Substance addiction forms when a person becomes both mentally and physically dependent on a type of drug or alcohol. The body gets accustomed to functioning under the effects of the substance, causing severe withdrawals when that substance is taken away or no longer being used regularly.
While addiction is often thought of as being the dependence of one substance, there are many cases where the individual is addicted to more than one substance at once. This is known as polysubstance abuse/addiction, and those suffering from this dangerous condition are typically addicted to being high in general rather than to one specific drug.
Let’s explore the common polysubstance abuse molly and alcohol.
Understanding Polysubstance Abuse
Addiction of any kind is a danger to both the body and the mind. With a long enough duration of substance abuse, addiction can become life-threatening. The combination of two or more drugs at once or alternating between different types of substances is classified as polysubstance abuse disorder. This type of addiction is not only dangerous but harder and more complex to treat. Polysubstance poses an even greater risk, as the combination of drugs and their side effects are often too much for the body to handle.
There are many different risk factors that play in polysubstance abuse. In many cases, the individual will have built up a tolerance to one substance, and require the combination of others in order to feel a real “high”. In other cases, the combination of drugs creates a completely different kind of high or a stronger one. Another common scenario is using one substance to offset the negative side effects of another substance, while still getting the desired high.
Who is at Risk for Polysubstance Abuse?
Those with a history of addiction are at risk for polysubstance abuse, especially if they experiment with new drugs often. There are however some factors that make certain people even more likely to develop this condition. Some of them include:
- Individuals taking pain medication
- Individuals taking Anxiety or Depression Medication
- Individuals who experiment with drugs often
- Individuals with Mental Health Disorders
These factors lead to an increase in the chances of not only trying a combination of drugs but also thereafter becoming addicted. Many pain or anxiety medications cause a high when taken with other substances, even alcohol. In many cases the intention was not to get high, but once the feeling is experienced it becomes addictive.
Why are Molly and Alcohol A Dangerous Combination?
Molly, otherwise known as MDMA or Ecstasy is a stimulant drug often used for increasing mood and energy. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant. This means the body and nervous system will slow down while under the influence of alcohol. The combination creates a massive confusion and dangerous state of being on the mind and the body.
Additionally, those suffering from a dual diagnosis of both drug addiction and mental health disorders already likely already have impaired cognitive and emotional function. Adding this dangerous combination of drug use adds fuel to a fire that’s difficult to put out.
How Does Molly Affect the Body?
Molly is a drug often found being used at nightclubs or parties due to the energy increases and euphoric effects it produces. In more recent years it has made its way into the mainstream world and everyone from teens to working adults have access to this drug.
Taking molly creates a release of the “happy” brain chemicals and these chemicals determine everything from your mood, your thoughts, and your behaviors. Taking molly speeds up both your nervous system and your brain activity. Other Side effects of Molly include:
- Hyperactivity
- Feeling of Euphoria
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Feeling cold
- Impaired balance/gait
- Heavy legs
- Jaw clenching/tight jaw
- Lack of appetite
- Perspiration
- Extreme Thirst
- Restless legs
- Jitters
When taken regularly, your body becomes dependent on the ingestion of this drug to release happy chemicals. In other words, if you stop taking molly after abusing the substance, your body forgets to release happy chemicals which results in anxiety, depression, and nervous system disorders.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Unlike Molly, Alcohol is a depressant. This means that using alcohol causes the body to slow down and enter a state of sedation. When under the influence of alcohol, brain activity, and cognitive function is impaired. Other side effects of alcohol use include:
- Sedation
- Loss of memory and lack of comprehension
- Delayed cognitive and motor function
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision and sensation impairment
- Slowed Breathing
- Depression
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous addictions, as withdrawing can be fatal if not done under the strict supervision of professionals. Adding another layer to this already dangerous condition can be lethal.
Why Alcohol and Molly is a Lethal Combination?
Molly and alcohol are essentially on opposite sides of the drug spectrum. They create opposite effects, alcohol being a downer and molly being an upper. For every side effect, molly has on the body, using alcohol will attempt to counteract it. This creates extreme confusion for the brain on how it should function.
Additionally, both of these substances have a direct effect on mood chemicals and hormones. When both are being taken at the same time, the brain goes haywire and no longer understands how to function properly.
Extreme Dehydration and overdosing are common under the influence of these two substances, as brain function is so low you may not realize how much you’ve taken.
Treatment For Molly and Alcohol PolySubstance Abuse
Treatment for polysubstance abuse calls for the highest level of quality of care. This form of addiction is more complicated than being addicted to one single substance. Each substance needs to be addressed individually so that the body is properly detoxed and the emotional aspects of both are equally cared for.
Treating one disorder alone will not address the individual as a whole, and recovery will likely not be successful. On top of addressing each substance separately, mental health conditions need to be addressed and cared for. Many people suffering from addiction have co-occurring mental health disorders. Dual-diagnosis conditions need specific treatment plans that address each aspect of the person, their addiction, and mental health. Attempting to treat addiction
Treatment Options
Treatment options for polysubstance abuse are similar to that of regular addiction, but address both addictions at the same time.
The first step in a successful treatment is a full detox. This is the most important step in drug rehab as the body needs to be completely flushed of any substances or toxins related to the substance. Without a successful detox, the body will still be functioning to some degree on the substance. Detox should be completed in a medical facility under the supervision of professionals. Alcohol and Molly withdrawals can be fatal, so do not attempt to withdraw at home.
Treatment options such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or ACT therapy are very effective options for helping people overcome their habits and thinking patterns that lead to substance abuse. The ability to rewire the brain’s way of thinking and perceiving situations will offer powerful tools to cope with difficult situations and remain drug-free for good. Other forms of therapy include group counseling and talk therapy.
Counseling of any kind should be incorporated into treatment for molly and alcohol polysubstance abuse. Additionally, adding holistic treatment options such as art therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and mediation will help address the individual as a whole.
Seeking Professional Help
Seeking treatment at a professional rehabilitation center will offer the individual the benefit of all the services needed to recover in one place under the supervision of licensed professionals. And one of the biggest components of a successful substance abuse treatment plan. Alcohol and Molly can create a lethal addiction condition, and treatment should not be attempted at home without professional help. Some of the services you can expect to receive in treatment for polysubstance abuse include:
- Behavioral counseling
- Medication
- Medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training
- Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety
- Nutritional Counseling
- Acupuncture/ Yoga/ Meditation
- Coping Skills Courses
- Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse
Stop The Addiction Now: Take the 1st Step to Recovery
Addiction can feel like it will never end like there is no way out. Even with polysubstance abuse, there is always another option. Properly addressing both the physical and mental aspects of substance abuse and getting into the right treatment program has been proven to effectively treat molly and alcohol addiction.
There are plenty of options for getting help for polysubstance abuse, and you should never be afraid to ask for help. Researching the best treatment centers in your area and getting yourself enrolled in a program as soon as possible with increase your chances of a successful recovery and healthy life.
Addiction doesn’t need to rule your life, there is always a way out. If you or a loved one is struggling with polysubstance abuse with molly and alcohol, it’s time to find treatment and take back your life. Call (855) 425-4846 to speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists today! You can also contact us here.
