MDMA, commonly referred to as “molly”, is a popular drug among young people. While many users believe the drug to be harmless, especially if only used occasionally, they may not be aware of the actual dangers of using it. If you are asking yourself the question “Is molly physically addictive?”, you may be surprised by the answer.
The Basics About Molly
Molly and MDMA are both names for a drug whose full name is methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Classified as a stimulant, molly causes hallucinogenic effects when used, and also elevates a person’s perception and experience with things like lights and music.
The majority of users take molly in pill form, although the powder in the pill can be mixed into a drink, snorted, or injected. Molly became a popular drug several years ago, especially among teenagers and young adults. Many take molly when going out to bars, concerts, raves, and other places that feature lots of lights and music.
The hallucinogenic effect of the drug not only intensifies the senses of sight and hearing but also causes many users to feel more sociable. For those who want to feel more confident and enjoy themselves more when socializing, molly can provide a sense of feeling outgoing while among others. In addition, because molly is a stimulant, many consumers use it for the burst of energy it provides.
A typical dosage of molly lasts between three to six hours, with the peak experience of its side effects tapering off after two to four hours. People who use molly as a way to stay awake longer, such as during late-night parties or other social gatherings, often take more than one dosage. This causes the effects to last longer than usual.
Molly goes by several slang names, making it hard for a lot of parents and other caregivers to know if their loved one is using it. Common nicknames include:
- X or XTC
- Vitamin X
- E or Vitamin E
- E-bomb
- Adam
- Scooby snacks
- Ecstasy
- Happy pill
The Dangers of Using Molly
Even without the concern about if molly is physically addictive, there are other dangers associated with its usage. Molly has something dangerous in common with other illegal narcotics: it is often made by mixing in other ingredients the user doesn’t know about. These items can range from additional drugs or non-drug additives, many of which are dangerous to ingest. People often end up requiring medical help when they take drugs that have unknown ingredients in them.
Molly affects the production of norepinephrine, a chemical naturally produced by the brain. This effect can increase a person’s blood pressure and heart rate, which becomes even more dangerous if the person is over-exerting themselves due to the increased energy stimulants provided.
Other dangerous side effects from using molly can include:
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Chills
- Blurry vision
- Memory problems
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Aggressiveness
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Poor impulse control
Is Molly Physically Addictive or Not?
Classified as a Schedule I drug, molly is not only illegal but has a high risk of people becoming addicted to it. A Schedule I drug is defined as having the potential for abuse, having no medicinal value, and a lack of safety for use under medical supervision. Other Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, quaaludes, peyote, and bath salts.
Studies on determining is molly physically addictive can be challenging because the drug is so often made with different and unknown materials. Other addictive narcotics may be mixed into batches of molly, causing the risk of developing an addiction to them. Even someone who may not be abusing molly may experience withdrawal symptoms after using even one dosage. The symptoms include confusion, memory problems, difficulty focusing, depression, and a craving to use the drug again.
Even if a physical addiction does not take hold, psychological dependence on molly can develop. One of the effects of using molly involves how it creates changes in brain activity. Molly mimics the production of dopamine, which elevates levels of happiness in a person. It also causes a rise in serotonin levels, which causes an improvement in a person’s mood, as well as sometimes increasing their levels of sexual arousal.
With repeated use of MDMA, the brain becomes reliant on the production of chemicals it otherwise naturally produces, including dopamine and serotonin. Often when a person whose brain has become accustomed to chemicals produced unnaturally by a substance such as molly, it can cause problems if the person stops taking the drug. An addiction to the effects develops, making it difficult for a person to stop taking molly because their moods are negatively impacted without using it.
When Molly is Physically Addictive: Seeking Help
When a person reaches a point that they have an addiction to molly, whether solely physical or involving psychological addiction, it becomes necessary to seek treatment. Residential treatment helps many people with substance use disorders, while some are able to recover by using outpatient programs, including sober living homes. Therapy, holistic treatment, and help managing any co-occurring mental illnesses comprise a multi-prong approach that can lead a person away from addiction to molly.
Treatment for Molly Addiction in Los Angeles
If you or a young adult you know has become addicted to molly or other substances, we can help. Our gender-specific sober living houses provide the perfect haven to work on your recovery before returning home. We provide access to therapy, transportation, and help with mental health issues. Our pet-friendly houses are modern, comfortable, and located in beautiful Los Angeles. Contact Riviera Recovery today to find out how we can help you put addiction behind you.
