‘Molly’ and ‘ecstasy’ are recreational party drugs commonly used to enhance experiences at clubs, festivals, concerts, house parties, raves and other entertainment venues. While both substances belong to the same chemical family, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Let’s shed light on the similarities and differences between molly and ecstasy, along with the signs that someone may be abusing these drugs.
What is Ecstasy?
Ecstasy is typically used to describe MDMA in pill form. MDMA is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Ecstasy pills commonly contain MDMA as well as other substances, which can include caffeine, amphetamines or even more dangerous drugs like bath salts. The composition of ecstasy pills can vary significantly, and users are often unaware of the actual substances they are ingesting.
What is Molly?
‘Molly’ is a colloquial term derived from the word ‘molecular.’ It typically refers to pure MDMA in crystal or powder form. Pure molly is believed to be free from adulterants, such as methamphetamine. This is why some people believe it to be the safer choice. However, in reality, molly can still be cut with other drugs in the same way as ecstasy can.
When Did These Party Drugs Become Popular?
The chemical that is mostly responsible for the euphoria and energy people get from molly and ecstasy is MDMA, a synthetic drug that changes mood and perception. It’s chemically similar to both hallucinogens and stimulants, producing pleasure, warmth, increased energy and distorted perception.
Ecstasy became popular in the 1970s and 80s. It was first used to enhance the psychotherapy process. At this time, ecstasy was pure MDMA, and patients in therapy were able to use the drug to help them open up and embrace healing.
By the late 1980s, ecstasy had become a well-known party drug. As soon as it became popular on the streets, it morphed into a substance that could be mixed with any of roughly 300 other synthetic chemicals, including gasoline and paint thinner. Today, molly and ecstasy are like any other synthetic drug. You never know what you are getting.
What are the Effects of MDMA?
Molly and ecstasy have a number of short-term effects that occur 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. Keep in mind that these are the effects from MDMA. If there are other substances in the drug, you could experience additional effects as well.
- Euphoria
- Emotional warmth
- Increased energy
- Heightened sensory perception
- Empathy and openness
- Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
- Dehydration and overheating
- Reduced appetite and nausea
Using molly or ecstasy can also have long-term effects, including cognitive impairments, mental health challenges, sleep disturbances, reduced serotonin production and dependence and addiction.
Seek Recovery for an MDMA Addiction
While both molly and ecstasy contain MDMA, the crucial difference lies in their form and purity. Molly refers to pure MDMA in crystal or powder form, whereas ecstasy typically refers to MDMA in pill form, often mixed with other substances. Regardless of the form, both substances carry significant risks and can have severe consequences for those who use them.
While party drugs may not have the same stigma as opioids, they are still dangerous substances that can cause negative effects, overdose and death. If you need party drugs to have fun, it’s important to explore the reasons why. Reach out to Awakenings Treatment Center to learn more about our outpatient programs and how they can help you start fresh.
