Many people mistakenly believe that molly is a harmless drug that poses no risk of long-term damage. When you get the facts about this drug, you will understand that using it can expose you to several types of harm, including the development of molly addiction.
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What Is Molly?
Molly is a slang term for a recreational drug that is also often referred to as ecstasy, E, XTC, and MDMA. It is a synthetic (lab-created) substance that was first developed in the early 1900s.
The full scientific name of this substance is 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which may explain why people often use these other terms when talking about it.
Molly is an empathogen that also has both stimulant-like and mildly psychedelic effects. Someone who takes this drug may experience:
- Increased energy, alertness, and motivation
- Improved mood, to the point of euphoria
- Greater sense of empathy and connection with others
- Enhanced sensitivity to light, sound, and touch
- Altered perception of time
Why Do People Use Molly?
Molly is often included in the informal category of “club drugs,” a group that also includes Rohypnol, GHB, ketamine, and methamphetamine. These drugs earned this moniker because people often take them to enhance their experience at dance clubs, parties, and raves.
In clubs or other environments that include pulsing music and extravagant light shows, molly can intensify a person’s perceptions of these stimuli. At the same time, the drug’s stimulant properties can help an individual resist fatigue and party late into the night – or, in many cases, into the following morning.
Some people may also use molly to enhance or counteract the effects of other recreational drugs, a dangerous practice that is known as polysubstance abuse.
Unfortunately, some predators use molly and other club drugs to disorient or disable victims before assaulting them. As we will discuss later in the Dangers of Molly Addiction section, the drug can also cause memory problems, which can make it difficult for a victim to recall what happened to them or who their assailant was.
Is the Drug Molly Addictive?
Some sources claim that you cannot become addicted to molly. This is not true.
Molly doesn’t pose the same degree of addiction risk that amphetamine, meth, cocaine, opioids, and some other substances do. But that doesn’t mean it poses no risk at all.
People who abuse molly – especially those who take large amounts of the drug or use it for an extended period – may exhibit signs such as:
- Difficulty controlling the amount and frequency of their molly use
- Using molly in ways that are particularly hazardous, such as by combining it with alcohol or other addictive substances
- Continuing to use molly even after prior use of the drug has caused physical, psychological, or social harm
- Tolerance, which means they need to use more molly to experience the effects they could previously achieve with smaller doses
- Developing distressing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when they try to end their molly use
These can all be symptoms of molly addiction. Once someone has become addicted to molly, they may need professional help to stop using the drug for good. Failing to receive effective care can expose a person to considerable harm, which we’ll address in greater detail in the next section.
Dangers of Molly Addiction
In addition to the pleasurable effects that we discussed earlier in this post, molly use has also been linked with a variety of far less enjoyable experiences, such as:
- Dehydration
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Panic
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Injuries due to impaired judgement and perception
The compulsions that are characteristic of molly addiction can cause people to use the drug over and over again, which increases their risk of these negative side effects. Continued molly abuse has also been linked with long-term problems such as:
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Liver damage
The social impact of molly addiction can also include:
- Strained or ruined relationships
- Substandard performance at work or in school
- Legal problems
- Financial difficulties
- Increased risk of being attacked or assaulted
What To Do if You Become Addicted to Molly
If you have become addicted to molly, the best first step is to schedule an assessment with your primary physician or a reputable drug treatment center near you. Completing an assessment and receiving an accurate diagnosis can be vital steps on your path toward a much healthier future.
Molly addiction treatment can look quite different from one person to the next due to factors such as:
- Your age and gender
- Your treatment history
- How long you have been abusing molly
- How you have been impacted by molly addiction
- If you have been abusing or become addicted to other substances
- If you have any co-occurring mental health disorders
- If you have a history of trauma
After evaluating these and other relevant factors, your treatment provider should develop a plan just for you. That plan can include a variety of therapies, and may include one or more of the following programs:
- Detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment
Contact Phoenix Rising to Treat Molly Addiction
Phoenix Rising Recovery offers a full continuum of care for adults who have become addicted to molly and other dangerous substances.
Features of our molly addiction treatment center in Palm Desert, California, include a safe and welcoming environment, customized programming, multiple levels of care, dual diagnosis services for clients with co-occurring mental illnesses, sober living support, and a vibrant aftercare program.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
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