What is Molly/MDMA?
MDMA is a synthetic drug with hallucinogenic and stimulant properties. Some also say it is an entactogen, giving empathy and self-awareness. MDMA is derived from safrole oil. Molly is the street name for crystal or powder MDMA, usually sold in capsules. The original developers of MDMA intended it to be used for treating depression, but it has ended up being abused.
How does Molly/MDMA Work?
When a person takes MDMA capsules or tablets, the effects start kicking in 45 minutes later on average. The full effects are felt a quarter to half hour after they are first felt and last for around 3 hours, but side effects can be felt for some days later. Users normally take one to two tablets containing 50 to 150 mg of MDMA. Most take another dose when effects of the previous one start to fade, which increases the risk of negative side effects as the doses accumulate in the body system.
It impacts functioning of the brain basically releasing a neurotransmitter known as serotonin, and also temporarily prevents its reuptake. The user then gets a feeling connectedness, and effects like those felt after taking psychedelics and stimulants.
Molly/MDMA Tolerance
Like any other drug, if you take MDMA frequently for a long time your body will develop tolerance to it. While there is no clear scientific explanation for how and why users develop tolerance to MDMA, some experts believe the likely cause is a complex mechanism entirely unique to amphetamine derivatives called “serotonergic neurotoxicity.” While in this condition, the body experiences a deficit in a wide range bio-behavioral functions with a serotonergic element and you may have impaired cognitive and memory skills.
Scientists believe MDMA tolerance results from boosting or taking doses on top of another. If you repeatedly binge at least 4 days in a month, tolerance effects may kick in.
What is Molly/MDMA Abuse?
You know that you are abusing MDMA if you are using it so you can feel stimulated and well, and also need to use it to get sense and time perception. In the 1980s most of MDMA users were night clubbers but the trend has shifted. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 18 million US citizens have reported using MDMA once or more in their lifetime.
Is Molly/MDMA Dangerous?
There are a few potentially negative effects for MDMA use. MDMA can cause a rise in body temperature to dangerous levels that may kill in some environments. It also stresses the heart as it causes it to have a higher beat rate and pressure. MDMA use may also damage the kidneys. While MDMA has been proved to damage a certain type of neurons in animal brains, it has not been confirmed to have such effects on the human brain. But, scientists have found that sustained use may lead to cognitive problems such as learning and memory.
Should I Stop Taking Molly/MDMA?
If you feel like you can no longer lead a normal life without using MDMA, it is time to stop taking it. Unlike most illegal drugs, you can easily stop taking MDMA as developing dependency is quite uncommon. But if you have been using it for a long time and feel like you are dependent on it, you may have to consult a medical practitioner to advise you as you might be suffering MDMA addiction.
There is a high likelihood for regular users of this drug experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the toxins leave the body, and the severity will vary by individual. Common psychological withdrawal symptoms for MDA include:
– Paranoia
– Anxiety
– Depression
– Irritability
– Cravings
Other symptoms include:
– Weakness
– Aches and pains
– Fatigue
– Loss of appetite
– Digestive Disturbances
– Insomnia
– Confusion
– Suicidal thoughts attempts
Who Abuses Molly/MDMA?
Nightclubbers
Initially, MDMA abuse was very popular among young adults and adolescents in the nightclub environment. Currently, these group of users still accounts for of large percentage of the total users.
Gay and bisexual people
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded research shows that a person’s gender orientation influences their MDMA usage rates. For instance, bisexual or gay people are more likely than heterosexual people to have used the substance over in the last month and to seek medical attention for harm resulting from MDMA abuse.
Males aged 18-25 years
MDMA abuse is most common in males 18-25 years of age, most of them start using it when they are 21 years of age.
Quitting Molly/MDMA
If you are a chronic, regular, or high user, it is strongly recommended that you stop taking MDMA by slowly tapering or reducing the dose until you completely stop. This will ensure you don’t experience severe or intense discomfort. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to another.
If your body has developed MDMA dependency as a result of MDMA abuse, there are high chances you will experience low or lack motivation as a result of depletion of serotonin levels. As most users use it when partying, you may experience musculoskeletal pains due to the heavy dancing while high. As well you may be dehydrated because of excessive dancing and other or other activities you do while high on the drug. You need to take plenty of water and fluids and take plenty of rest when quitting MDMA.
If you aren’t an addict yet, you can try to quit at home and can easily overcome the withdrawal symptoms using over-the-counter medications. But to be sure you need to consult a qualified medical practitioner who will create a custom withdrawal plan for you. If you feel you need more attention, visit a detox center for more serious and personalized attention. Regardless of whether you are an occasional or heave user, the best way to quit MDMA is through moral and medical support.
