What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Molly?

MDMA, also known as molly or ecstasy, is often perceived as a relatively low-risk recreational drug, but research tells a different story. Chronic or heavy use of molly can cause lasting damage to multiple systems in the body, with the brain bearing the greatest burden. By flooding the brain with serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine and then depleting those neurotransmitters, molly disrupts blood flow and activity across multiple brain regions, some of which may never fully recover.

What makes the long-term effects of molly concerning is how quickly some of this damage can occur. Studies have shown that  effects on serotonin neurons can develop after just a few days of use. For people who use molly repeatedly over time, the cumulative damage to brain chemistry, cardiovascular function, and organ health can become serious and in some cases permanent.

Common Long-Term Effects Of Molly Addiction

While molly use may be short-lived since research debates whether the drug is addictive, a person who abuses molly may experience lasting effects, some of which are listed below.

Damage From Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a serious side effect of molly use. Hyperthermia is a spike in body temperature that cannot be regulated without medical attention. Hyperthermia can result in stroke, liver damage, kidney failure, and brain damage, especially to the cerebellum.

Damage From Dehydration

Molly causes severe dehydration, especially when a person is engaging in rigorous activity. If a person consumes excessive amounts of water, it can result in an electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause irreversible damage to the heart, brain, and kidneys.

Studies have shown that these damages can occur after using molly for just one day. Heavy molly abuse increases these risks and the potential for permanent damage.

Other Long-Term Effects Of Molly Misuse

Brain damage, cognitive impairments, hyperthermia, and dehydration can result in a number of long-term consequences.

These may include:

• psychosis
• anxiety
• depression
• memory loss
• learning problems
• anxiety
• impulsivity
• nerve damage
• neuron and nerve degeneration
• arrhythmia
• heart disease
• hemorrhaging
• disintegration of the cardiovascular system
• kidney failure
• seizures
• death

Serotonin Syndrome From Molly Use

The most notable damage to the brain caused by molly abuse is to the serotonergic system. Serotonin neurons are located throughout the brain, and molly has been linked to the destruction of these neurons and their multiple functions.

Serotonin plays a key role in many functions of the brain, including:

• mood
• sleep
• appetite
• memory
• happiness
• sexual function

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitations, rapid heat rate, muscle twitching, severe fever, seizures, and loss consciousness. If someone exhibits any of these symptoms while on molly, call emergency responders immediately.

Treatment For Molly Addiction

Treating molly addiction may include a medically supervised detox. During detox, medical professionals may be able to begin to assess the damage caused by molly use. After detox, a treatment program can help a person gain insight into the nature of their addiction, and how to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Treatment options typically include:

• counseling
• dual diagnosis treatment
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• medical detox
• inpatient treatment
• outpatient programs
• day treatment
• group therapy
• family therapy
• 12-step recovery groups
• aftercare

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