Molly (MDMA)

Molly, or MDMA, is a drug that is becoming more and more popular among teenagers.  A 2012 survey showed that two percent of eighth graders, five percent of ninth graders and over seven percent of twelfth graders have tried Molly.

Molly is one of many slang terms for the club drug MDMA.  In pill form it is known as Ecstasy, which was a popular club drug throughout the 80’s and 90’s. In its crystalline powdered form it is known as Molly.

Teenagers often try Molly or other forms of MDMA for the first time at parties or concerts. It is well known as a social or club drug and its increased popularity means that it is readily available.  Compared to other drugs such as cocaine, Molly is relatively cheap to buy, which increases its popularity among youth.

Adolescent Growth has helped many families through the process of treating teens for Molly abuse.  Teens who abuse this drug have a difficult time staying clean and professional care is necessary for recovery.

How Does Molly Effect the Body and Brain?

Molly is a stimulant.  When the capsule is swallowed, it is dissolved in the stomach and is absorbed into the blood stream.  From there it goes directly into the brain and alters serotonin levels.  Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate emotions and the thinking process.Some of the feelings teenagers experience when they use Molly include:

  • Euphoria
  • Extreme energy
  • A warm feeling and sense of trust towards other people, even when it may not be safe
  • Alertness and hyperactivity
  • Increased sexual desire
  • Able to talk and interact with people more easily

Dangers of Molly

One of the most dangerous aspects of MDMA use for teens is the sense of euphoria and well being it instills in combination with lowered inhibitions.  Molly is notorious for its ability to make teens feel that “everything is okay”.  It makes them feel overly confident, secure and trusting.  This often leads teens to make extremely dangerous choices such as engaging in risky sex, trusting people who mean them harm, using other dangerous drugs, drinking alcohol to excess, driving under the influence or going to dangerous or unsafe places with people who mean them ill.

All forms of MDMA, particularly those in capsule and pill form, can be laced with others drugs including caffeine, dextromethorphan, cocaine, PCP and other dangerous substances.  Teens do not actually know what they are ingesting when they buy a pill or a powder on the street.

There are many dangerous physical effects of Molly as well.  These include:

  • Extremely high blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • Heart damage
  • Increased heart rate
  • Blurred vision
  • Seizures

Teens Need Professional Help for Molly Abuse

It is very difficult for teenagers who use Molly to stop.  Many teens who have a problem with Molly say that as good as they feel using the drug, the depression, anxiety and sadness that follow a Molly high are almost unbearable.  Teens sometimes use Molly continuously in order to avoid this crash.

Treatment at Adolescent Growth

Teens who abuse Molly are in need of a great deal of help.  The first step in many cases is properly detoxing the teen.  Detox is a process of allowing the teen to safely come down from a drug high with medical supervision.  We will work closely with your child’s detox treatment provider to facilitate their transition into our treatment program.

After detox, the real work begins.  Adolescent Growth is prepared to help your child with all of the difficult facets of Molly abuse and dependence.  Teens who quit using Molly often grapple with profound depression, sadness and anxiety after their Molly high has ended.  Our treatment team is here for your teen twenty four hours a day to help them through the difficult process of recovering from a Molly high.

Our treatment for Molly addiction and other mental health and behavioral problems is a holistic one.  Our multidisciplinary treatment team is prepared to treat your teen in all of the areas that they need help with, and some they were not aware of.  Upon admission our treatment team will develop an individualized treatment plan for your teen that takes into account their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.  You teen will meet with a psychiatrist, have one-on-one therapy with a primary therapist, participate in group therapy facilitated by an expert clinician, eat nutritious meals planned by a registered dietitian, be instructed in yoga and meditation and engage in rigorous physical exercise every day. All of this and more is involved in helping your teen recover from the ravages of Molly addiction and learn to love life sober.

We also utilize the twelve step program to help teens seek support from their peers and develop long lasting skills to cope with their urges to use.  A comprehensive discharge plan is created to guide you and your teen after discharge. We make ourselves available to your teen after they leave us through our Alumni Support Group which meets once a month and provides professional and peer support throughout their recovery.

If you have more questions or you would like to start the process of getting help, our kind and compassionate admissions department is here to help.