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
In addition to these common symptoms, taking Molly can lead to several severe health issues, which can vary in intensity and duration. These can include:
- Confusion and paranoia, which can escalate to anxiety and panic attacks.
- Dehydration, often exacerbated by increased sweating and insufficient fluid intake, potentially leading to fainting or kidney failure.
- An elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which can strain the cardiovascular system.
- Increased muscle tension, leading to tremors or involuntary teeth clenching. - In extreme cases, users may experience seizures, loss of consciousness, or even brain swelling.
The repercussions of Molly use can extend well beyond the initial period of intoxication. Long-term effects that may persist for days or weeks after use include:
- Persistent sleep disturbances
- Depression and irritability, contributing to poor impulse control
- Ongoing anxiety and aggression - Continuous problems with attention and memory
- Further decreased appetite
- Heart arrhythmias and potential heart damage, culminating in long-term heart disease.
It is crucial to be aware of these potential side effects to fully understand the risks associated with the recreational use of Molly.
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.
In addition to these factors, individual physical health, including hydration levels and dietary habits, significantly influences how long MDMA remains detectable in the body. Gender differences may also play a role; for example, hormonal variations can affect drug metabolism rates. Furthermore, genetic factors, particularly variations in the genes that encode for enzymes responsible for metabolizing substances like ecstasy, critically determine how quickly MDMA is processed and cleared from the body. These genetic variations mean that some individuals might metabolize MDMA much faster or slower than others, leading to variations in how long the drug stays in their system. Understanding these comprehensive factors provides a fuller picture of the dynamics influencing MDMA's presence in the body.
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.
What Methods Are Primarily Used to Treat Ecstasy Addiction?
The primary treatment methods for ecstasy addiction focus on cognitive-behavioral techniques. These methods involve adjusting harmful thoughts and behaviors linked to substance use and teaching effective stress-coping strategies. Treatment can occur in both individual and group therapy settings. Additionally, joining mutual support groups can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy by providing support from peers undergoing similar recovery experiences.
What Are The Different Treatment Options Available For Ecstasy Addiction?
Various treatment methodologies are utilized for addressing ecstasy addiction, each tailored to the individual's needs. The treatments generally start with detoxification, which assists in safely removing the drug from the body under medical supervision. Following detox, individuals may choose between inpatient rehab, where they reside at a treatment facility, and outpatient treatment, which allows them to maintain their daily activities while attending treatment sessions. A key component of treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals alter negative thought and behavior patterns that contribute to their substance use and teaches them effective strategies for managing stress and other triggers. This therapeutic approach can be delivered through individual counseling or group therapy sessions. Additionally, joining mutual support groups often complements the recovery process, offering encouragement and understanding from peers who are facing similar challenges.
How Do Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies Help in Treating Ecstasy Addiction?
Cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) effectively address ecstasy addiction by focusing on altering the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to drug use. The primary goal is to equip individuals with strategies to manage stress and various personal challenges in healthier ways, reducing reliance on substances. This form of therapy is offered both in one-on-one counseling environments as well as group settings, where individuals can benefit from shared experiences and support. Additionally, integration of mutual support groups with CBT can enhance outcomes by providing peer encouragement, creating a community of individuals who are navigating similar recovery journeys.
What is outpatient treatment and when is it recommended for ecstasy addiction?
Outpatient treatment is a form of rehab that permits individuals to reside at their homes while undergoing treatment for ecstasy addiction. This type of treatment involves attending sessions one to several times a week at a treatment facility. It is often recommended for those who have a strong support system at home and do not need the intensive care provided by inpatient facilities. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who can manage their recovery with less disruption to their daily lives.
What are the benefits of seeking professional addiction treatment for ecstasy abuse?
Seeking professional addiction treatment for ecstasy abuse is beneficial as it helps to mitigate the adverse health and societal consequences associated with this addiction. Treatment facilities are equipped to handle cases of polysubstance abuse, which is common among those misusing ecstasy, often alongside substances like cocaine, alcohol, or marijuana. By engaging in structured treatment programs, individuals can break the cycle of addiction and embark on a journey toward a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.
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.
How long does MDMA last?
The duration of MDMA's effects can vary from person to person. Typically, the initial effects of the drug are felt 30 to 45 minutes after ingestion. The intensity of the effects usually reaches its peak within the first 15 to 30 minutes after they are noticed and these can persist for approximately 4 to 6 hours. In some instances, the effects might extend over several days or even weeks. Frequently, users consume 1 to 2 tablets in a single session, and each tablet may contain between 50 and 150 milligrams of MDMA. To prolong the experience, an additional tablet might be taken as the effects of the initial dose begin to decrease. This practice can affect how long MDMA remains in the body and may also increase the likelihood of experiencing harmful side effects.
What additional substances are commonly misused along with ecstasy?
Individuals who misuse ecstasy frequently also abuse other substances, including cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana.
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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