What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Molly?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D. on June 21, 2021

Long-term molly abuse has been linked to permanent brain damage, organ damage, organ failure, psychosis, and even death.

Long-Term Effects Of Molly Abuse

Molly disrupts blood flow and activity in multiple areas across the brain. This leads to overall cognitive impairments and brain damage, some of which are permanent.

Common Long-Term Effects Of Molly Addiction

While molly abuse may be short-lived since research debates whether the drug is addictive, a person who abuses molly may experience lasting effects.

These could include:

Damage From Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is a serious side effect of molly abuse. 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 Abuse

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

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Serotonin System Damage From Molly Abuse

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

Treatment For Molly Abuse And Addiction

Treating molly abuse and addiction may include a medically supervised detox. During detox, medical professionals may be able to begin to assess the damage caused by molly abuse.

After detox, a substance abuse treatment program can help a person gain insight into the nature of their addiction, and how to achieve and maintain sobriety.

Our helpline is open, and our staff is ready to provide information on addiction treatment options for you or your loved one. Contact us today.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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Medically Reviewed by
Johnelle Smith, M.D. on June 21, 2021
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