Side Effects Of Molly Use

Molly, the street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), is a synthetic drug with both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties that is widely used recreationally for its ability to produce intense feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, increased energy, and heightened sensory perception. It is commonly taken at music festivals, clubs, and social gatherings, where its effects on mood and social connection make it appealing. Effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion and can last several hours depending on the dose and other factors.

Despite its reputation as a relatively benign party drug, molly use carries real and serious health risks, both from the drug itself and from what it’s frequently mixed with. Illicitly produced MDMA is often adulterated with other substances, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and synthetic cathinones, making it impossible to know exactly what a person is taking.

Molly (MDMA) And Hyperthermia

Molly can make it difficult to regulate body temperature, resulting in hyperthermia (a significant increase in body temperature). Hyperthermia is one of the potential effects of molly that is the most life-threatening. A person who has taken molly engaging in energetic physical activity in warm environments for hours on end is at risk for developing dehydration, and potentially deadly, hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia requires immediate medical attention to avoid deadly consequences. If left untreated, hyperthermia can lead to swelling in the brain or kidney failure due to electrolyte imbalance. These risks are increased if the person consumes excess water due to dehydration.

Additional Adverse Health Effects Of Molly

In addition to hyperthermia, there are several other problematic health effects that can occur with molly abuse, including:

• skewed thinking
• loss of appetite
• depersonalization
• hot and cold flashes
• restless legs
• muscle stiffness
• headache

Effects Of Molly Use Over Time

Research has shown that regularly abusing MDMA has been connected with a decrease in cognitive function, or how your brain works. Specifically, molly depletes serotonin in the brain so severely that it can cause lasting damage to nearly every area of the serotonin systems in the brain.

Overall this can lead to the following effects:

• increased confusion and depression
• memory issues
• decreased ability to concentrate
• issues with appetite
• heart disease
• impulsivity

Molly has also been linked to an increase in risky sexual behaviors and injection drug use, which can lead to HIV infection, and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Treatment Services For Molly Addiction

Getting help for Molly addiction can help break the cycle of misuse. Attending a treatment program that offers medically supervised detox will help ease the symptoms that can occur when a person stops abusing MDMA.

Other common treatment options may include:

• dual diagnosis treatment
• residential programs
• outpatient programs
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• counseling
• group therapy
• family therapy
• aftercare

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.