Molly is the name used to describe the drug MDMA when it is in powder form. This street drug is gaining popularity with references in music and movies. A lot of people don’t know much about Molly and the dangers associated with it. Hopefully this motion graphic will clear up some misunderstandings and spread awareness about the harmful effects.
When you take Molly, huge amounts of the neurotransmitter serotonin are released into your synapses, making you feel euphoric and very sociable. The neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are also released, which gives you increased energy and sends additional feel-good signals to your brain. These feelings of happiness and euphoria will last for approximately 3 hours. Then, the serotonin will begin attaching to your brain’s reuptake transporters and moving out of your synapses.
Going From Highest of Highs to Lowest of Lows
Dopamine is able to replenish itself faster than serotonin, and so it will continue to make you feel good, even while the serotonin is being reabsorbed. As more of the serotonin is reabsorbed though, you’ll begin to feel normal again. Approximately 4 hours after you ingested Molly, your serotonin supplies will be completely depleted. Your serotonin receptors will also be less active than they were before you used Molly. This lack of active receptors, combined with the nonexistent supply of serotonin, will cause you to feel extremely depressed.
The Longer-Term Consequences of Molly
While the most intense comedown effects of Molly may last for several days, you may continue to feel the aftereffects of using Molly for 2 weeks — or until your serotonin supply has been replenished. As far as the long-term effects of using Molly, MDMA can cause neurotoxic damage to your serotonin receptors. This will prohibit your receptors from functioning properly in the future, causing you to have extended feelings of depression.
Because MDMA is a powerful stimulant, it can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. These imbalances can cause long-term effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Confusion
- Memory problems
- Weight loss or gain
- Decreased appetite
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems
If you find that you’re struggling with any of the long-term effects of Molly, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you manage your symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, there are treatments available that can help you feel better.
The History of Molly
Would you be surprised to know that Molly has been around for more than 100 years? We tend to think of ecstasy as a relatively recent invention, popularized during the club days of the 1980s. But in fact, Molly has been around since 1912, although it only began being used recreationally in 1980. Up until 1985, the drug was legal in the United States. In the UK, the drug is known as Mandy rather than Molly.
The price of a hit of Molly runs between $7 and $20, and authorities say it is nearly as popular as other street drugs including cocaine, opiates, and amphetamine. In 2008, the United Nations reported up to 25 million people used Molly. The drug has a very close association with raves and electronic dance music, whether this is a fair stereotype or not. Drug traffickers have been targeting a very young demographic with this drug, honing in on kids ages 12 to 17. The billion-dollar business is expanding fast: Use of Molly and other synthetic drugs has increased more than any other drugs in recent years.
Treatment For Molly Addiction
Molly addiction is a serious problem that can lead to severe health consequences. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for molly addiction, treatment should focus on helping the person stop using molly and stay drug-free.
Treatment for molly addiction may include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
- 12-step programs
Treatment should also address any underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Medications may be prescribed to help manage these conditions.
If you or a loved one is struggling with molly addiction, don’t wait to get help. Treatment can save lives. For help, call The Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126. Let’s get you on the road to recovery ASAP.
