Many young people experiment with substances, with marijuana and alcohol being the most popular. Although this can be a relatively harmless and temporary phase, some teens branch out to trying other substances that can be more risky. Party or club drugs like molly, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and mushrooms can appeal to teens looking for a temporary escape from reality. However, these drugs can be much more sinister than smoking a little pot or having a beer with friends. Despite the fun and excitement they may promise, party drugs come with a significant risk for addiction and other adverse effects.
If you know someone who uses club drugs often, they may need the help of addiction recovery services like those at Promises Brazos Valley. Please encourage them to reach out for support before drug abuse turns into addiction.
Is molly addictive?
Molly is one of many nicknames for the drug 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also well-known as Ecstasy. Originally developed as an appetite suppressant, people often use molly at parties or raves for its hallucinogenic and stimulant effects. Teens and young adults use the drug most frequently, and manufacturers usually imprint the tablets with logos that appeal to young people, such as cartoons or commercial brands.
Molly has a dark side—authorities classify it as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, despite its reputation for making people feel energetic and sociable.1 This category is reserved for substances that serve no medical purpose but carry a high potential for abuse and dependence.
The risks of using molly
Addiction is a considerable risk in itself, but molly also presents a number of other potential consequences, such as:
- Paranoia
- Sweating
- Chills
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Difficulty sleeping
MDMA can also affect your body’s ability to regulate your temperature, which can lead to complications like hyperthermia, dehydration, and even heart failure. The combination of temperature dysregulation and dancing in crowded places can be dangerous. Although avoiding molly entirely is recommended, you should at least be mindful of drinking plenty of water should you choose to use the drug.
Signs of MDMA abuse
Drug abuse refers to using a substance other than as prescribed or without a valid prescription. Since molly has no legitimate medical purpose, any use of the drug would be considered MDMA abuse. But beyond witnessing someone taking MDMA, there are other signs they may be abusing this enticing party drug and heading toward dependence:
- Building a tolerance: They need larger drug doses to achieve the same results.
- Cravings: They think about or talk about the drug often.
- Withdrawal symptoms: They feel depressed or anxious, have trouble focusing, and have difficulty with memory after the effects of MDMA wear off.
- Changes in behavior: They may show a decline in work or school performance and have difficulty keeping up with daily responsibilities.
- Loss of interest: They might avoid activities they used to enjoy in favor of social events that involve MDMA.
- Isolation: When not taking molly at parties, the person may prefer to isolate themselves from family and friends.
If the above signs sound familiar, encourage your loved one to seek professional support.
Contact Promises Brazos Valley for addiction recovery services
If someone you care about is on the path to MDMA addiction, let them know that help is available at Promises Brazos Valley. We offer addiction treatment options designed specifically with teens and college students in mind, including inpatient and outpatient programs. If you or your loved one has any questions about overcoming molly addiction, call us today at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form, and one of our friendly staff members will be in touch.
Footnote: