You may be asking yourself, what is Molly? Molly is the street name for MDMA or ecstasy. Molly is typically a white powder believed by users to be a purer form of MDMA. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research indicates that this is not the case. At its peak of use as a rave drug on the nightclub scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s, samples of Molly showed that it was 30-40% MDMA on average. More recent samples were even less pure and cut with other dangerous substances, including bath salts, meth, fentanyl, and cocaine. The unknown presence of these substances increases the dangers of taking Molly, especially with alcohol or other drugs.
Drug addiction treatment can help you or a loved one overcome dependence on Molly or other substances. Contact Gulf Breeze Recovery today to learn about treatment options.
What Are the Impacts of MDMA Abuse?
MDMA is a unique synthetic drug in that it produces both the stimulant effects of amphetamine and the hallucinogenic effects of mescaline. Users of MDMA experience euphoria, heightened sociability, increased empathy and energy, and distorted sensory and time perception. MDMA increases the production and activity of three significant neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Serotonin impacts mood, sexual arousal, appetite, sleep patterns, empathy, and more. Norepinephrine controls wakefulness and sleepiness and increases heart rate and blood pressure. Dopamine produces increased energy and activity and manages the brain’s reward and pleasure centers. Typical physical and mental impacts of MDMA on these neurotransmitters include:
- Euphoria, or a sense of intense well-being
- Heightened sensitivity
- Increased sociability and closeness
- Increased physical and emotional energy
- Heightened sense of relaxation
- A sense of excited calm or peace
Given these seemingly pleasurable effects, it can be easy to understand how the popularity of MDMA grew, especially among young people at nightclubs and festivals. However, as the drug has been studied more and has become cut with more dangerous substances, the risks and harmful side effects of MDMA abuse have become more apparent. These include:
- Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Dehydration due to excessive sweating
- Irritability, aggression, depression, and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Blurred or double vision
- Loss of control of bodily movements (ataxia)
- Memory loss and difficulties with attention or concentration
Chronic use of MDMA can result in liver and kidney dysfunction, cardiovascular issues, long-term changes within the brain, and the development of a substance use disorder, which has far-reaching negative impacts on overall well-being and quality of life.
Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance abuse often begins because someone is self-medicating to cope with trauma, significant loss, or mental health issues. Teenagers start using drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure to fit in, or because they have grown up surrounded by substance abuse or addiction. Many people become dependent on prescription pain medications following a severe injury, surgery, or prolonged illness. Whatever the reason for turning to alcohol or drugs, no one ever intends on developing a substance use disorder.
The terms “substance abuse” and “addiction” are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Substance abuse starts first and refers to a drug or alcohol use pattern that can cause intermittent problems in daily life. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, a physical and psychological dependency that causes significant impairment and disruption across all areas of life.
Not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has a substance use disorder, and people are often adept at concealing the extent of their use. If you are unsure if you or a loved one has developed a substance use disorder, consider the following classic signs:
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Mood swings or irritability
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Noticeable changes in appearance
- Increasing conflicts at home, school, work, or overall relationships
- Legal or financial problems
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery for Drug Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is suffering in the grips of a substance use disorder, Gulf Breeze Recovery is here to help. We provide individualized, holistic, comprehensive treatment for a wide array of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in a unique setting designed to foster long-term recovery. Contact us online or by calling 833.551.2304 to learn more about our unique approach to treatment.
