Author: James Anderson

MDMA Ecstasy Molly National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA

Gay, lesbian, or bisexual people are more likely to have used ecstasy within the last 30 days. Ecstasy is most popular among younger males, ranging from 18 to 25 years old. 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.

  1. Other drugs in this chemical group include methamphetamine and cathinone.
  2. This can make using molly dangerous, and it can increase the risk of unpleasant effects.
  3. The DEA says it’s seen about 200 individual chemical compounds since 2009 and 80 new compounds since 2012.
  4. Today, the drug is still used by a broader group of people who more commonly call it Ecstasy or Molly.

MDMA Addiction, Overdose, and Withdrawal

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. Permits for research uses on humans must be approved by a recognized ethics committee on human research. It targets the serotonin system, a chemical pathway that is affected by other addictive drugs.

They can also cause a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, blood vessel constriction and sweating, and they can prevent the body from regulating temperature. Some of the chemicals have been reported to cause intense, prolonged panic attacks, psychosis and seizures. Molly enhances the activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. In turn, this can increase your heart rate, energy, and mood, respectively. But this increased activity also causes a depletion in your brain’s naturally produced chemicals.

Reinforcement disorders

Additionally, some researchers have suggested that MDMA might be useful as a treatment for some mental conditions, such as PTSD and disordered eating. When used in a therapeutic setting, MDMA may enhance many aspects of talk therapy. Repeated studies show that MDMA can make it easier for someone to approach therapy with vulnerability and an open mind.

What is MDMA?

MDMA is classed as a Schedule 1 controlled substance and is illegal in the United States. However, some researchers are studying ways that MDMA might be useful as a treatment for certain mental health conditions. 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.

Can I get addicted to Ecstasy?

The drug Molly is the crystal or powder form of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), a chemical used in the street drug Ecstasy. Because it is purportedly free of adulterants, such as methamphetamine or caffeine, Molly is commonly touted as being a safer drug than Ecstasy. Research in animals indicates that this drug, also referred to as MDMA or Molly, is neurotoxic and may affect the brain. Clinical studies suggest that ecstasy may increase the risk of long-term or permanent problems with memory and learning.

Sometimes it specifically refers to the powder form of MDMA, but it’s often used as slang for any type of MDMA. Ongoing clinical trials also suggest that ecstasy may help treat chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, in some cases, you may continue to feel the side effects of ecstasy or “molly” the day after you take it. The symptoms may even persist for up to a week or more, especially if MDMA is mixed with other drugs such as marijuana. Chronic users of ecstasy perform more poorly than nonusers on certain types of cognitive or memory tasks.

What does molly look like in pill form?

MDMA (an abbreviation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called “Molly” or “Ecstasy,” is a lab-made (synthetic) drug that has effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine. It is typically sold illicitly as colorful tablets with imprinted logos, capsules, powder, or liquid. Some researchers and organizations consider MDMA to be a psychedelic drug because it can also mildly alter visual and time perception.

Taking an adulterated drug can lead to unexpected and unwelcome side effects and may increase its potential health risks. Over the past decade, illegally made opioids like fentanyl have been increasingly found in the drug supply, and have contributed to a dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States. MDMA can produce stimulant effects such as an enhanced sense of pleasure and self-confidence and increased energy. Its psychedelic effects include feelings of peacefulness, acceptance, and empathy. The immediate impact of ecstasy begins within about 45 minutes of taking a dose. People typically experience an increased sense of well-being and emotional warmth.