including:
Molly (MDMA) or Ecstasy can be detected in your body anywhere from one to ninety days; it Is dependent upon the frequency of use, the type of test that is done and a person’s unique physical characteristics.
Below are some basic guidelines for how long Molly stays in a person’s system:
Hair: Up to 90 days
Because our hair can trace all drugs that a person uses, it can detect things longer. It is not a common test, but when it is done it can detect Molly for months after using.
Blood: Up to 2 days
Research has shown that when Molly is taken by mouth, it reaches maximal blood concentration in about 2 hours. It can be detected in blood for 1 to 2 days after it is taken.
Saliva: Up to 2 days
Molly can be detected in someone’s saliva for up to 2 days.
Urine: Up to 4 days
Molly can be present in someone’s urine anywhere from 2-4 days.
Like any other drug, Molly can become addictive to someone who uses it frequently and on a consistent basis. Substance use disorder can happen quickly upon using a drug, but it can also happen over a long period of time of using.
“Research results vary on whether MDMA is addictive. Some people report signs of addiction.”
There is a difference between addiction and a dependence or tolerance to a drug. The way that our body reacts to a drug is key in determining what our body needs from it. When someone develops a tolerance to a drug, they will need more and more of the drug in order to experience the same effects of it over time.
When your body becomes dependent or tolerant of a drug or substance it will develop symptoms if it does not have that drug, particularly symptoms that can be uncomfortable if you stop taking it.
“A substance use disorder involves dependence as well as a complex brain-reward system. The neurotransmitter dopamine plays a major role. In some people, it also creates strong cravings for molly.”
There are many treatment options available to someone who is suffering from addiction to the molly drug or MDMA/Ecstasy. Many behavioral therapy methods have been proven to be successful in treating addiction to substances.
“Some people seeking treatment for MDMA addiction have found behavioral therapy to be helpful. There are no specific medical treatments for MDMA addiction.”
Because everyone is going through a different circumstance, their treatment will need to be altered to meet their individual needs. The most common forms of treatment are at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. There has also been shown success in people who work a 12-step program or attend other support groups.
Detoxification – before someone can begin treatment for an addiction, they will need to clear their body of the substance they are using. Detoxification or “detox” is when someone quits using a drug or alcohol and clears it out of their system completely, resulting in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Treatment – A residential or inpatient treatment center can provide a patient with 24-7 support and guidance to help them through their recovery journey. This is the best option for someone and has the highest rate of success for someone in treatment.
Outpatient Treatment – A program that allows the person to remain living in their own home but attends treatment sessions multiple times a week. This is helpful for someone who needs to maintain other obligations for work, family, or other important responsibilities.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction to the drug Molly or MDMA (Ecstasy) it’s important to get help right away and reach out to someone.