Ecstasy (MDMA) is a drug that’s used widely on the club and party scene. While brightly colored ecstasy pills may appear harmless, the drug is damaging and even potentially deadly.

This guide explores issues like “where does ecstasy come from?” and “how is molly made?”. Most importantly, you’ll also learn about the many dangers of this drug and find out how to get effective treatment for substance abuse.

What Is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy, also known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) [1] or molly, is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and a mild hallucinogen. It enhances sensory perceptions, such as colors and sounds, and increases feelings of euphoria, empathy, and sociability.

The drug was developed in 1912 by the German pharmaceutical company Merck for possible use as an appetite suppressant. However, it gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s for its ability to improve communication in psychotherapy sessions. Despite its potential therapeutic uses, it never received FDA approval due to its potential for abuse and harmful side effects. The DEA (United States Drug Enforcement Administration) categorized MDMA as a Schedule I controlled substance [2] in 1985. Drugs under this schedule have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential – they should be avoided.

Ecstasy is popular in the party and club scene due to its euphoric effects. People often take it to feel more connected to others and to intensify their sensory experiences. That said, the drug also comes with significant risks and potential for addiction, making it a dangerous choice for recreational use – we’ll explore these dangers after outlining how MDMA is made and what’s in this party drug.

Is MDMA Natural?

MDMA is not a natural substance. It’s entirely synthetic, which means it’s created through chemical processes in labs rather than being derived from natural ingredients.

The primary precursor for making MDMA is safrole [3], an oily liquid extracted from the roots and bark of the sassafras tree. Safrole itself is not MDMA, though. It must undergo several chemical reactions to be transformed into the final product. These reactions involve the use of various hazardous chemicals, such as acids and reducing agents, which are not found in nature but are manufactured specifically for these processes.

Because MDMA is synthetic, it lacks the natural compounds found in plant-based drugs like marijuana or opium. Its effects are the result of its specific chemical structure, which is designed to alter brain function and produce feelings of euphoria, empathy, and heightened sensory perception. This synthetic nature also means that MDMA can be easily adulterated with other chemicals, making it even more dangerous.

What Is Molly Made Out Of?

Molly is considered the pure crystalline powder form of MDMA, but its purity is often questionable. While many people believe molly to be a cleaner and safer form of ecstasy, it is frequently adulterated with other substances that can be harmful.

For those wondering how MDMA is made, it can contain a variety of substances including:

• Amphetamines: Stimulants that increase heart rate and energy [4] but can cause dangerous cardiovascular effects.

• Ephedrine: Another stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

• Ketamine: A dissociative anesthetic [5] that can cause hallucinations and disorientation.

• Methamphetamine: A powerful and addictive stimulant that significantly increases the risk of overdose.

• Bath salts: Synthetic cathinones [6] (bath salts) are chemicals that can cause severe agitation, paranoia, and violent behavior.

• Caffeine: A common stimulant added to boost the perceived effects of MDMA.

These additives make the effects of molly unpredictable and significantly increase the risk of harmful side effects. In some cases, molly may contain no MDMA at all and be composed entirely of other substances. This makes any use of the drug even more dangerous.

How Is Ecstasy Made?

Ecstasy is made illicitly in labs across Canada, the US, and the Netherlands. The process is extremely dangerous due to the toxic and unstable compounds used to create the drug. MDMA synthesis typically includes converting the compound Safrole into Isosafrole, then oxidizing, combining with other chemicals, and then purifying.

However, MDMA is increasingly cut with other substances such fentanyl or other unknown substances, which can lead to overdose and even death.

The lack of regulation in these illicit labs means that the final product can vary widely in purity and potency, increasing the risk. Also, each step in the production process involves dangerous chemicals and poses significant risks.

Dangers of Making & Using Ecstasy

Making ecstasy is extremely dangerous. People who make it use many toxic chemicals. These chemicals can hurt or even kill you if you are not careful. Here are some dangers of making ecstasy:

• Chemical burns: The chemicals can burn your skin and eyes if they touch you.

• Poisonous fumes: The fumes from the chemicals can be harmful if you breathe them in.

• Explosions: The chemicals can explode if they are not handled properly.

Using ecstasy is also very dangerous. Here are some of the risks:

• Overheating: Ecstasy can make your body extremely hot. This can cause you to overheat, especially if you are dancing in a crowded place. Overheating can lead to dehydration, seizures, and even coma.

• Heart problems: Ecstasy can make your heart beat very fast and can raise your blood pressure. This can lead to serious heart problems [7] like a heart attack or stroke.

• Organ damage: Using ecstasy for a long time can hurt your liver, kidneys, and brain. This damage can be permanent.

• Mental health issues: Ecstasy use can trigger anxiety, depression, and trouble thinking clearly. It can also make you feel sad and tired when the effects wear off – this is known as a comedown.

• Addiction: People who use ecstasy a lot can become addicted to it. This means they feel like they need to take it to feel good or normal.

• Unknown ingredients: Ecstasy pills often contain other harmful substances. You never know what you are actually taking, which can amplify the dangers.

The best way to stay safe is to avoid ecstasy altogether. If you or someone you know is using this party drug, get help right away.

Laced Ecstasy: What You Should Know

Laced ecstasy contains other drugs or chemicals which are added to make it stronger or to increase profits. These extra substances can be dangerous and make it hard to know what you are taking. Some common substances that might be mixed into ecstasy include:

• Dextromethorphan: DXM is found in some cough medicines and can can cause hallucinations [8].

• Amphetamines: Strong stimulants that can make your heart beat too fast.

• PCP: A powerful drug that can make you feel out of touch with reality.

• Fentanyl: A very strong opioid [9] that can cause an overdose quickly.

Laced ecstasy is dangerous because:

• You never know what extra substances are in the pill, so the effects can be unpredictable and harmful.

• The added drugs can increase the risk of overdose. For example, fentanyl is so powerful that just a small amount can be deadly [10].

• The added substances can cause more side effects, such as extreme agitation, paranoia, or violent behavior.

The safest choice is not to use ecstasy at all. But if you or someone you know is using it, here are some tips to reduce the risk:

• Avoid unknown sources: Do not buy ecstasy from unknown sources. You cannot be sure what is in it.

• Stay informed: Learn about the dangers of laced ecstasy and share this information with friends.

• Test kits: Use drug testing kits to check for dangerous substances. These kits are not perfect, but they can help.

Remember, the only way to be completely safe is to avoid using ecstasy. If you need help or know someone who does, reach out to a medical professional without delay.

Death Risk

Using ecstasy can be very dangerous and can even lead to death. Ecstasy can make your body temperature rise very quickly. This is called hyperthermia. When your body gets too hot, it can cause:

• Dehydration: You can lose a lot of water through sweating.

• Heatstroke: Your body gets too hot and can’t cool down.

• Seizures: Your brain can have abnormal electrical activity, causing seizures.

• Coma: You can lose consciousness and fall into a coma.

Ecstasy can cause serious heart issues. It makes your heart beat faster and raises your blood pressure. This can lead to heart attack and stroke, both of which can be fatal.

Using ecstasy for a long time can damage your organs. This damage can cause life-threatening liver or kidney failure.

Many ecstasy pills are laced with other dangerous substances. This makes it even more risky. Mixing ecstasy with other drugs like alcohol, opioids like fentanyl, or other stimulants can increase the chance of death. For example:

If you see someone with the following signs of ecstasy overdose, call 911 or seek emergency medical help:

• High body temperature: Feeling very hot and sweating a lot.

• Fast heartbeat: Heart beating very quickly.

• Confusion: Feeling very confused.

• Seizures: Having convulsions or shaking uncontrollably.

• Not breathing: Having trouble breathing or not breathing at all.

The best way to stay safe is to avoid using ecstasy. If you or someone you know is using the drug, be aware of the risks and seek help if required. There are many resources available to guide the recovery process. Remember, using ecstasy can be highly dangerous and can lead to death. Stay informed and make safe choices.

How to Know If Ecstasy is Real?

It is challenging to know if ecstasy is real and pure. Ecstasy is often mixed with other dangerous substances. Counterfeit ecstasy typically can be identified by:

• Look and feel: Real ecstasy can come in different shapes and colors. Pills are often stamped with logos or designs, but looks can be deceiving. Just because a pill looks real does not mean it is safe.

• Know the source: Buying ecstasy from a trusted source does not guarantee it is safe. Dealers might mix it with other substances to make more money. Keep in mind that there is no safe way to use illegal drugs.

• Listen to your body: If you feel something is wrong after taking ecstasy, get help right away. Signs of a problem include feeling very hot, confused, or having trouble breathing. Trust your instincts and seek medical help if needed.

• Use testing kits: There are kits you can buy to test ecstasy. These kits can sometimes tell you if the pill has MDMA in it. However, they are not always reliable and cannot test for all harmful substances. Even if a pill passes the test, it might still contain other dangerous drugs.

The only way to be completely safe is to not use ecstasy at all. The risks are too high, and you can never be sure what you are taking. If you or someone you know is struggling with ecstasy use, reach out for help. There are many resources available to support you.

Get Addiction Treatment at a World-Class Facility at Gratitude Lodge

If you have been abusing party drugs like ecstasy, we can help you recalibrate your life at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California.

Our supervised medical detox program helps people withdraw from drugs like MDMA with access to medications and ongoing care. After a week or so, you’ll be ready for inpatient treatment at one of our luxury rehabs in Long Beach or Newport Beach, CA.

When you choose immersive inpatient treatment at Gratitude Lodge, you’ll benefit from targeted treatments that reflect the unique aspect of all addictions. Therapies may include:

• Talk therapies
• Counseling
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Holistic therapies
• Aftercare

When you’re ready to move beyond party drug abuse, call 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/3_4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine

[2]https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Ecstasy-MDMA-2020_0.pdf

[3] https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/chem_prog/advisories/safrole.html

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576548/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32084352/

[6] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/synthetic-cathinones-bath-salts

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6735291/

[8] https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cough-cold-medicine-abuse.html

[9] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ershdb/emergencyresponsecard_29750022.html

[10] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/fentanyl-deadlier-heroin-single-photo