MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also known as Molly or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, hallucinogen, and entactogen.
It’s normally used recreationally for its hallucinogenic and stimulating high, as well as its ability to increase or promote sociability. MDMA is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has no medical use and a high potential for abuse or addiction. Molly is often created in illegal labs and cut with other substances to increase productivity and profit. As a result, its ingredients are often unknown to users, and its side effects are unpredictable. If you’ve ever wondered, “How long does Molly stay in your system?” our Pompano Beach treatment center is laying out the facts.
How Long Does It Take for Molly to Kick In?
MDMA (ecstasy) works by increasing the levels of three neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow neurons in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Together, these three are known to affect mood, energy level, appetite, trust, sexual activity, emotions, sleep, and reward.
Ecstasy is usually sold in the form of tablets or pills that can be taken orally. Molly pills often have a smiley face or character on them. The effects of Molly kick in within 30 minutes after taking the drug.
Some common side effects of taking Molly include:
- Euphoria
- Warm sensation
- Increased sociability
- Heightened sensations of touch, sound, and smell
- Dry mouth
- Uncontrollable jaw/teeth clenching
- Muscle cramping or tension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased interest in sex
- Decreased pleasure from sex
- Irritability
- Sleep problems
- Impaired judgment
- Memory and attention problems
Some ecstasy high effects can last for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the dosage and whether the person continues using it over a period of time. While the side effects of Molly may seem pleasurable at first, the high is often outlived by its more harmful side effects. Individuals who use ecstasy are also at risk of developing an addiction. Despite the common myths about Molly, it can be addictive because of the way it affects neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. Those who have become dependent on this drug can recover with the help of our PHP treatment program at our Pompano Beach rehab center.
How Long Does Ecstasy Stay In Your System?
In one study, researchers found that the effects of Molly peak within the first two hours after taking it and decrease after around 4 to 6 hours. However, while a Molly high lasts for about 3 to 6 hours, the half-life of ecstasy is 8 to 9 hours. For those wondering how long Molly stays in your system, this means that MDMA’s side effects can last much longer than the high it produces. Ecstasy (Molly) can stay in your body for up to 4 days. However, this number depends on how the person is tested for traces of the drug.
Although it’s not one of the five drugs tested by the standard five-panel drug test most employers use, Molly can show up on a drug test.
Detection times for how long ecstasy lasts in your system:
- Blood: An MDMA drug test can detect Molly in the blood for 1 to 2 days after it’s taken.
- Urine: Ecstasy can be detected in urine for 2 to 4 days after it’s taken.
- Hair: Like other drugs, Molly can be detected in hair follicles for several months.
The way it’s used also affects how long MDMA stays in your system and its detection window. The faster it’s absorbed into the bloodstream, the shorter the detection window. For instance, when compared to oral ingestion, Molly will stay in the body for a shorter amount of time when it’s snorted.
Factors That Affect How Long Ecstasy Is in Your System
There are plenty of other factors that can also influence how long Molly stays in your system, including how much of it is taken, how often it’s taken, and the individual’s metabolism.
- Dosage and frequency of use: When taken in larger doses or multiple doses are taken over time, MDMA can last longer in the body. Similarly, first-time users may have a shorter detection window for ecstasy than long-time users.
- Body type: Many drugs tend to build up in fatty tissue, meaning that people with a high body mass index (BMI) or more body fat may take longer to eliminate the drug from their systems.
- Metabolism: A person’s metabolism can be affected by age, level of physical activity, and other health conditions. The higher the metabolism, the shorter the detection window for ecstasy.
- Other health concerns: Other underlying health conditions, such as liver and kidney disease, can also impact how quickly a person metabolizes MDMA. Because these two organs are mainly responsible for flushing toxins out of the body, a person with conditions in these areas may struggle to metabolize Molly.
The Dangers of Ecstasy
The consequences of MDMA use can be unpredictable and even harmful. The effects of ecstasy usage on the body's capacity to control temperature are among the most important hazards linked with the drug. This can result in hyperthermia, a condition in which the body temperature increases to risky levels, possibly harming or even killing the patient's organs. Dehydration, muscle strain, and a quick heartbeat are among other physical side effects of ecstasy use that can all lead to health issues.
Additionally, people can experience MDMA withdrawal, but the intensity and duration of the symptoms can differ depending on a number of variables, including dosage, frequency, and duration of use, and individual biological and psychological differences. When a person quits taking MDMA after a time of intensive or lengthy use, withdrawal symptoms from the substance may develop.
Ecstasy abuse also has significant psychological risks. Serotonin levels in the brain are affected by the substance, resulting in sensations of euphoria and empathy. However, users may experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders in the days and weeks after use. This is because these effects are frequently fleeting. Long-term ecstasy use can also cause memory loss and cognitive issues, such as trouble focusing, solving problems, and making decisions. These dangers highlight the significance of abstaining from ecstasy usage and seeking assistance if you or someone you love is battling drug addiction.
Can You Overdose on Ecstasy?
Yes, an ecstasy overdose is possible. The unpredictability of the substance means that even a single dose can result in health complications. This may occur because the user ingested a high dose on purpose or even when they intend to take less, only for their stash to be unexpectedly potent. If you find someone that you fear is experiencing an overdose, it is imperative that you get them medical attention as soon as possible.
How to Get Molly Out of Your System
Many people believe that if they drink enough water, they can flush ecstasy out of their system and even beat a drug test, but this isn’t true. In fact, not only is this not true, but it can also be very dangerous. Molly can affect your perception of how hydrated or thirsty you are. Because ecstasy causes increased energy and body temperature, many people believe that they can flush the drug out of their system faster if they hydrate enough. However, drinking too much water while on Molly can cause hyponatremia, or water intoxication, which occurs when the body’s electrolytes become diluted from containing too much water. The only way to get ecstasy out of your body is to stop taking the drug and wait for your body to metabolize it on its own.
Ecstasy can be addictive, and the more you take it, the more of it you’ll need to experience the familiar high. Ongoing use can develop into a progressive and chronic addiction that can negatively affect your relationships, career, finances, schoolwork, and health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, our Banyan Pompano rehab facility can help. Call us today at 888-280-4763 to speak to a team member about our addiction treatment options.
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