Estimated reading time: 31 minute(s)
MDMA is a popular street drug that commonly goes by molly or ecstasy. This exceptionally potent manmade drug carries strong stimulant and hallucinogenic properties that give users strong euphoria, heightened energy, and an altered sense of reality. As the number of people abusing MDMA rises, so does the strictness around drug testing to detect its levels in the body. Hence, many people actively using the drugs are interested to know how long this drug takes to appear in different drug tests.
What is MDMA? An Overview
Ecstasy, molly, and MDMA are the names of the same illegal, synthetic drug that people abuse to experience feelings of euphoria and altered perception. Presently, over 18 million Americans have used it at least once in their lives, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Known on streets as clarity, beans, Adam, Eve, E, STP, hug drug, XTC, and lover’s speed, the drug contains, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine as its active ingredient.
Although pure forms of ecstasy can be dangerous to consume, most street forms of ecstasy have been found to have other contaminants mixed in, such as ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin, ephedrine, caffeine, cocaine, and phencyclidine. Many people believe molly, the powdered crystalline form of MDMA, is a safer alternative as they consider that this form is free from contaminants. However, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) believes that molly can also have other drugs and sometimes lack MDMA completely.
So far, MDMA remains a member of Schedule I substances under the most recent Controlled Substances Act. What this means is it carries a very high potential for abuse and has no accepted medical use in the country.
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System?
Molly remains detectable in the body for two days up to three months following ingestion, depending on the drug test used. This is because different drug testing methods possess variable detection windows based on how the drug absorbs and breaks down in the body.
How long is MDMA detectable in urine?
Molly remains detectable in urine for up to three days following ingestion. MDMA that enters the blood moves into the liver, where it breaks down and excretes. People who take MDMA in higher doses may remain in urine for up to half an hour following Ingestion. Some studies have suggested that the differences in the pH of urine can also impact how quickly MDMA and other drugs are excreted from the body in a way that those with higher pH or more alkaline urine have slower excretion rates. Remember that most routine urine tests do not detect MDMA, whereas some other medications may provide false positive results.
How long does Molly stay in your blood?
Molly typically remains detectable in blood for up to two days following the last dose. In rarer cases, it may remain inside the body in detectable quantities prolonged time. The drug quickly absorbs into the bloodstream and takes up to two hours to reach peak levels.
How long does Molly stay in your saliva?
Molly can be detected in saliva for up to one to two days after taking a dose. It appears much more quickly in saliva in people who take it orally. The concentration of MDMA peaks within two hours before decreasing four hours after.
How long does MDMA stay in hair?
Molly remains detectable in scalp hair for up to three months after the last dose. Once the drug reaches the bloodstream, some of its amount travels to the scalp where it enters the tiny blood vessel network feeding the hair follicles and remains detectable for months. However, remember that hair testing is rarely performed these days as it does not show any acute use but gives hints about chronic consumption.
How Long Does MDMA Stay in Your System: Factors to Keep in Mind
Multiple factors affect how long MDMA can stay in your system. Some of these factors are explained below:
Frequency and dose of use
People who use larger doses of MDMA take longer to expel it from the body than those using the drug in smaller doses. Additionally, taking molly more frequently means the drug stays in the system for longer than people who are one-time users or take it occasionally.
Method of consumption
The method to take MDMA can also determine how long it remains in the body in detectable amounts. The faster it absorbs into the blood, the quicker it leaves the body. For instance, people who snort ecstasy can get the drug to enter their bloodstream much faster than those who take it orally. This also means that the drug will leave the body more quickly in people who snort it than those who take its tablet form.
Body type
Certain drugs and their metabolites tend to store in the fatty tissues of the user. Hence, those with higher BMIs or higher body fat proportions may keep MDMA in their system in detectable quantities for a longer time.
Metabolism
People with faster metabolic activities can break down and get rid of drugs more quickly than people with slower metabolism. The metabolism is controlled by different factors, such as age, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. Generally, most young, healthy people can clear MDMA from their system more quickly than older people.
General Health
Underlying health issues can significantly impact how quickly a person breaks down and eliminates a drug from the system. For instance, a person with impaired kidneys or liver, MDMA may persist in their body for a longer time as the organs responsible for flushing them out are impaired.
Polysubstance use
People who mix MDMA with other drugs, knowingly or unknowingly, can interrupt the process of elimination, potentially making it longer. This prolongation is because the body has more than one substance to deal with simultaneously.
How Long Does Molly Last in Terms of Effects?
Most people begin feeling the effects of molly within 20 minutes to an hour after taking it. These effects peak around two hours later and take another six hours to wear off fully. The most common effects a person can experience include the following:
- Increased energy
- Heightened senses
- Feelings of emotional closeness to other people
- Excitement, euphoria, and happiness
- Sociability and confidence
The above-mentioned effects are some of the most sought-after effects that most people wish to achieve and, therefore, keep abusing MDMA. This cycle of repeated use can easily lead to addiction and eventually force a person to use other substances simultaneously as their tolerance levels of molly rise.
Following are some other unwanted effects of molly that a person may experience while attempting to get high:
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Sweating and chills
- Agitation
- Muscle cramps
- Blurred vision
- Dehydration
- Recklessness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Confusion and paranoia
- Insomnia
In higher doses, MDMA can raise the body temperature to the extent that it leads to kidney failure, heart failure, and even death.
Recognizing the Need to Seek MDMA Addiction Treatment
People concerned about testing positive for MDMA on drug testing might be suffering from underlying substance addiction and may benefit from professional treatment. Seeking treatment can also improve the negative social and health impacts related to this drug use. Many people who abuse MDMA also frequently engage in other types of substance abuse, and involving professionals in the management can help them work on all ongoing issues together for better outcomes.
Fortunately, different types of treatment are currently available to help people break the cycle of molly addiction and move toward a healthier, drug-free lifestyle. Treatment can look different for different people depending on their circumstances and personal needs. However, most people benefit from one or more of the following levels of care:
Detox
Even though the FDA has not approved any medications to treat MDMA addiction specifically, experts offer in-depth detoxification programs to help people get over their addictions safely and comfortably. The purpose is to ensure their comfort while keeping them safe from potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, and poor concentration. Symptomatic relief may be provided using carefully selected medications if needed.
Inpatient rehab
This level of care involves taking a patient out of a triggering environment and placing them in rehab under professional supervision and care. Inpatient rehab is beneficial for people with severe, longstanding MDMA addictions that often co-occur with other mental health issues and substance use disorders. The provision of round-the-clock support makes it easier for such people to achieve recovery.
Outpatient treatment
This type of treatment allows patients to continue living at home while engaging in treatment several times a week. This level of care is appropriate for those individuals who have a supportive home environment or a milder form of addiction that does not require rigorous, intensive treatment.
FAQs
How does Molly work?
Once a person ingests molly, it quickly reaches the bloodstream to enter the brain in as little as 15 minutes, especially when there is no food in the stomach. The substance can increase the levels of brain chemicals that make users experience its effects. The three primary chemicals molly effects to induce its effects include the following:
- Serotonin: a chemical that affects sleep, appetite, and mood while boosting the release of other hormones that increase trustful feelings
- Norepinephrine: a chemical that raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Dopamine: a chemical that raises the levels of energy and activity
How long does the body take to break down MDMA?
MDMA absorbs into the intestinal tract soon after ingestion and its peak concentration is reached within two hours after taking a dose. The liver is primarily responsible for breaking down the chemical into other compounds, called metabolites. The half-life of moly is approximately eight hours which means that after this time, half of the MDMA drug gets out of the system. For most people, it takes around 40 hours for 95 percent of the medication to leave the system. According to research, the metabolites formed when MDMA breaks down can persist in the body for up to five days after the initial dose. However, conventional drug tests rarely pick them up.
Can we do anything to speed up how long does Molly last in the system?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to metabolize MDMA faster. Once the drug enters the system, the liver needs its due time to break it down properly. Contrary to what many people believe, drinking water cannot flush out the drug from the system or neutralize its overall effects. Since the drug can cause water retention, drinking excessive amounts of water while having it in the system can lead to water intoxication. Some people try to exercise more after taking MDMA in hopes of getting it out of the system faster; however, doing so may lead to dehydration. Molly can also affect the ability of your heart to pump blood, which further increases the risks during exercise.
How long does a molly high last?
On average, it takes around three to six hours for an MDMA high to wear off completely. Some people may attempt to take another dose as the effects of the first dose begin wearing off to prolong the high. The negative effects associated with molly tend to appear later and usually last longer. Some people may continue experiencing mood disruptions, such as anxiety, irritability, and depression for up to a dose. People who begin using the drug more regularly can experience depression, decreased cognition, and heart disease for much longer.
How long does ecstasy stay in your breast milk?
While the duration is not confirmed, experts advise not breastfeeding a baby for at least two to three hours after taking a dose. Ideally, nursing mothers should avoid feeding their babies while on this medication.
