MDMA is the abbreviation for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. This is the full name chemists give to describe the structure of the substance most people know as ‘Molly.’ There are no differences between the two when it comes to MDMA vs Molly. They are simply different names for the same substance.
The nature of illicit substances is one shrouded in uncertainty. Whatever name it’s being called, it could very well be something completely different, scientific-sounding or not. There’s no way to know if a substance is what you’re told it is other than to test it.
While there is no difference between Molly and MDMA, there’s still much to learn about the substance and its effects. Read on if you’re curious to find out more!
MDMA and Neurological Effects
Molly is a powerful drug that increases the activity of normal brain physiology. People take it because it induces a state of intense euphoria and feelings of love and connection to others. This is the origin of its other street name, Ecstasy.
These acute feelings are from the increased production of chemicals in the brain, namely serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. There’s also a secondary effect that slows the reuptake of these mood-enhancing chemicals. This causes the experience to last much longer than it would otherwise.
During normal brain activity, these chemicals are released in reaction to natural stimuli. These are the same chemicals that reward us for success in our daily lives. The introduction of MDMA to the system acts as a key to a floodgate of reward signals. These signals are usually reserved and rationed to guide us through the ups and downs of normal life.
The Difference Between Molly and MDMA
In its purest form, MDMA appears as a slightly off-white crystalline powder. As mentioned earlier, there are no differences between molly and MDMA, but there are many forms of the substance and different ways of getting the chemical into the human body. Snorting Molly, swallowing it directly, or mixing it in a drink are the most common forms of ingestion.
Pills are a popular solution as it’s much simpler to pop a pill in the mouth than deal with a powder while at a party or bar. It also makes selling them a lot easier as they come pre-dosed, allowing for easy price standardization.
The opportunity to cut pure MDMA powder with something else before pressing it into pills happens frequently. At this stage, anything added can bolster the amount of powder and increase the perceived amount of substance for monetary gain. While harmless substances are most commonly used, there are no guarantees when dealing with the unknown and unregulated.
Side Effects
While feelings of euphoria, connection, and well-being are the effects people look for when taking MDMA, others come along for the ride. Some more common side effects include jaw clenching, teeth grinding, sweating, lack of appetite, nausea, and depersonalization. These are also the most apparent markers to look for while trying to establish if someone is under the influence of MDMA.
These are harmless for the most part, but there are more severe effects to consider that can prove dangerous if the user doesn’t know how to take care. Dehydration can easily result from a warm room and increased physical activity, leading to users occasionally passing out. A wide range of adverse effects can be avoided by remembering to sip from a bottle of water now and again.
While rare, fatal overdoses happen, usually in conjunction with other substances. Panic attacks, faintness, and seizures are also possible, but it’s not known if this is due to genetic sensitivity or other contributing factors. If you suspect someone might be under the influence, it might be best to be vigilant and attentive.
Molly Comedown
Due to the nature of the powerful high and the interruption of normal brain physiology, when the effects of MDMA leave the user, they’re often left stranded. Our bodies operate through a constant balancing act regarding emotional regulation; this is made painfully obvious during a Molly comedown. MDMA disrupts the normal running of things in no uncertain terms, and it takes a long time to get back to baseline.
What was once a brain flooded with feel-good neurotransmitters is quickly abandoned by them. As you can probably imagine, the production of neurotransmitters that were kicked into overdrive is now scarcely available while things slowly adjust and go back to normal. As the adage goes, What goes up, must come down.
Habitual users of MDMA know the truth of this all too well. While MDMA isn’t particularly toxic to the body, the fallout from the rushing onset of positive feelings and their sudden withdrawal is stark. Users are left reeling, sometimes in despair, after having the proverbial rug pulled from under them, leaving them to nurse their frazzled brains back to normalcy slowly.
How Long Does Molly Last?
The duration of the high depends on multiple factors but can last between 3- 7 hours. Depending on the dose taken, how large a person they are, and if they’re under the influence of other drugs, the duration of the high will vary considerably. Alcohol, in particular, as a depressant, will shorten the experience considerably.
Pure MDMA is a fast-acting drug. The first effects of molly will typically occur in as little as 20 minutes when swallowed on an empty stomach. However, it’s not unusual to take up to an hour before the effects reach their zenith.
Snorting MDMA will have a much faster effect, taking hold in as little as 10 minutes. The high will last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the user’s constitution and activity level throughout their experience. This method bypasses the stomach, absorbing through the nose’s mucous membrane.
How Long Does MDMA Stay In Your System?
Evidence of having taken MDMA stays around in various forms long after the effects have left the user. Even after all the side effects have abated, tests can be conducted to detect traces of the substance in the body. Traces of MDMA can stay in your system for up to 90 days after taking the drug. Therefore, results may vary depending on the type of test administered.
The most effective and far-reaching test by far is hair follicle testing. Traces of the chemical can be found up to three months after ingestion. This type of test is widely available and used by many businesses to screen their employees for illicit activity.
Blood tests only allow for short windows of time to be scrutinized. Traces of MDMA are filtered from the circulatory system after only three to four days. Saliva tests are even less useful, detecting MDMA no longer than three days after being taken.
The most common drug tests are urine tests. Employers will often ask for a urine sample to screen for many substances, including marijuana and cocaine. Typical urine tests won’t detect MDMA. The ones that do are only capable of screening for MDMA within a period of three days.
MDMA Withdrawal Symptoms
The answer to ‘is Molly addictive?’ is a hard one. Some regular users report a wide range of withdrawal symptoms when stopping their habit. The changes are typical when deciding to avoid the use of any drug that has become a crutch or is otherwise relied upon for positive reinforcement.
Among these are complaints of fatigue and depression, loss of appetite, and irritability. While these might not seem like major concerns, anything that negatively affects someone’s ability to get on with their life is an issue worth considering.
Depression is the most common Molly withdrawal symptom. Users often report this symptom as they get used to not relying on it as a chemical crutch. These symptoms commonly lead to problems with getting sufficient sleep, which has a rolling negative effect on every aspect of the users’ life.
Helping A Friend In Need
If you suspect you know someone who’s addicted to Molly, don’t let them go through it alone. Even if your help is rejected, sometimes it’s enough for the person to know that their plight hasn’t gone unnoticed. Feeling invisible and uncared about often can compound feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy.
If someone you know is addicted to Molly, confront them calmly and directly about your suspicions and listen to what they say. Depending on their reaction, you might find yourself in a perfect position to help them out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves. In which case, you’ll have helped them onto the first step of recovery.
Everyone makes mistakes. Easing ourselves out of them can take great mental fortitude, especially when drug dependency is part of the equation. If you don’t believe your help will be sufficient, gently guiding them in the direction of professionals is a solid next step.
Treatment and Detox From Molly
Seeking professional help for chronic drug use is the best solution for many who struggle to end the cycle of use. Many users face embarrassment or reluctance when admitting to themselves and others that they need help. Physical and mental addictions are seriously debilitating, and without someone who understands their virulence, things can spiral out of control.
If you’re struggling with ending your abusive relationship with MDMA, help is available! Drug addiction is a common ailment and is well-understood by psychologists and rehabilitation specialists. The first step is to admit to yourself that you might need help learning how to get molly out of your system for good.
Sometimes all that’s needed is the opportunity to vent to an understanding ear. Feelings of hopelessness and dependence can easily get the better of us and are nothing to be ashamed of. Group sessions can also be beneficial. Hearing the stories of others helps to confirm you’re not the only one going through this kind of dependence.
Accountability
The use of drugs as a form of escape is becoming more popular than ever, especially during the current economic downturn. Fears of being unable to pay the bills, being let go from a job, or a general dread of the future are hard to simply forget about without a helping hand. Talking to others and voicing your concerns is a panacea that cannot be overstated.
Listening to the woes of others and chiming in with your own experiences helps to ground us in more ways than one. Being a part of a group of like-minded individuals going through tough times is incredibly beneficial.
Our perception of our life and its direction is unique to us. For that reason alone, it’s easy to become trapped without a clear view of the way out. An understanding face and a shoulder to lean on can work wonders for the afflicted. If you’re uncertain about giving rehab a try, it might be worth contacting a reputable centre to find out what it’s all about.
Help Is Out There
Whether you’re struggling or know someone who is, you’re not alone! Rehabilitation centers exist to help people who have lost their way. Drugs often seem like an excellent way to lessen the pain. However, they can quickly make matters worse as dependency forms.
Professional care and advice are just a call away.
If this article has helped you understand the difference between Molly and MDMA, look over the rest of our blog. You might find more of the answers you’ve been looking for!