This synthetic drug affects the brain by increasing the activity of three or more neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin). When taken regularly and in higher doses, it can cause long-term effects, which can last for long periods even after the user has stopped taking the drug. Long-term negative effects of the drug include anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
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As the effects begin to fade, people often take another dose of ecstasy to double the time it lasts. People who identify as heterosexual males accounted for over half of ecstasy users compared with 28% of people who identify as heterosexual females, according to a 2023 study. Bisexual females made up about 10% of ecstasy users compared with gay males (4.6%), bisexual males (3.6%), and lesbian females (1.7%).
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In theory, both are intended to contain MDMA, but the unregulated nature of illicit drugs means this is rarely guaranteed. Building on his academic expertise, Dr. Blei developed the first reliable rapid tests for psilocybin, which laid the foundation for the spin-off company miraculix. Today, miraculix provides quantitative drug checking tools that are used throughout Germany and Europe.
- The molly or ecstasy sold on the street is rarely pure MDMA — and may even contain little or no MDMA.
- To safety stop use of MDMA, seek out a licensed medical professional who can help you develop a treatment plan.
- When you begin to feel the effects of ecstasy like changes to the way you see the world around you, a familiar environment can provide you with a sense of security to know where you are.
- This can help prevent bruxism, the medical term for the type of teeth clenching that ecstasy can cause.
- Deaths related to MDMA use have been reported due to increased body temperature and dehydration.
The effects of ecstasy typically last about four to six hours, though they can continue for weeks. Concerns are especially high for those who are still in middle or high school as their brains are not fully developed. In 2023, an estimated 0.4% of eighth graders (13 years old) said they used ecstasy in the last year. Almost double that number of 10th and 12th graders reported using ecstasy in the previous year. Molly may come in the form of gel capsules or tablets, which are often colorful and come in a variety of shapes.
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Health experts will need to see a significant amount of research on the benefits and risks of MDMA use for health conditions before it could become a treatment option. Overall, research on the effects of chronic MDMA use is limited, and more studies in humans are needed to determine the long-term effects of this drug. Since that time, only a handful of studies have explored the possible long-term health effects of chronic MDMA use.
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- According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, roughly 2.2 million people reported using MDMA at least once over the past 12 months.
- However, this elicits unsafe sexual behavior and escalates the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
- The effects of Molly addiction are psychological and physiological effects.
- Research suggests MDMA has a potential for psychological dependence.
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Its most popular name, ecstasy, refers to when MDMA is in tablet form. This form of MDMA also carries a higher risk of being mixed with diluents or adulterants. Sometimes, these tablets may be deceptively shaped or colored to encourage consumption. Another name popular across the world is “molly” which refers to MDMA in a crushed or crystalline form. Eventually, ecstasy/MDMA/Molly is usually consumed by mouth or snorted as well. As mentioned earlier, the drug poses a special risk to youngsters due to its association with party culture, raves, and electronic dance music ( EDM).
See this page for more info on side effects relative to other drugs. Our withdrawal management program offers 24/7 medical care during detox to keep patients safe and comfortable as the drug leaves their system. These include recreational use, medical use, and other uses as well. With over 500 citations, numerous publications in high-impact journals, and a passion for accessible science, Dr. Blei bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application. His work contributes to safer substance use, public health strategies, and a deeper understanding of natural psychoactive compounds. MDMA has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the FDA for PTSD treatment and is being tested in multiple clinical trials worldwide.
Al. 2020 published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) revealed that nearly 18 million people in the U.S. had tried MDMA at least once in their lives. Its prevalence in popular culture, particularly within the electronic dance music (EDM) community, has kept the ecstasy mdma or molly: uses, effects, risks drug in public focus, raising ongoing concerns about addiction and health risks. Treatment for Molly addiction involves a combination of medical detox, therapy, and support groups. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help individuals understand and change the behaviors linked to their addiction.
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Gay, lesbian, or bisexual people are more likely to have used ecstasy within the last 30 days. A 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health of people aged 12 or older showed that almost 2.2 million people said they used ecstasy in 2023, or nearly 1% of people surveyed. More than 22 million of those surveyed said they have tried ecstasy at some point in their lives. Ecstasy is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which means you could face jail time if caught in possession of this drug. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence. You should always start by taking a very small amount to begin with and wait for the effects to kick in before deciding whether to take anymore.