Millions of people in the United States use recreational drugs. Many of these drugs have a risk of addiction and other serious complications. Molly (another term for MDMA or ecstasy) is a popular recreational or “club” drug that causes intense stimulant and euphoric effects.
Molly abuse can cause serious mental health and physical complications, including physical dependence. Some of the effects of the drugs can be dangerous, and withdrawal can be challenging.
When the Molly drug wears off, users may experience a range of physically and mentally challenging symptoms. Some people refer to this as a “molly comedown” or an “ecstasy comedown.”
This article will explore what happens during a Molly comedown. You will learn:
- The effects of MDMA abuse
- What to expect during a Molly comedown
- How long Molly withdrawal lasts
- How to recognize and treat MDMA addiction
- Where to find comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Molly?
Molly is a slang term for 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA). Another common name for this substance is “ecstasy.” Molly is a synthetic drug that can cause energizing and euphoric effects. People commonly use it in clubs, festivals, parties, and other social events.
MDMA may also contain other stimulants, including caffeine, ketamine, or cocaine. People may enjoy the stimulant effects of Molly, increasing the risk of frequent misuse.
Frequent or heavy Molly abuse may lead to tolerance, meaning people need to take more to get the desired effects. Over time, people may develop an addiction to Molly that is difficult to overcome.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about Molly abuse or to explore our treatment programs.
How Does Molly Affect the Body?
MDMA changes how the brain produces and processes certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) related to energy levels, emotions, and mood.
Here is an overview of how MDMA affects brain chemicals.
Dopamine
Dopamine is one of the brain’s primary pleasure and reward chemicals. Molly increases dopamine, which can lead to increased energy and pleasure. MDMA and other drugs that affect dopamine levels can be highly addictive.
Serotonin
Serotonin is one of the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. It regulates mood, appetite, and sleep patterns. When people take Molly, the brain releases a flood of serotonin. People may experience feelings of happiness, pleasure, and connection with others.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is a chemical that regulates blood pressure and heart rate. Molly can increase norepinephrine levels, causing faster heart rates and elevated energy.
Understanding how MDMA affects the brain can help you understand Molly abuse and addiction. It can be very challenging to overcome Molly addiction, but treatment and support make it possible. Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about MDMA abuse or addiction treatment.
Understanding the Short-Term Effects of MDMA
Molly affects the brain by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters. These increases in brain chemicals are responsible for MDMA’s common side effects.
Here are some common short-term effects of Molly.
Increased energy
Molly is a popular club and festival drug because it gives people a lot of energy to dance or be active. People may experience intense, long-lasting energy levels when taking Molly.
Feelings of connectedness or sociability
Molly can cause intense feelings of love, connectedness, or affection for others. People may experience more profound empathy or be more talkative and engaging with people around them.
Perception changes
Molly can cause people to lose track of time and space. People may feel as though they are in a dream or feel detached from reality.
Euphoria
Euphoria is a sensation of intense happiness, warmth, pleasure, or well-being. Molly and other drugs that cause euphoria can be highly addictive because people enjoy these feelings so much.
Sensory changes
People may experience pleasurable sensory changes while taking Molly. Colors or sounds may be more vibrant. Physical touch may feel different or more intense.
In addition to these pleasurable short-term effects, people may have unwanted side effects while using Molly. These may include:
- Lightheadedness
- Aggression
- Irritability
- Chills
- Elevated blood pressure
- Jaw clenching
- Memory problems
- Poor attention and focus
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Muscle tension
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Fainting
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred vision
The pleasurable short-term effects of Molly can make the drug very appealing. People may use it frequently or take it often over a short period.
Repeated or prolonged substance use can lead to tolerance and addiction. It can be very challenging to stop using ecstasy after abusing it for an extended period. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about ecstasy abuse or addiction and your treatment options.
How Long Do the Effects of Molly Last?
The duration of Molly’s effects can vary from person to person. Weight, age, other substances used, and other factors can affect how long the effects last.
Here is an overview of how long the effects of Molly may last.
Onset
People may take MDMA in several ways, including snorting a powder or taking a pill. It generally takes about 30 minutes for the effects to start. Some users refer to this period as “coming up.” People may feel a rush of intense pleasure, increased energy, or a wave of excitement.
Peak effects
Molly’s effects typically peak around one or two hours after someone ingests it. People may feel energized, connected to others, and intensely happy. Some users experience sensory changes, causing music to sound different or colors to appear more vibrant.
Duration
MDMA’s effects may last from three to six hours, depending on dosage and other factors. Users may notice their energy and euphoria beginning to fade as time passes.
Mixing ecstasy with other substances may change its effects or increase the risk of complications. It is critical to pay attention to how you are feeling and seek treatment if you experience unwanted side effects.
Can You Overdose on Molly?
It is possible to overdose on MDMA. A Molly overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. People must be aware of the risk of an overdose and seek treatment as soon as they recognize the signs.
Signs of an MDMA overdose include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Elevated blood pressure
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Irrational behaviors
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart rate
An overdose can happen when people take a large dose of MDMA, or when they combine it with other drugs or alcohol.
An overdose is a life-threatening emergency. It may cause kidney failure, brain damage, and other severe health problems. If you or someone near you is experiencing an MDMA overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
The only way to avoid a Molly overdose is to avoid taking this drug. If you or a loved one needs treatment and support to stop using MDMA, contact the First Step Behavioral specialists today. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake appointment by reaching out now.
Long-Term Dangers of MDMA
Molly (MDMA) abuse can have long-term risks. Here is an overview of some of the most significant long-term risks associated with MDMA abuse.
Impaired immunity
Studies suggest that MDMA’s effects can cause significant stress on the body. This prolonged, intense stress may reduce the body’s ability to fight off infection or protect itself against diseases.
Mental health disorders
Prolonged or heavy MDMA use may have long-term effects on how the brain produces neurotransmitters associated with mood, sleep, energy levels, and more. People who abuse Molly may struggle with short and long-term feelings of depression, insomnia, and other mental health symptoms.
Some research also suggests that MDMA use may increase the risk of developing psychosis.
Cognitive changes
Studies show that MDMA use can cause long-term cognitive effects, including changes in:
- Verbal memory
- Reasoning
- Short-term memory
- Visual memory
- Recognition
More research is needed to prove the long-term effects of MDMA on the brain and body. However, there is some evidence that Molly abuse can have long-term effects.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about Molly abuse or to explore our substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs.
What is a Molly Comedown?
The effects of Molly typically last for about three hours. It can take the body up to 40 hours to eliminate MDMA completely.
After the initial effects of Molly wear off, the body and brain begin to adjust to the absence of MDMA. People may experience uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms. Some people refer to this period and symptoms as a “Molly comedown.”
Common symptoms of a Molly comedown include:
- Fatigue
- Memory issues
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Finding it difficult to focus or concentrate on a task
- Depression
- Irritability
- Appetite loss
- Anxiety
The length of a Molly comedown can vary from person to person. Generally, people may experience the symptoms of a comedown for 24 to 72 hours.
Comedown symptoms may be most intense in the first 24 hours. Over the next day or so, symptoms will likely improve.
How Long Does an MDMA Comedown Last?
An MDMA comedown is actually withdrawal. After using Molly, people’s bodies require time to adjust to the absence of this drug. During this adjustment period, many people experience withdrawal symptoms.
MDMA withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Many people relapse (use Molly again) to relieve these symptoms. Knowing how long it lasts and what to expect at each stage may help you stay on track and avoid relapse.
Here is what to expect at each stage of an MDMA comedown.
Day one
Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms can start within the first 24 hours after your last dose. You may feel irritable, depressed, or very tired. It is important to practice self-care to manage your discomfort and avoid relapse.
Day three
By around the third day, your withdrawal symptoms may change or begin to improve. Many people experience appetite loss, insomnia, and anxiety during this stage of detox.
First week
After around a week of detoxification, your symptoms may improve significantly. However, some people continue to experience comedown symptoms like mood swings and cravings.
Second week
By the end of your second week without MDMA, you are likely to feel much better. You may notice you can sleep through the night and have more energy during the day.
Beyond two weeks
After two weeks without ecstasy, most of your comedown symptoms should have resolved. Your mood, sleep, and appetite are likely to return to normal by this stage of detox.
Many factors can affect how long an MDMA comedown lasts. Overall health, dosage, frequency of ecstasy use, and other factors can impact withdrawal symptoms. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our detox, treatment, and recovery support programs.
How to Manage a Molly Comedown
Ecstasy withdrawal symptoms are unlikely to be life-threatening, but they may make you feel miserable. There isn’t much you can do to stop the symptoms of an MDMA comedown. However, you can take steps to reduce your symptoms and care for yourself during this time.
Here is an overview of how to manage a Molly comedown.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated can help you feel your best while managing a Molly comedown. Drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated drinks, such as herbal tea or fruit juice. Eat water-rich foods, such as juicy fruits (watermelon, oranges, berries, etc), soups, or jell-o.
Rest
You might feel fatigued as your body adjusts to the absence of MDMA. Focus on getting good rest. Go to bed at the same time each night. Develop a bedtime routine that involves relaxing activities and limited screen time for an hour beforehand.
Eat well
You may not have much of an appetite, but it is crucial to eat well during an MDMA comedown. If you cannot eat full meals, focus on eating healthy snacks with fiber, fat, and protein, such as crackers and cheese, fruit and yogurt, or peanut butter toast.
Exercise
You may struggle with depression or fatigue during the comedown period. Exercise can help counteract these and other effects of MDMA withdrawal. Gentle exercise, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, may boost your mood and energy levels.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about managing a Molly comedown or to explore our addiction treatment programs.
Understanding Ecstasy Abuse and Addiction
MDMA works by flooding the brain with “feel-good” chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are involved in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems. Drugs that affect these systems are typically highly addictive.
People who use ecstasy often may develop psychological or physical dependence on it. They may feel sluggish or depressed when they stop taking it. Frequent MDMA users may begin to develop symptoms of addiction, including:
- Feeling anxious if they do not have access to MDMA
- Using more MDMA over time
- Needing to use higher doses to get the desired effects
- Having social, financial, or legal trouble related to MDMA use
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from using ecstasy
- Falling behind in their responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Doing risky things while using MDMA, like driving or having unprotected sex
- Continuing to use MDMA, even when it causes significant problems
People who use MDMA frequently may require professional treatment to stop using it. Treatment centers offer several levels of care to meet a wide range of needs. People may attend inpatient detox and treatment programs or receive care on an outpatient basis.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs.
Treating MDMA Addiction
Molly abuse and addiction are complex conditions requiring comprehensive treatment. A holistic approach to substance abuse treatment can help to address the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of MDMA addiction.
People may attend different levels of care at each stage of their recovery journey. Common levels of addiction treatment include:
- Inpatient or residential treatment programs
- Medical detox programs
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Outpatient rehab programs
- Aftercare and relapse prevention programs
Here are some of the therapies included in comprehensive addiction treatment programs.
Assessment
An assessment is typically the first stage of comprehensive treatment. A substance abuse evaluation may include:
- Questions about current and past substance use
- A personal medical history
- Information about mental health conditions or a history of treatment
- A family history of substance use disorder and mental health conditions
- Lab testing
- A physical examination
- Questions about current resources and strengths
This information can help your treatment team develop a personalized treatment plan to meet your exact needs. You may have additional screenings or testing throughout treatment.
Detox
A medical detox program offers physical and emotional support to manage withdrawal symptoms.
A detox treatment plan might include:
- Diagnostic testing and assessments
- Round-the-clock supervision and access to treatment
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including individual and group counseling
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness, acupuncture, and yoga
These and other therapies ensure safety throughout the detox process. They can keep people safe and on track as they navigate the earliest days of their recovery journey.
Treatment
After completing detox, people must receive tailored, comprehensive treatment to address the roots of their substance use.
Substance abuse treatment programs may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Behavioral therapies
- Medication management
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Holistic therapies, including exercise, creative therapies, animal therapy, mindfulness, and more
- Psychoeducation
- Aftercare planning
People may remain in a treatment program for several days, weeks, or months, depending on their needs. Many people start treatment in a residential or inpatient program. Then, they may transfer to outpatient care after stabilization.
Aftercare
People must create and follow an aftercare plan after finishing rehab. An aftercare plan consists of resources and activities that support long-term recovery.
An aftercare plan might include:
- Spending time in a sober living home
- Attending 12-step meetings or recovery support groups
- Receiving regular mental health and medical care
- Attending individual therapy
- Engaging in holistic therapies
An aftercare plan can keep people focused on their recoveries, even during challenging times.
Contact the treatment specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about treating SUD or recovery resources in your community.
Do I Need Drug Abuse Treatment?
Molly abuse can have dangerous short and long-term effects on your health, relationships, and overall well-being. It is important to recognize the signs of Molly or other drug abuse and seek treatment as soon as possible.
It can be challenging to recognize the signs of substance abuse in yourself or others. Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you or a loved one requires help.
- Do I use illegal drugs or take prescription medications recreationally (without a prescription)?
- Do I use more of a substance than before, or use it more often?
- Do I spend a lot of time, money, or energy to get, use, and recover from using drugs?
- Do I isolate more often, or only spend time with others when using drugs?
- Am I falling behind at work, missing school, or neglecting other responsibilities?
- Do I experience withdrawal symptoms if I stop taking a drug?
- Is it hard for me to limit my drug use or stop?
- Do I experience cravings for certain drugs?
Answering “yes” to some of these questions may indicate you or a loved one needs support to overcome substance abuse.
People with drug tolerance or dependence may not be able to stop using them without help. Substance abuse treatment programs can help people understand and address the roots of drug use. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize that you need help.
Find Substance Abuse Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with Molly abuse or other substance use, you are not alone. First Step Behavioral Health offers a range of treatment and recovery support programs. Our compassionate, experienced professionals create tailored treatment plans for each of our clients to ensure the most personalized care.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health treatment team to learn more about our therapies or programs. Reach out to ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment now.
References:
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Ecstasy Or MDMA (also Known As Molly)
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Toxicity
- NIH: The pharmacology and toxicology of “ecstasy” (MDMA) and related drugs
- Science Direct: Neuroimaging in moderate MDMA use: A systematic review
- Sage Journals: Safety pharmacology of acute MDMA administration in healthy subjects
- Science Direct: The effect of the ecstasy ‘come-down’ on the diagnosis of ecstasy dependence
- Taylor & Francis Online: User perceptions of long-term costs and benefits of MDMA use: findings from a large online sample
