The Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled MDMA as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse. Individuals who take MDMA and other substances, intentionally or not, are at higher risk of negative health effects.
3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as molly or ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that affects a person’s mood and perception.
MDMA can be compared to stimulants and hallucinogens because they can affect a person’s energy levels, pleasure, and emotions and distort their senses and perception of time.
MDMA was initially most common in young adults in party scenes, like “raves” or music festivals, but is now used in various settings.
The NIH reports that most MDMA use begins at the age of 21.
MDMA can have numerous negative health side effects on a person.
After use, the effects of ecstasy can include:
MDMA use can also cause a sudden and significant change in body temperature that can lead to kidney failure and, in serious cases, be fatal.
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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there is no definitive answer on whether molly is addictive; however, it does affect the same neurotransmitter systems in the brain that are impacted by other addictive drugs.
In the same research report, the NIH explains that some people who use MDMA have reported addiction symptoms, including use despite negative consequences, tolerance, withdrawal, and cravings.
Young people may use MDMA as a capsule, liquid, or powder. Some people may take MDMA and other substances such as marijuana or alcohol.
Individuals who take MDMA and other substances, intentionally or not, are at higher risk of negative health effects.
MDMA increases the activity of certain brain chemicals, which include dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.
This can affect the brain’s reward system and lead a young adult to seek a drug over and over again to feel its effects.
The increase in norepinephrine can also cause a faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.
Serotonin plays a role in many functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep.
According to the NIDA, long-term health effects that can be associated with MDMA use in young adults can include:
A young adult or anyone struggling with substance use disorders or addiction can benefit from going to rehab.
Some benefits that come from going to a rehab center can include:
A young adult or loved one may need treatment for substance use disorders or addiction if they continue to use drugs despite its effects on their lives and health.
Addiction typically comes with significant changes to a person’s mood and behavior.
If a young adult is displaying signs or symptoms that you think may be related to MDMA use, it is important to reach out for professional help.
A healthcare provider can help properly diagnose or refer an individual to a specialist who can help.
There is no specific treatment designed for people struggling with an MDMA addiction.
Some people struggling with MDMA addiction find behavioral therapy, such as some forms of psychotherapy, helpful.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies can help a person struggling with MDMA use disorder or addiction modify their thought processes and behaviors and learn healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress
Support groups combined with a form of behavioral therapy can promote long-term recovery in young adults with a molly addiction.
Yes, some people who have taken MDMA have reported ecstasy withdrawal symptoms, including:
Fatigue
Change in appetite or loss of appetite
Depression
Having trouble concentrating
Young Adult Specific Approach
Young adult treatment helps you make change.
Change isn’t static. Change happens when you – and only you – decide. As a young adult addiction treatment center, our job isn’t to make you change. It’s to empower you as you seek something different.
Our programs include various experiential programs such as yoga, art therapy, physical activities, and outdoor adventures to help young adults become their happiest, healthiest selves.
Work one-on-one with an experienced young adult therapist to identify and address the underlying root causes of addiction.
Build resilience, test out your newly learned tools, and develop a community of support during your addiction treatment process.
Learn more about the young adult evidence-based addiction therapies we use to create long-lasting change beyond the walls of our programming.
Explore how our team uses MAT responsibly to address young adult addiction and in conjunction with our evidence-based therapies.
Engage your family in your recovery process. Addiction doesn’t happen in isolation, and treating the whole system is more effective.
Address substance use disorder and frequently co-occurring mental health needs like anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Develop workplace skills and vocational assets to help you find stability in school, work, and young adult environments.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common, evidence-based form of psychotherapy used for individuals struggling with mental health disorders and addiction.
CBT can help young people identify negative thought patterns that may lead to destructive behaviors and beliefs.
Various therapies fall under CBT and can be used in individual and group settings.
In CBT, therapists can help individuals learn new skills and concepts they can apply in the “real world.”
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is another form of psychotherapy that was originally designed for individuals who were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or who were suicidal.
Now, DBT is used for a variety of mental illnesses and addictions.
DBT focuses on four main skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
DBT can help a person understand how the three states of mind work and how they affect their choices. The skills taught through DBT come together to highlight the importance of acceptance and change.
The Continuum of Care
Access a full range of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Whether you need a safe transitional living community, inpatient care, or outpatient therapy, we have a program to help.
5-21 days of 24/7 on-site medical supervision.
Our Medically-Assisted Detox and Inpatient Center offers private rooms and 24/7 medically supervised care to support a safe recovery from drugs and alcohol, followed by comprehensive treatment that addresses your physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.
2-6 Months
Our Transitional Living Program combines the structure of treatment and group living, with the freedom of living away from home.
This level of care is for young adults (18-30) who are not quite ready to heal from home. A safe and supportive living environment integrated with a PHP or IOP level of care so you learn life skills and healthy coping mechanisms in an environment that’s set up for your success.
4 weeks of on-site day treatment.
Our Young Adult Day Treatment Program, also known as Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), is a highly structured level of care for young adults that offers five days of robust programming a week.
Our two distinct mental health and substance use tracks help young adults to stabilize, begin to understand their mental health and/or addiction struggles, and heal from them. We strive to help our clients become more like the person they want to be without using negative coping strategies or substances to get there.
12 weeks of on-site or virtual treatment.
Our Young Adult IOP, or Intensive Outpatient Program, offers two distinct tracks to address young adult needs, each track consisting of 3-4 days of weekly programming.
In our mood disorder track, we are able to focus on mental health, depression, trauma, and anxiety. In our dual diagnosis track, we are able to support young adults with substance use and mental health challenges. Each focuses on developing positive social, academic, and vocational habits while continuing with their job or school responsibilities.
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Our goal is to provide the most helpful information. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions. We are here to help in any way we can.
MDMA increases the levels of brain chemicals, including serotonin, which can affect a person’s mood and other functions.
Some people may try MDMA under the impression that it will help them relieve stress or as a way to self-medicate.
However, MDMA use can lead to both depression and anxiety.
MDMA has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.
As defined by MedlinePlus, hallucinations involve things you may see, hear, or smell that seem real but are not.
Hallucinations can cause someone to hear sounds or voices, feel sensations on their body, or see patterns or objects that are not there.
In the 1970s, MDMA began being used as an aid in psychotherapy.
MDMA is currently in clinical trials to study its use as a treatment aid for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
An MDMA-Assisted Therapy session involves administering in specific dosage of MDMA. While the substance takes effect, the person works with one or more therapists to revisit certain events, feelings, or experiences.
Research is being done to determine the value, efficacy, and safety of MDMA in therapy.
One way you can help someone struggling with addiction is by educating yourself and learning more.
The more you know, the better you can provide support. Knowing more can help you understand warning signs, triggers, symptoms, treatment options, and other ways you can help.
Having an open and strong line of communication can show someone that you are there for them and gives them a safe space to open up about things they may be experiencing when they feel comfortable.
If someone does share something with you, be there to listen rather than judging, arguing with them, or lecturing them. This can make often make matters worse and do the opposite of helping.
Getting professional help is important in ensuring that a person receives a proper diagnosis and gets access to the resources they need when it comes to treatment and information.
If your child is struggling with substance use, there are a variety of things you can do to help.
Substance use and addiction affect the whole family, so it is important for parents to ensure they are getting the help and support they need.
Healthy communication between parents and children can help promote a safe and open space young people can go to if they need help.
Healthy communication involves openness, understanding, boundaries, patience, and support.
Ensure you are there for them when they need you, be present, and spend quality time with them.
You can also encourage healthy habits such as going outside, getting exercise, and maintaining a balanced routine, among many other things.
Recognizing their achievements and supporting their goals can also help their confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth.
The length of treatment differs from person to person.
Treatment plans are created to fit the needs of a specific individual, with the length of treatment varying depending on a wide range of factors.
Addiction treatment is a process, so it can be hard to determine how long it would take to receive treatment and recover.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite its negative consequences on their lives and health.
Drug addiction is considered a brain disorder because it involves changes to brain circuits that are related to reward, stress, and self-control.
Research suggests that the earlier a person begins drug use, the more likely they are to develop serious problems.
Teens and young adults are more vulnerable to developing substance use disorders and addiction because the brain is still undergoing major development throughout a person’s mid-twenties.
We understand taking the first step is difficult. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. We are here to support you in any way we can.
