The Facts About Molly Addiction
There are several substances that a person can become addicted to. Though we are currently in the midst of an opioid crisis, it’s important to remember that there are other problematic narcotics out there; one of these is Molly. Here, we will take a look at a Molly addiction: what it is, what the effects of the drug are, and what the numbers and statistics on addiction to it are.
What Is a Molly Addiction?
Molly is the street name for MDMA (another street name is Ecstasy). It is a psychoactive drug with amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic properties. According to an article, Molly produces feelings of increased energy and pleasure. It can also cause distorted sensory and time perceptions. Molly can come in tablet, powder, or liquid form.
Molly: By The Numbers
The use of Molly is relatively low among the general population and instead is often used by kids who are engaged in the party scene. In a recent report, four percent of young adults ages 18-25 reported using MDMA in the past year. This is a low number when compared to the 31.6 percent who report using marijuana, but it’s much lower than the 76.8 percent who report using alcohol. Just 0.9 percent reported using MDMA within the past month.
However, when you look at those in party culture, the numbers rise considerably. Specifically, in nightlife and festival settings among young people across the globe. Nearly 80,000 young adults who use drugs were surveyed for the Global Drugs Survey in 2014. Within this group, more than 50 percent reported going “clubbing” at least four times per year, and for this club group, MDMA was one of the top five drugs used in the past year. Strictly within the US, more than 20 percent of those involved in the party culture reported using MDMA in the past year.
The Effects of a Molly Addiction:
MDMA effects three brain chemicals and increases the activity levels of each:
- Dopamine: use of the drug produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors
- Norepinephrine: drug use increases heart rate and blood pressure
- Serotonin: when used with MDMA, it affects mood, appetite, and sleep. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin also leads to feelings of emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy.
Beyond the effects on the brain chemicals, there are many adverse side effects of using MDMA/Molly. Though by no means an inclusive list, some of these side effects may include:
- Involuntary teeth clenching
- Loss of inhibitions
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Chills and/or sweating
- Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
- Possible seizures
As mentioned previously, Molly is common in nightlife and party scenes and is used most commonly at raves. The drug is a stimulant, and its effects can cause a person to dance for an extended several. When combined with the crowded conditions that are typically found at raves, the use of the drug can lead to severe dehydration and hyperthermia. This can lead to muscle breakdowns and result in kidney, liver, and cardiovascular failure. Hyperthermia has also been reported in some of the Ecstasy-related deaths. After-effects can include sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.
Long Term Effects of Molly Addiction
The long-term health impacts suffered by Molly users are still under investigation and still in the early stages. Using Molly does not appear to cause any marked cognitive differences between people who use it and those who don’t. There is also evidence to suggest that the adverse effects of using the drug decrease and even reverse themselves once users stop taking it.
If you or someone you know suffers from a Molly addiction, reach out to Soul Surgery and begin the road to recovery. The professional and caring staff are skilled in addressing recovery from all types of substances, and we look forward to finding a personalized plan that covers the needs of each patient. We offer holistic care, outpatient and inpatient treatment, and residential treatment options.
