Is Molly addictive?

YES. Molly (MDMA) can be addictive. This derivative of methamphetamine alters the chemical responses of neurotransmitters and can cause euphoric effect which compels use. More on psychological and physical dependence on Molly here.

4
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Molly, also known as MDMA, is an illegal drug popular in rave and club culture. The use of MDMA is on the rise and popular for its mind altering effects and increased intimacy.  How long does MDMA stay in the system?  And what makes Molly addictive? Plus,  how do you know that you’ve become addicted to Molly or not? We review these questions here and invite your questions about the addictive potential of Molly at the end.

What is Molly used for?

Molly (MDMA) was first created in a lab in 1912. It then traveled slowly from Europe to the United States. The use of Molly rose in popularity in the 1970’s. During this time, it was picked up by a lot of psychotherapists and studied for potential therapeutic purposes. Molly is still being studied in labs today.

However, outside the lab its primary function is one of recreation. Molly is used for the altered mental state it creates. MDMA increases senses of intimacy and mental alertness. It also dramatically alters sensory perception. People taking Molly for this altered perception and experience a different level of interaction with the world around them.

What is Molly made of?

Molly is a derivative of methamphetamine which acts as both a stimulant and a psychedelic. Molly is a manifested synthetic drug made in laboratories and in home kitchens. Molly is the pure form of MDMA and comes in a powdery crystallized form. However, there is potential of Molly being cut with other harmful substances such as; ketamine, BZP, or caffeine. It is said the pure MDMA has a lower addiction potential than other forms of MDMA.

How addictive is Molly?

Molly is a scheduled I substance because it is not only illegal but has a high potential of abuse. While many people do not develop chemical dependency on Molly, psychological craving (the defining characteristic of addiction) can be quite high. Molly effects the brain by altering the chemical responses of neurotransmitters. These disruptions hinder proper communication between neurons. This is what results in the altered effects of the brain and ability to experience higher sensations of stimulation. Molly also releases a hormone called oxytocin which is present during orgasm and child birth which accounts for the increases intimacy you feel when you are taking Molly.  While you normally do not die from taking Molly, you can physically view effects of Molly on the body by using SPECT for drug addiction to take images of the brain.

Molly dependence vs. addiction

Because Molly is a recreational drug, addiction is more likely when you take MDMA for effect. However, addiction and physical dependence are two separate clinical conditions. Dependence happens when the body has adapted to the continued presence of MDMA in the system and presents withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking it. Prolonged abuse of Molly can completely alter the brain chemistry to the point that cognitive behavior is only normal with the presence of the drug inside the body. At this point, the body is physically addicted to Molly. But most Molly users are not this extreme.

On the other hand, addiction may be present because the added psychological element of seeking out Molly even though it is hurting your body or your life may be more likely. Addiction can also involve seeking out the drug to self-medicate and mitigate the lack of pleasure and stimuli in your life. Simply taking Molly over time can lead to an addiction and negative relationship with the drug.

How do you get addicted to Molly ?

Molly use is not regulated and so many do not know the level of doses it takes to become addicted. Nor is there any sort of tapering process that compensates for withdrawal or help the brain reach homeostasis. Therefore, it is hard to determine how fast someone can become addicted to Molly. There are simply too many factors that play into it.

On top of that, everyone is different and reacts to Molly in different ways. Overall, continued abuse and self-medication using MDMA regularly will lead to addiction. Also, if you or your family have a tendency toward dependency to drugs or alcohol, you may be at a higher risk compared to someone who isn’t. If you feel you may be addicted to Molly, look out for the signs and then seek professional help to support your decision to stay away from MDMA.

Signs of Molly addiction

Again, chemcial dependence to MDMA and Molly addiction can be similar but are clinically different conditions. However, if you think you may addicted to Molly, the following are good indicators of Molly addiction:

  1. Using Molly in order to maintain normal function regardless of withdrawal
  2. Seeking out Molly and disrupting your life to take it
  3. Craving the drug
  4. Rationalized use of Molly in order to continue taking it

Molly addiction potential questions

Do you still have questions about the addiction potential of Molly? Please leave your questions, comments or feedback here. We are happy to help answer your questions personally and promptly. And if we do not know the answer to your particular Molly question, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: NIDA: MDMA
NHTSA: MDMA
NCBI: Modifiable risk factors of Ecstasy
MDMA in Missouri 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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