What is Ecstasy Made of?

Also known as molly and MDMA, ecstasy is a synthetic drug that’s commonly abused for its ability to alter mood and perception or awareness of surrounding objects and conditions. Because it’s chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, ecstasy can produce feelings of increased energy and alertness while distorting your senses and perception of time. Although many don’t seem to think so, the dangers of ecstasy are extensive. Often, the effects of street drugs like molly are underestimated. Now that ecstasy use has extended beyond clubs, raves, and music festivals, more and more people are exposed to it. So, we can’t help but wonder, what is ecstasy made of that makes it so dangerous?

What Is Ecstasy Made Out Of?

Ecstasy was originally developed by a pharmaceutical company called Merck in 1912. When it was first released into the drug market, it was known as MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine). In 1953, the United States Army used it in psychological warfare tests and then again in the 1960s as a medication in psychotherapy treatment to lower inhibitions. It wasn’t until the 1970s that ecstasy became a common party drug, and by the time the 1980s hit, it was being promoted as the “in drug” for clubs, raves, parties, and music festivals. Finally, in 1985 when MDMA was legal and being sold under the name ecstasy, it was banned due to safety concerns.

Ecstasy is a common term used to describe drugs that can produce molly-like effects without actually containing any of the drug itself. And while ecstasy itself can produce adverse side effects, today’s molly ingredients range from a whole range of substances. Unbeknownst to users, people purchase these drugs thinking they’re going to take ecstasy, when in fact, they’re flushing their bodies with a slew of more harmful chemicals.

Ecstasy is made from ingredients like:

• Caffeine
• Amphetamine
• Isosafrole
• MDP2P
• Cocaine
• LSD
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Rat poison
• Dog deworming drugs
• Ketamine
• Over-the-counter cough medicine
• Synthetic cathinone (bath salts)

Additionally, another common form of ecstasy, Liquid Ecstasy, is actually GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), which is a central nervous system depressant and common date rape drug. Users become distracted by the cute logos and markings on molly tablets and don’t realize the drugs they’re actually taking. Ecstasy ingredients include a range of drugs, from opioids to stimulants to other hallucinogens. Other additives and chemicals like rat poison and deworming medication for dogs can also be dangerous. Also, you can become addicted to ecstasy because it contains addictive ingredients. Individuals with a dependence on this drug can recover physically with the help of our medical detox at Clearbrook Treatment Centers Massachusetts.

How Is Ecstasy Made?

Ecstasy is made in labs, and makers often put anything they choose into it. Because using cutting agents or additives makes production quicker and cheaper, the drug is usually made without oversight, making ecstasy ingredients impossible to measure or know. Ecstasy is made by combining chemicals like isosafrole and MDP2P with a range of other additives. A person with a background in chemistry is more likely to understand how to make this drug. Making molly is dangerous, especially if you do not have any understanding of chemistry or have any idea of which measurements to follow.

Additionally, making ecstasy has been further restricted in the U.S. due to tight regulations placed on key ingredients that go into molly. These ecstasy ingredients include chemicals like isosafrole and MDP2P. People who buy large quantities of these chemicals usually draw the attention of law enforcement and cause their labs to close. As a result, much of the ecstasy in the U.S. is made in foreign labs. Making and using ecstasy is both illegal and dangerous. This drug can have a severe impact on your health and other areas of your life. Avoid drug abuse of any kind at all costs.

How Dangerous Is Ecstasy?

Although many people don’t realize it, ecstasy is extremely dangerous because it often contains a mixture of other harmful drugs and chemicals like heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, rat poison, bath salts, and more. This mixture of chemicals makes an ecstasy high, both stimulating and hallucinogenic. Ecstasy affects the brain in several ways. One, by activating the release of dopamine, producing increased mood, and activating the reward system to reinforce behaviors like drug use. Ecstasy also affects the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Serotonin levels are also affected by molly, triggering sexual arousal, trust, and sociability as well as mood, appetite, and sleep.

Simply put, the common side effects of ecstasy include:

• Increased energy/activity
• Pleasure and reward (reinforces drug use and other behaviors)
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Elevated mood
• Sleepiness
• Increased sexual arousal
• Increased sociability and trust
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramping
• Teeth clenching and grinding
• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Sweating

The effects of molly last for about 3 to 6 hours, depending on how much was originally taken and whether the person takes more doses. The dangers of taking ecstasy are increased when users take higher doses or take several doses within a short time frame to seek a previous high. Users don’t realize that they’re taking a whole mixture of other drugs that are not only highly addictive but are also easy to overdose on.

Treatment for molly addiction is available at our ecstasy rehab in Massachusetts. Clearbrook Treatment Centers incorporates a variety of drug therapy programs and techniques to help our patients recover mentally and physically from addiction. If you need substance use treatment or know someone who does, call our drug rehab in Massachusetts today at 570-536-9621.

Related Readings:

Mixing Molly and Alcohol