Although MDMA is now an illegal substance in the United States and has a reputation as a club drug,it was once used by psychiatrists in the 1970s and 1980s to promote self-discovery among patients.¹

Despite the therapeutic potential that some people believe MDMA may still have, its abuse can lead to serious consequences. At our Palm Springs addiction treatment center, we know that drug abuse of any kind can be harmful and MDMA is no exception.

What is MDMA?

MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that affects your mood and impairs your awareness. It produces feelings of increased energy and euphoria as well as disrupts sensory and time perception. Ecstasy usually comes in the form of a pill or capsule and molly is usually a powder. Despite ecstasy having a reputation of being used in raves and nightclubs, its abuse has gradually expanded outside of these party settings. Over time, repeated use of MDMA may lead to addiction. Those who start to experience withdrawal symptoms should go to an inpatient or outpatient drug program to stop.

Side Effects of Molly Abuse

Despite the temporary feelings of pleasure that the effects of ecstasy provide, its abuse can be dangerous. The effects of molly will vary depending on the user’s height, weight, and the dosage, but short-term and long-term MDMA effects can both be damaging to their health and their life.

Short-Term Effects of MDMA

Everyone is different, but the MDMA effects may initially include:

• Euphoria
• Increased energy
• Dilated pupils
• Jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding
• Heightened senses
• Muscle aches
• Lack of appetite
• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure²

Although there may be a rush of euphoria at first, one of the other molly abuse side effects may also include dehydration. Molly dehydration is typically the result of excessive sweating from an increased body temperature as well as lots of activity. Drinking alcohol with Molly doesn’t help as it often makes dehydration worse.

Long-Term Effects of MDMA

Over time, the feeling of euphoria that users receive from the MDMA effects fade and they may develop an addiction to the drug. Molly addiction can cause severe and sometimes irreversible long-term effects on the user’s body.

With continued use, the long-term effects of MDMA may include:

• Depression
• Distorted memory
• Increased risk of HIV/AIDS
• Problems with concentration and attention
• Risk of liver, kidney, or heart failure²

Even if you only take molly or ecstasy occasionally when out with friends, this habit can cause serious problems in the future. MDMA effects could land you in the hospital or open the door to the abuse of other drugs. The best thing you can do for yourself is to avoid the use of MDMA.

The road to recovery is not easy, but it is possible. If you or a loved are suffering from addiction of any kind, our residential treatment program at Banyan Palm Springs may be able to help you get back on track.

Call us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more.

Sources:

1. NIH- What is the history of MDMA?
2. NIH- MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts