Substances can be similar but also different. For example, whiskey and wine are both forms of alcohol, but they are very different in taste and potency, with whiskey generally being the stronger substance between the two.
In a similar vein, ecstasy and molly, both of which are variants of MDMA, can have similar effects, but there are also notable differences between the two of them.
To people who use MDMA, the differences between molly and ecstasy can be stark, and a lot of habitual users may find themselves worrying about their drug addiction.
They may want to look into their treatment options for overcoming the use of ecstasy or molly.
At Luxe Recovery, we offer a wide range of treatments for substance use disorders, including MDMA use. We also treat process addictions and mental health disorders.
What Are Ecstasy and Molly?
Ecstasy is a pure form of MDMA that often comes in tablets and is often used as a party drug. These ecstasy pills can often come in a variety of colors. However, in addition to its pill forms, it can also come in powder form and can be snorted.
Molly is a crystalline powder form of MDMA. It can also come in the form of capsules. It is a psychoactive drug that can produce hallucinogenic effects.
In some cases, the names are used interchangeably, with some users using molly as a street name for ecstasy.
Differences between Molly and Ecstasy
While both drugs are technically MDMA, there are differences between molly and ecstasy, especially when it comes to their purity. The biggest difference is that molly is a pure form of MDMA, whereas ecstasy is not as pure. Ecstasy, on the other hand, is a synthetic drug, and rather than being pure MDMA, it can often be cut with other substances such as caffeine, ketamine, or methamphetamine.
Similarities Between the Two
While there are differences between the drugs, especially when it comes to purity, they can also have similarities. Both drugs can produce euphoric effects and raise a user’s body temperature.
They can also cause seizures and anxiety in users. In extreme cases, using either drug can be life-threatening. MDMA also has hallucinogenic properties and can alter a user’s perception.
These drugs can be dangerous, and it’s important to be aware of these dangers should the opportunity to take molly or ecstasy ever present itself.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Molly and Ecstasy
Because the drugs are so similar, the use of molly and ecstasy can have similar effects. These effects can be categorized into the following:
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of MDMA use can include increased energy and alertness. Users can also experience heightened pleasure and become less inhibited. Other effects of MDMA include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, which are common with stimulant use. Users may also have nausea and blurred vision.
Another effect is increased temperature and dehydration. Combined with MDMA being used in crowded environments where people are expected to move around a lot, such as nightclubs and outdoor music festivals, users are at risk of hyperthermia or hyperpyrexia. This is why hydration is key in preventing major side effects from worsening.
Long-Term Effects
There can be long-term effects to using ecstasy or molly. It can permanently change a person’s brain chemistry, which can result in anxiety, memory problems, trouble sleeping, learning difficulties, and impaired concentration. Long-term drug use can also result in dependence, which will require professional addiction treatment to overcome.
MDMA Addiction Treatment
MDMA use is relatively rare in the United States when compared to other stimulants. However, it is prevalent among certain subsets of the population, particularly women under the age of 35 who self-identified as bisexual. As such, it’s important to have professional treatment programs to help individuals who are addicted to using MDMA. Some of the levels of care in a treatment program include:
Detox
This is the first phase of addressing substance use disorder, also known as drug addiction. People who use ecstasy or molly over a long time can become dependent. Because of this, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms if they are unable to use MDMA or if it’s not in their system.
Still, it’s important to purge the body of all MDMA. This is why it is important to detox in a professional treatment facility, as the team can address withdrawal symptoms and support a person through the process.
Inpatient Care
For people with severe substance use disorder, MDMA is pivotal in the recovery process. In a residential treatment facility, a person will have no access to ecstasy, molly, or any form of MDMA. They will receive various treatments for their substance use, including individual therapy, group therapy, and holistic treatments.
Inpatient care for substance use can last a few weeks or a few months. The length will depend on the patient’s needs. In many cases, people will not leave the facility until they complete treatment or check themselves out, but there may be supervised outings and family visits.
Sober Living
Another level of care that can help people overcome substance use is sober living. Sober living homes are sometimes called halfway houses because they can represent a transitory point between being in inpatient rehab and either going back to real life or an outpatient program.
While in a halfway house, they will receive less intense care than in residential care. They will also live independently but must live by house rules and be subject to random drug testing.
Outpatient Rehab
For people with less severe substance use disorders or those who have completed an inpatient program, outpatient rehab can offer a high level of support while also being flexible enough that a person doesn’t have to put their whole life on hold.
A patient will continue individual and group therapy in an outpatient rehab program. In some cases, they may go to multiple sessions every week.
Recovery Starts Here
MDMA, especially in the form of ecstasy and molly, is often consumed by people who are in situations where drug use may be tolerated or even expected. But this expectation does not make taking molly or ecstasy addiction any less dangerous. MDMA is still a psychoactive drug with stimulant properties.
But molly or ecstasy use does not have to be permanent. With drug rehab, a person can stop using party drugs and live their lives on their terms, not those of the drugs they take. If you think you are ready to take a step towards recovery, Luxe Recovery is ready to help.
