This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. It’s important to also note that the long-term health effects of Molly can be hard to delineate because MDMA is rarely taken without other substances. Its longer-term effects may therefore be impacted by its use in combination with other drugs or alcohol.

1. Read more about MDMA research on the National Institute of Mental Health website.
2. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.
3. Since that time, only a handful of studies have explored the possible long-term health effects of chronic MDMA use.
4. Besides, the targeted mechanism for the treatment of MDMA complications will be discussed.
5. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
6. Thus, the treatment of MDMA complications should be further explored mainly by targeting its mechanism of action in the neurotransmitter systems.

How to Recognize MDMA

Without access to proper laboratory equipment, accurately identifying how much actual MDMA is in Molly powder or pills is difficult.

Common Long-Term Effects Of Molly Addiction

As Molly induces feelings of love and empathy, those under its influence often display more outward positive emotions than they typically would without the drug. Heightened energy levels and erratic body movements may also indicate someone is using Molly. As a psychoactive drug that has similarities to both stimulants and hallucinogens, MDMA causes altered sensations, euphoria, energy and empathy.

Contamination With Other Drugs

Although MDMA was reported to improve the emotional and personality problems in psychotherapy as mentioned earlier, its long-term effects can be more adverse. The massive release of serotonin that initially causes the psychotic symptoms can also give rise to the chemical damage to serotonin-releasing cells (Kalant, 2001). Due to the disruption of the normal brain biological system, MDMA can cause goodbye letter to alcohol damage to the brain structure and nervous system, which increases the loss of neurons and alters the brain functions. Regarding the long-term effects of MDMA exposure, it was proven that MDMA could reduce the level of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats (Mueller et al., 2009; Mustafa et al., 2018).

This leads to overall cognitive impairments and brain damage, some of which are permanent. Long-term molly abuse has been linked to permanent brain damage, organ damage, organ failure, psychosis, and even death. Some users continue to use the drug despite experiencing negative consequences. This suggests MDMA has addiction potential, although researchers have not yet confirmed this.

Hence, this study presents a short review regarding the recent findings on the role of neurotransmitters to cause MDMA neurotoxicity. The results will be useful for future research in elucidating the potential treatment based on the targeted mechanisms to treat the neurotoxic effects of MDMA. Historical evidence showed that the mechanism of MDMA upon its administration is through its binding affinity to the serotonin receptors (Liechti, Saur, Gamma, Hell, & Vollenweider, 2000). The activation of these receptors triggers a massive release of neurotransmitters.

Disrupting them with molly can cause significant, and sometimes permanent, brain damage and impairment. In addition to interfering with job performance, family duties and education, a lack of sleep can contribute to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. While Molly is another name for MDMA, the reality is that most Molly sold today is cut with a variety of substances.

Combined, these neurotransmitters respectively increase energy, boost heart rate and blood pressure and elevate trust, emotional closeness and mood. This combination makes Molly particularly appealing, especially when partying with friends and enjoying live music, clubs or festivals. To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. Although ecstasy affects many neurotransmitters in the brain impacted by other addictive drugs, the brain fog from alcohol National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that research has not determined whether MDMA is addictive.

Like serotonin, the neurotransmitters dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also play a role in mood, pleasure, and more. According to the review, both animal and human studies found that MDMA can negatively affect the serotonergic systems in the brain. Finding treatment services for molly addiction can involve locating an how to safely wean off alcohol inpatient treatment facility that provides medically supervised detox, along with aftercare services.

Some people who use MDMA do report symptoms of an MDMA-related substance use disorder. MDMA (an abbreviation of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), also called “Molly” or “Ecstasy,” is a lab-made (synthetic) drug that has effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine. It is typically sold illicitly as colorful tablets with imprinted logos, capsules, powder, or liquid. Some researchers and organizations consider MDMA to be a psychedelic drug because it can also mildly alter visual and time perception. MDMA’s effects may include feeling more energetic and alert and having an increased sense of well-being, warmth, and openness toward others. Serotonin is crucial for regulating mood, sleep, pain, appetite, and other functions, and the increased release of serotonin contributes to MDMA’s mood-elevating effects.

Breivik et al. (2014) also reported that long-term exposure of MDMA affected the serotonergic and dopaminergic transport systems in the rat brain. Tao et al. (2015) suggested that serotonergic transmissions play a role in MDMA-induced syndrome. By boosting levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, MDMA produces feelings of euphoria, increased sociability, and heightened senses. Since that time, only a handful of studies have explored the possible long-term health effects of chronic MDMA use. Taking molly affects neurotransmitter levels in the brain, changes blood flow to specific areas and can result in brain damage. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.

The short-term effects of MDMA on the brain

However, some researchers have suggested that MDMA may be able to cause a long-term 5-HT down-regulation without causing structural damage to serotonin neurons (Kish, 2002). Unfortunately, there is still an ongoing debate on whether the deficit of serotonin reflects damage to the neurons (Baumann, Wang & Rothman, 2007). Brain imaging studies on humans have provided evidence regarding the altered serotonergic functioning in recreational ecstasy users.