What you should know about MDMA
MDMA, colloquially known as Molly or Ecstasy, is a lab-produced psychoactive chemical that originally gained popularity in the nightclub scene before becoming more widespread over time. There have numerous studies on many aspects of the drug, but for most of us, the most important questions to ask when dealing with any controlled substance are: What does the drug do? Is it safe? And is it addictive?
Why do people use Molly?
Molly is a psychoactive drug used recreationally to induce feelings of euphoria and warp perception of reality. Its effects and activation time vary from person to person, but usually, MDMA begins affecting a person around 45 minutes after taking a dose. Commonly reported effects of Molly include:
- General sense of wellness
- Physical warmth
- Increased physical sensation
These effects may sound innocuous, but as with all controlled substances, there are substantial risks involved.
Is MDMA dangerous?
In addition to being a psychoactive substance, MDMA is a stimulant and carries many of the inherent risks associated with drugs in its category. Molly has been shown to disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can lead to hyperthermia in warm environments such as a nightclub and has also been shown to intensify feelings of anxiety in some users under stressful circumstances.
Beyond the effects of pure MDMA, the greater danger comes from the fact that almost all MDMA on the street is cut with far more dangerous substances such as cocaine, heroin, and prescription opiates which can be deadly in very small doses and are highly addictive on their own.
Are psychoactive drugs like MDMA physically addictive?
Currently, research results remain inconclusive about whether or not Molly is addictive, but studies do show that it produces habitual self-medication behaviors similar to those observed in cases of addiction in animals. While there’s no definitive consensus as to whether MDMA can result in physical dependency, research does indicate that the drug may result in psychological addiction for many people.
Additionally, since its mechanism causes an uptake in serotonin and dopamine, many people report feelings of depression or a general feeling of anxiety upon coming down. This is especially dangerous for those already struggling with substance abuse, as depression is a well-known risk factor for relapse.
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