Molly, also known as MDMA or Ecstasy, is the short name for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Medical professionals originally developed this stimulant to treat psychological problems. However, doctors in the U.S. no longer prescribe MDMA. Instead, it’s a street drug that you may recognize as Molly, a drug people use for its euphoria, sociability, and hallucinogenic properties. Read on to learn more about the effects of a Molly drug addiction.
Effects of Molly Drug Use
Molly drug use hit its peak in the late 1990s or early 2000s. It was widely popular in nightclubs and at all-night parties called raves. People seeking a sociable high today still use this drug because it makes them feel euphoric, social and attractive.
At raves, Molly provided enough energy for partygoers to dance all night long. The downside of this energy is its side effects of dehydration and hyperthermia. People taking the drug easily overheat and can quickly die from dehydration.
Molly changes how the brain produces three chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals enable the high for Molly users while also changing brain function.
Brain chemicals that Molly increases include:
- Serotonin, which causes euphoria, empathy, and sociability
- Dopamine, which causes feelings of pleasure, energy, and euphoria
- Norepinephrine, which increases pulse and blood pressure
Damage Caused by Molly
Molly sounds like a fun drug to take until you realize how much damage it does to your body. There are a wide variety of dangerous side effects that MDMA causes. Many of these are permanent changes.
Long-term physical effects of Molly include irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, liver damage, high blood pressure and higher risk for stroke or heart attack. You may also develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
People with addictions to Molly suffer problems in everyday functioning. They often take unnecessary risks, give up favorite activities and stop spending time with family and friends. Memory problems, sleeplessness, mood disorders, and weight changes are other side effects of abusing Molly.
If you’re using Molly, you can expect to start suffering these changes yourself. Once you realize these problems exist, you’ll want to quit Molly, but your addiction will keep you from reaching that goal.
Ending Your Addiction to Molly
If you or someone you love suffers Molly addiction, you’ve seen the changes this drug can bring to your life. To stop sliding downhill and gain enough traction to turn your life around, you need to go to rehab.
Choosing from a variety of addiction treatment programs can be scary. However, you will have help each step of your rehab journey from the supportive professionals at Crestview Recovery and your peers in group therapy. We offer several addiction therapy programs that we tailor to your needs. Your treatment may include:
- Aquatic therapy
- Acupuncture therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma therapy
We also provide a variety of addiction treatment options, such as:
- Intensive outpatient
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Outpatient
- Aftercare
In Portland addiction rehab, you’ll gain the tools and education you need to overcome your addiction and maintain a strong recovery. You can take your life back by calling Crestview Recovery now at 866.262.0531.