How long does molly last? About MDMA, Usage, Drug Testing, Effects Duration, Addiction & Treatment

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) commonly known as Molly, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions).  It is chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. 

It was initially popular in the nightclub scene and at all-night dance parties (“raves”). But the drug now affects a broader range of people, commonly called Ecstasy or Molly. Its chemical structure is similar to amphetamines, such as methamphetamine and a hallucinogen called mescaline. Mescaline is the active ingredient in the drug peyote.

The unique chemical structure of MDMA causes both hallucinogenic and stimulant effects, such as bursts of energy, changes to how time is perceived, and sensitivity to touch.  Ecstasy and Molly come in pills, capsules, and powder. They’re well-known club drugs that are popular at music festivals. In 2016, an estimated 2.4 million people reported using ecstasy, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health published in September 2017.

How is MDMA or Molly used?

People who use MDMA usually take it as a capsule or tablet, though some swallow it in liquid form or snort the powder. The popular nickname Molly (slang for “molecular”) often refers to the supposedly “pure” crystalline powder form of Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine , usually sold in capsules. However, people who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often actually get other drugs such as synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) instead (see “Added Risk of MDMA”). Some people take Molly in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana.

After its ingested, molly is absorbed into your intestinal tract. Its concentration peaks around two hours after it’s taken. It’s primarily broken down in the liver, where it’s turned into other chemical compounds called metabolites.

Molly has a half-life of approximately eight hours. After that time, half of the drug has been cleared from your system. It takes about 40 hours for 95 percent of the drug to leave your system. Research suggests that molly’s metabolites can stay in your body for up to six days. However, they usually aren’t measured on conventional drug tests.

What factors affect how long does molly last?

How long does molly last? Molly is absorbed, broken down, and eliminated faster or slower depending on a number of factors. This includes the overall amount ingested and whether it’s taken in single or multiple doses.

Other factors relate to the drug’s chemical composition. Molly or MDMA is frequently laced with other illegal drugs or chemical compounds. Once example of this is ecstasy pills. When it’s combined with other substances, this can affect how long it stays in your system and how long an illicit drug may be detected on a drug screening test.

Finally, a number of individual factors are known to affect drug metabolism. These include:

• Age
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Metabolism

• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Denes

• Euphoria
• Openness to others
• Extraversion and sociability
• Increased sensory perception

• Increased energy
• Sexual arousal
• Wakefulness

• Muscle tension
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Increase in body temperature
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle stiffness and pain
• Headache
• Nnausea

• Loss of appetite
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Depression
• Lack of focus
• Recklessness

• Memory impairments
• Problems with decision-making
• Increased impulsivity and lack of self-control
• Panic attacks
• Severe depression
• Paranoia and hallucinations

• Psychotic episodes
• Muscle aches
• Tooth damage
• Circulatory problems
• Neurological lesions

While the drug appears to have addictive properties, research hasn’t concluded how addictive ecstasy is. However, it affects the same areas of the brain as other addictive drugs, according to NIDA. In addition, animal studies show that MDMA causes drug-seeking behavior, but animals seek it less often than they desire other addictive drugs. Some evidence indicates that Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine affects parts of the brain in charge of self-control, pleasure, and reward. 

Unfortunately, researchers know little about how Molly affects the brain. As a result, their understanding of how other drugs lead to addiction is broader. On the other hand, people who use Molly have reported classic symptoms of addiction, including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, and some continue to use the drug despite negative consequences.

Treatment for MDMA Dependence and Addiction

Ecstasy is one of the less addictive stimulants and one of the more addictive hallucinogens. The number of people who listed ecstasy as their primary reason for going to rehab in 2015 was comparable to the number for all other hallucinogens combined, according to the 2005-2015 Treatment Episode Data Set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—in contrast, more than 60 times as many people sought treatment for methamphetamine addiction than ecstasy addiction that year. No medications are available for the treatment of stimulant addiction. That is why NIDA recommends cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups for people struggling to quit Molly.