MDMA Ecstasy or Molly: Side Effects and Risks

A synthetic drug is one manufactured in a laboratory environment rather than coming from a natural source. MDMA can also be addictive, and research suggests that long-term cognitive problems may develop in some users. While MDMA or ecstasy was initially used primarily in nightclubs and raves, its use has now spread to a wider range of populations. According to a 2021 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 0.8% of the U.S. population over the age of 12 reported using this drug in the previous 12 months.

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, is a synthetic psychoactive drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen, changing mood and perception. If you or someone you love wants to change your relationship to substances like MDMA, there’s no shame in reaching out to a health professional for help. With the right support and treatment, you can learn tools to change your habits. When used famous people with fetal alcohol syndrome in a clinical setting, MDMA has been found to be a safe treatment. When people buy recreational MDMA, they often believe that they’re buying the drug in its pure form. 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.

Common Long-Term Effects Of Molly Addiction

1. Below, we’ll explore what the research says about the long-term effects of chronic MDMA use, both recreationally and medically.
2. The increased energy for doing their basic life activities makes MDMA as a drug of choice.
3. Combined, these neurotransmitters respectively increase energy, boost heart rate and blood pressure and elevate trust, emotional closeness and mood.

Current understanding of the MDMA mechanism of action arises from its effects on the psychological changes and dependence. Psychological changes are explained as the euphoria, sharpened sensory perception, an increase in social performance and empathy, and greater tolerance of the feelings (Kalant, 2001). However, MDMA dependence is still less understood, but it has been reported to be different from other drugs or alcohol (Degenhardt, Bruno, & Topp, 2010). The biological mechanisms involved in MDMA exposure are the changes in the serotonergic system, which affects serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT)) and dopamine.

The Health Effects of Long-Term Molly Use

Chronic MDMA use may even occasionally cause conditions like psychosis ― though other psychiatric conditions arising from using MDMA are rare. But while MDMA is commonly considered a “party” drug, some research has found that chronic MDMA use may potentially cause long-term mental and physical health effects. Below, we’ll explore what the research says about the long-term effects of chronic MDMA use, both recreationally and medically. MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly, is a type of drug that causes stimulant and hallucinogenic effects.

Interestingly, a study by Popova et al. announced the observations contrary to this theory (Popova, Forsblad, Hashemian, & Jacobsson, 2016). Therefore, more extensive studies are needed in order to reveal strong evidence about the exact mechanism of MDMA toxicities. However, the excessive serotonin release results in significant short-term depletion of serotonin in your brain. This can contribute to negative psychological aftereffects such as depression, anxiety, and fatigue, which you may experience for a few days after MDMA use. While molly abuse may be short-lived since research debates whether the drug is addictive, a person who abuses molly may experience lasting effects. While there are no specific treatments for ecstasy addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective option.

The effects of self-medication with MDMA

Even though substances like Molly are considered nonaddictive when compared to drugs like heroin or cocaine, anything can become a problem habit. If too many nights spent clubbing with MDMA or regular use of it while smoking pot or getting drunk have turned a party drug into a substance use disorder, there’s help. With its inpatient and outpatient programming, FHE Health has helped many people successfully overcome addiction problems in all shapes and sizes. Contact us today to learn more about treatment options for MDMA and other substances.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2004) reported that more than 11 million people have tried MDMA at least once in their lives (NIDA, 2006). Considering a new trend in the substance abuse preference, the MDMA effects will be reviewed focusing on neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration. Besides, the targeted mechanism for the treatment of MDMA complications will be discussed. In one smaller study in suboxone mixed with alcohol Sweden, researchers followed 50 people with severe mental health conditions for 5 years as they participated in psychedelic-assisted therapy.

If you’re interested in MDMA as a mental health treatment, you may be able to help researchers learn more about its effects in clinical testing. Many scientists are working to change the legalization of MDMA to allow for more testing to be done, but some research is still currently ongoing. In a 2021 review, researchers explored the literature on the use of several hallucinogens ― including MDMA ― for mental health treatment. A later review found that MDMA may also affect other areas of drinking out of boredom the brain outside of the serotonergic systems, such as the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems.

However, some researchers have suggested that MDMA may be able to cause a long-term 5-HT down-regulation without causing structural damage to serotonin neurons (Kish, 2002). Unfortunately, there is still an ongoing debate on whether the deficit of serotonin reflects damage to the neurons (Baumann, Wang & Rothman, 2007). Brain imaging studies on humans have provided evidence regarding the altered serotonergic functioning in recreational ecstasy users.

This therapy aims to facilitate emotional healing, enhance self-reflection, and promote a therapeutic process that can lead to long lasting positive outcomes. Heavy use of MDMA (ecstasy) may lead to long-term changes in your brain’s serotonin system — but there’s a lot we still don’t know. For example, MDMA purchased on the street can possibly contain contaminants like methamphetamine, ketamine, dextromethorphan, and even cocaine. Many of these substances can have harmful effects, especially if you don’t know you’re taking them. 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.

Unlike other recreational drugs such as cocaine and nicotine, which are derived from plants, MDMA or ecstasy is synthesized by altering the structure of the amphetamine molecule. Because of the way it’s made, its purity can vary substantially, and other compounds can be easily combined into the same tablet. If you or someone you love uses MDMA, it’s important to understand its potential impacts and side effects. We also share signs of usage, how to identify the drug, and what research says about its potential as a therapeutic.

In those who use ecstasy for long periods, MDMA can cause erratic behavior and increased impulsivity. They may also be an indication that MDMA has caused semi-permanent or permanent changes to the brain, creating the potential for future behavioral problems. In general, ceasing the use of MDMA will eventually cause these levels to stabilize and minimize the symptoms of drug withdrawal, but this process can take time. Those with serious side effects or who quit Molly and are still experiencing symptoms should seek a professional to oversee the treatment of side effects. However, this doesn’t minimize the serious nature of drug abuse of any kind. The biochemical component of addiction that accompanies the use of drugs like heroin and cocaine may not be there.

Though sometimes hard to pin down because it’s rarely taken alone, there are potential long-term effects from chronic MDMA abuse. Those who abuse MDMA seriously may face negative symptoms in the future, both during and after use. The most notable damage to the brain caused by molly abuse is to the serotonergic system.