Imagine attending a music festival where the energy is electric, and everyone seems to be having the time of their lives. Amid the excitement, Molly, or MDMA, is often used to enhance the experience.
But what happens when the fun fades and the drug takes control? Recognizing the signs of being addicted to Molly is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment.
Are you wondering if someone you know might be addicted to Molly? Continue reading below for the signs.
What Is Molly?
Molly is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and an empathogen.
As a stimulant, Molly boosts energy levels and enhances sensory experiences. As an empathogen, it creates feelings of:
- Emotional closeness
- Empathy
- Euphoria
These effects make it popular in social settings.
Molly was first made in 1912 by a German chemist, Merck. However, it didn’t gain popularity until the 1970s, when some therapists began using it in psychotherapy.
They believed it helped patients open up emotionally. But this use didn’t last long, as the drug quickly became popular in the nightlife scene.
By the 1980s, MDMA, often called “Ecstasy” when in tablet form, became a staple in rave culture. People loved how it enhanced their mood and made them feel more connected to others.
Despite being classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in 1985, which means it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use until recently, its recreational use continued to grow.
Today, Molly is usually sold in its pure crystalline form, seen as a cleaner option compared to ecstasy tablets, which are often mixed with other substances.
Users take Molly to feel happier, more energetic, and more connected to those around them. However, its popularity and perceived safety hide the risks of serious side effects and addiction.
How Molly Affects the Brain and Body
When you take Molly, it releases three key brain chemicals:
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Norepinephrine
Serotonin regulates mood, so its surge makes you feel happy and emotionally close to others. However, it also depletes your levels, so when the drug wears off, users will feel a significant drop in use.
Dopamine, another chemical released by Molly, enhances feelings of pleasure and increases energy. It makes users feel more awake and engaged.
Norepinephrine, the third chemical, raises heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous, especially with repeated use or high doses.
Short-Term Effects of Molly Use
Molly can make you feel extremely happy and emotionally warm. Your senses become heightened and colors appear brighter and sounds are more vivid. Molly is popular at parties and festivals because of the heightened awareness and euphoria.
However, the comedown from Molly can be challenging. After the initial effects fade, you might experience anxiety, irritability, and depression, resulting from depleted serotonin levels.
Long-Term Effects of Molly Use
Using Molly over a long period can lead to serious health problems. Chronic mood swings, with bouts of depression and anxiety, become more common. You might also notice that your memory isn’t as sharp, and concentrating on tasks becomes harder.
Sleeping well can also become a struggle. Many users find that their sleep patterns are disrupted, making it difficult to get a good night’s rest.
Your heart and blood pressure are under constant strain from frequent use, which raises the risk of heart disease. As your body gets used to Molly, you’ll need larger doses to feel the same effects, which can lead to an overdose and other dangerous health issues.
Recognizing Molly Addiction Symptoms
Molly can take a visible toll on the body. If someone is using it frequently, you might notice weight loss due to decreased appetite. Insomnia is common, as the drug disrupts normal sleep patterns, leaving the user looking tired and run down.
Other physical signs include increased heart rate and high blood pressure. You might also see muscle cramping and jaw clenching, especially during or after a Molly high.
The psychological effects of Molly addiction can be quite stark. Users often experience intense cravings for the drug, finding it hard to think about anything else.
Mood swings are frequent, with highs followed by significant lows, leading to emotional instability. Depression and anxiety become more pronounced, especially during withdrawal periods.
There might also be episodes of paranoia or unusual thoughts that seem out of character for the person.
Behavioral changes are key signs of Molly addiction. Someone addicted to Molly may start neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home. They might withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed, preferring isolation instead.
Risky behaviors, like using Molly while driving or in unsafe environments, become more common. The person may also spend a lot of time and money on obtaining and using the drug, often at the expense of other important areas of their life.
Why Molly Addiction Happens
Several factors can lead to Molly addiction. The environment you’re in plays a big role; being around people who use Molly can make it more likely for you to try it and keep using it.
Psychological factors, like dealing with depression, anxiety, or past trauma, might drive someone to use Molly as a way to cope. There are also biological factors at play, with some people being more genetically predisposed to addiction.
How often and how much you use Molly are crucial in developing addiction. Using Molly frequently builds up your brain’s tolerance, making it necessary to take more to achieve the same high.
High doses increase the risk of overdose and speed up the negative impacts on your health and mind.
Addicted to Molly? Take These Steps to Recovery
If you or someone you love is addicted to Molly, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and seek help immediately. Molly addiction can affect every aspect of life, but recovery is possible with the right support.
At Reflections, our compassionate and expert team offers a holistic approach to treatment that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. As one of our patients shared, “…Every element of Reflections has been tailored to generate positive change… I walked away feeling empowered and genuinely inspired…”
Take the first step towards a healthier, happier life. Contact Reflections today.
