How Long Does an Ecstasy High Last?

Ecstasy has gone through many changes since its emergence as a club or party drug in the mid-1980s. While the synthetic and illegal drug still has the main ingredient MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), and is often sold as a tablet or pill, it has new nicknames, new formulations, and new methods of ingestion that have grown in popularity in recent decades. In 2023, the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future survey estimated that 2.9% of Americans between the ages of 19 and 30 had used ecstasy in the past 12 months, down from a peak of 6.4% in 2000. However, it remains a popular drug of abuse, especially among teenagers and young adults — and this synthetic substance carries substantial health risks. So, how long does an ecstasy high last, and why is it dangerous? Let’s explore the issues behind this drug.

Ecstasy is an addictive substance, with users becoming more energetic and alert about 45 minutes after taking a dose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While it is similar to a stimulant like meth with those energetic effects, it’s also considered to be a psychedelic because of how it alters the user’s visual perception and sense of time. Users often also feel an increased sense of well-being and openness toward others. While the effects start about 45 minutes after taking a dose, the high is short-lived, with effects peaking in 15 to 30 minutes and then tapering off over the next three hours.

What Is the Name for Molly?

One of the drug facts about MDMA is that it’s most often referred to as ecstasy or molly by users. If you’re wondering how long does an ecstasy high last, both ecstasy and molly would have a similar peak of effects about 45 minutes after taking a dose and the high fading over the next several hours. However, the different street names also distinguish how the drug is taken. Ecstasy is MDMA in the form of a pill or tablet, while molly is a powdered crystal that is snorted or ingested. According to a 2014 article in The Conversation, the name molly originated as a shortened version of “molecular” because it is sold as a crystal or powder instead of a pill.

 

What Are the Side Effects of Molly?

If you’re wondering how long does an ecstasy high last, you should also know the many side effects that this drug can cause. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says the effects will depend on the dosage and purity of the MDMA, as well as its possible interactions with alcohol or prescription drugs like antidepressants. Potential health impacts of MDMA range from high blood pressure and jaw clenching to nausea, vomiting, and a dangerous rise in body temperature. Long-term use has also been found to cause heart and liver damage.

In addition to these physical side effects, some users have suffered from mental and cognitive impacts like anxiety, panic attacks, poor sleep, depression, paranoia, and memory problems.

What’s the Difference Between Molly and Ecstasy?

The difference between molly and ecstasy comes down to its form. Molly, short for “molecular,” is sold in a powder or crystal form that can be snorted or ingested (including in a capsule). Ecstasy, on the other hand, is MDMA in the form of a tablet or pill. While ecstasy tablets were the most common form at parties and raves in the 1980s, ‘90s, and early 2000s, molly has risen in prominence considerably, driven partially by the suggestion that molly is pure MDMA. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse says drugs sold as MDMA may be mixed with other drugs or substances, including things like ketamine, amphetamine, bath salts, and meth. Because it’s an illegal substance, it can be impossible for users to know exactly what they’re taking and what dosage they’re consuming or snorting.

What Does Ecstasy Do to Your Mouth?

In addition to its other mental and physical health effects, ecstasy can cause several different problems in users’ mouths. A 2008 article in the British Dental Journal said most of the oral health consequences of MDMA are caused by its side effects — especially causing users to suffer from dry mouth and jaw clenching, tooth grinding, and an increased risk of tooth erosion.

In addition, MDMA can cause damage to oral tissue. A 2019 article in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery looked at the drug’s potential impacts on the oral mucosa or the lining of the mouth. It cited two documented cases of young women who suffered from oral erosions and painful ulcers that were found to be drug-induced.

Don’t Let Ecstasy Highs Take Control: Get Help from WhiteSands Treatment

So, how long does an ecstasy high last? A short time — but the damage this drug can do to users can be long-term and devastating. If you think you see these ecstasy addiction symptoms in a loved one, it’s time to get professional help:

• Continuing to use MDMA despite the negative side effects.
• A growing tolerance that requires them to take more of the drug for the same effects.
• Withdrawal symptoms when they’re not using MDMA.
• Intense cravings to take more MDMA.
• Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or muscle cramping.
• Nausea, chills, sweating, dehydration, or overheating (hyperthermia).

If you or a loved one is addicted to ecstasy or molly, WhiteSands Treatment can help. Our drug rehab centers across Florida offer a full range of addiction treatment programs, including medical detox services to help you get through drug withdrawal before beginning to work on the mental aspect of addiction with our comprehensive inpatient or outpatient drug rehab options. Our team of experts can help you break the chains of ecstasy addiction and get on the road to recovery. Take the first step toward the better future you deserve — call us at 877-855-3470.

External Sources

• Monitoring the Future — MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly)
• The Conversation — From Ecstasy to Molly
• National Institute on Drug Abuse — MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)
• Nature.com — Ecstasy (MDMA) and Oral Health
• National Library of Medicine — Ecstasy Abuse and Its Effects on the Oral Mucosa

 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.