By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 23, 2023
Is Molly Meth? What is the Difference Between Molly vs Meth?
Is MDMA meth? No, Molly is not meth. Molly, also known as MDMA/ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It belongs to a class of drugs called entactogens, which also includes drugs like MDA and MDEA. Meth, on the other hand, is short for methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant drug that is also synthetic. While both drugs can have similar effects on the body, they are different substances with different chemical structures and properties. It is important to note that both drugs can be dangerous and have serious health consequences when abused.
Difference Between Molly and Meth
Molly (MDMA) and methamphetamine (meth) are two different drugs with distinct chemical structures and effects on the body. Here are some key differences between MDMA and meth:
Molly vs Meth Chemical Structure
- Molly and meth have different chemical structures. MDMA belongs to the class of drugs called phenethylamines, while methamphetamine belongs to the class of drugs called amphetamines.
Meth vs Molly Effects on the Body
- Both meth and MDMA can affect the body in similar ways by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. However, MDMA is known for its empathogenic and euphoric effects, while methamphetamine is known for its stimulant and energizing effects. Methamphetamine can also cause feelings of aggression, paranoia, and psychosis, which are less commonly associated with MDMA.
MDMA vs Meth Risks and Side Effects
- Both meth and molly can have serious health consequences when abused. MDMA can cause dehydration, hyperthermia, serotonin syndrome, and neurotoxicity, while methamphetamine can cause cardiovascular problems, stroke, seizures, and addiction. Long-term use of both drugs can lead to cognitive impairments and other health problems.
Meth vs Ecstasy Legal Status
- MDMA is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in the United States, meaning it is illegal to possess, distribute, or use. Methamphetamine is also a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a recognized medical use but also a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Is molly the same as meth? It is important to note that both molly and meth can be dangerous and have serious health consequences when abused. It is always recommended to avoid using illegal drugs and to seek professional help if struggling with addiction.

Skip To:
Learn More:
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Drug & Alcohol Rehab Centers Near You? Or Mental Health Support?
Even if you have failed previously, relapsed, or are in a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. Call us when you feel ready or want someone to speak to about therapy alternatives to change your life. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
FREE Addiction Hotline – Call 24/7Molly Addiction Statistics
The thought of over twenty thousand Molly users near death’s door being hauled in by ambulances is certainly troubling. People on psychoactive drugs often come to the hospital because they think something might be wrong; they get scared. With molly, a lot of ‘got scared’ stories appear to be happening. Numbers alone don’t really tell the whole story, however: Where things get interesting is not how many users encounter medical problems, but why they do. The distribution of injuries and deaths is not random throughout the user population; it is associated with specific risk factors and behaviors.
10%
Over ten percent of seniors in high school have used Molly at least once.
Source: NIH
2.6 million
In 2020, 0.9% (or over 2.6 million) of those 12 and older reported using Molly (Ecstasy) in the previous 12 months.
Source: NIH
1.1%
A projected 0.6% of eighth-graders, 0.7% of tenth graders, and 1.1% of twelve-year-old reported using Molly in the previous year in 2021.
Source: NIH
Molly Drug Facts
What is Molly / MDMA / Ecstasy?
Molly acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic,
producing an energizing effect, distortions in
time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment of
tactile experiences.
Adolescents and young adults use it to reduce
inhibitions and to promote euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy, and sexuality.
What is its origin?
Molly is a synthetic chemical made in
labs. Seized MDMA in the U.S. is primarily
manufactured in, and smuggled across U.S.
borders from, clandestine laboratories in Canada
and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands. A small
number of MDMA clandestine laboratories have
also been identified operating in the U.S.
What are common street names?
Common street names include:
- Adam
- Beans
- Clarity
- Disco Biscuit
- E
- Ecstasy
- Eve
- Go
- Hug Drug
- Lover’s Speed
- MDMA
- Peace
- STP
- X
- XTC
What does it look like?
Molly/MDMA/Ecstasy is mainly distributed in tablet form. MDMA tablets are often sold with logos, creating brand names for users to seek out. The colorful pills are often hidden among colorful candies. MDMA is also distributed in capsules, powder, and liquid forms.
How is it abused?
Molly use mainly involves swallowing tablets
(50-150 mg), which are sometimes crushed and
snorted, occasionally smoked, but rarely injected.
MDMA is also available as a powder.
Molly users usually take MDMA by “stacking”
(taking three or more tablets at once) or by
“piggy-backing” (taking a series of tablets over
a short period of time). One trend among young
adults is “candy flipping,” which is the co-abuse of
MDMA and LSD.
Molly/MDMA/Ecstasy considered a “party drug. As with many other drugs of abuse, MDMA is rarely use alone. It is common for users to mix MDMA with other substances, such as alcohol and marijuana.
What is its legal status in the United States?
MDMA/Molly/ Ecstasy is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical
supervision.

Does Molly Have Meth In It?
Is meth in molly? Molly (MDMA) should not have methamphetamine in it if it is pure MDMA. However, sometimes illegal drug manufacturers will cut MDMA with other substances, including methamphetamine, in order to increase profits or create a different effect. This can be dangerous because methamphetamine can increase the risks associated with MDMA use, and it can also cause unexpected side effects. It is important to note that the purity and contents of illegal drugs like MDMA are not regulated or tested, so it is impossible to know exactly what is in a particular batch of the drug.
Does MDMA have meth in it? It is not possible to identify whether your Molly (MDMA) contains methamphetamine or any other substance without testing it. MDMA is often sold in pill form or as a powder, and it can be difficult to determine its contents and purity just by looking at it or by its appearance.
Is meth in ecstasy? The most reliable way to determine the contents of MDMA is to use a drug testing kit. These kits can be purchased online or at some drug stores and can help identify the presence of various substances in MDMA, including methamphetamine. Testing kits usually involve placing a small amount of the drug in a test tube or on a testing strip and adding a chemical reagent to it. The color of the resulting mixture can help identify the presence of certain substances.
It is important to note that drug testing kits are not foolproof, and they may not be able to detect all substances that may be present in a sample of MDMA. It is also important to use caution when obtaining and using illegal drugs, and to seek professional help if struggling with addiction.

Get Your Life Back
Find Hope & Recovery. Get Safe Comfortable Detox, Addiction Rehab & Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Care at the We Level Up Treatment Centers Network.
Hotline (877) 378-4154Which is More Addictive Between Meth vs MDMA?
Both Molly (MDMA) and methamphetamine (meth) have the potential to be highly addictive and can cause physical and psychological dependence. However, the level of addiction can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s frequency and pattern of use, the purity and potency of the drug, and the individual’s personal and family history of addiction.
MDMA primarily works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can lead to feelings of euphoria and emotional closeness. While MDMA does not typically cause the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with other drugs, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, it can still lead to psychological dependence and long-term changes in brain function.
Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can cause intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methamphetamine works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and increased energy. However, long-term use of methamphetamine can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system and a reduced ability to experience pleasure without the drug.
In general, methamphetamine is considered to be a more addictive drug than MDMA due to its potential to cause physical and psychological dependence, intense cravings, and severe withdrawal symptoms. However, it is important to note that both drugs can be highly addictive and can have serious health consequences when abused. It is always recommended to avoid using illegal drugs and to seek professional help if struggling with addiction.

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Addiction & Mental Health Programs. Complete Behavioral Health Inpatient Rehab, Detox plus Co-occuring Disorders Therapy.
CALL (877) 378-4154End the Addiction Pain. End the Emotional Rollercoaster. Get Your Life Back. Start Drug, Alcohol & Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Treatment Now. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Substance Abuse Specialists Who Understand Addiction & Mental Health Recovery & Know How to Help.
Symptoms of Molly Addiction vs Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Molly (MDMA) and methamphetamine (meth) are two different types of drugs, and the symptoms of addiction can vary depending on the drug and the individual. However, some general symptoms of addiction to these drugs include:
Symptoms of MDMA (Molly) addiction may include:
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Depression or mood swings
- Memory and cognitive problems
- Cravings for the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, and depression.
Symptoms of methamphetamine addiction may include:
- Continued use despite negative consequences
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Changes in physical appearance, such as tooth decay and skin sores
- Agitation, irritability, and aggressive behavior
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Hallucinations or psychosis
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Rapid weight loss and decreased appetite
- Cravings for the drug
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and intense cravings.
Start a New Life
Begin with a free call to an addiction & behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.
- Personalized Care
- Caring Accountable Staff
- World-class Amenities
- Licensed & Accredited
- Renowned w/ 100s 5-Star Reviews
We’ll Call You
Molly Addiction Treatment
First and foremost, if you think a loved one is abusing molly, you should research the substances and their associated addiction to understand better what your loved one needs. Next, you must plan an intervention to provide your loved ones with options to battle the effects of molly addiction in a safe and supportive environment. During this intervention, offer compassion and support instead of judgment. Lastly, show your support throughout the entire treatment process.
In addition, prolonged drug use can have severe physical and psychological effects on you, so it is essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. Inpatient drug rehab offers intensive care that can help you promptly get through the early stages of withdrawal.
Medical Detox for Molly Addiction Treatment
Medical detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to drug use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete the molly detox.
Cravings are very common during drug detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient Rehab for Molly Addiction Treatment
There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug use. the goal is to help the patient stop using molly and other substances, but drug rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.
Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.
Following a full medical detox, most people benefit from inpatient rehab. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare plan, which may include continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy for Molly Addiction Treatment
Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.”
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur. Traumatic experiences can often result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual-diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend mainly on the treatment for both diseases done by the same team or provider.
If you or a loved one is struggling with molly addiction, call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation. The We Level Up NJ treatment center network offers nationwide facilities. Connect with one of our rehab specialists.
Meth Brain Damage and Faces of Meth Video
The “Faces of Meth” is a term used to describe the physical deterioration that can occur in individuals who use methamphetamine over a prolonged period. Methamphetamine use can cause significant changes in a person’s appearance, including skin problems, dental decay, and premature aging.
The “Faces of Meth” is a well-known anti-drug campaign created by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland, Oregon. The campaign features a series of meth addicts images who were arrested for meth-related crimes.
The video show the physical transformation that happens after prolonged meth abuse and is intended to represent the crystal meth effects on brain and on an individual’s appearance, health, and life. The “Faces of Meth” video is designed to deter people from using crystal meth by showing the negative effects associated with its use.
7 Popular MDMA vs Meth FAQs
-
What’s the difference between MDMA and meth?
What is the difference between meth and molly? MDMA and methamphetamine (meth) are both psychoactive drugs, but they have different chemical structures and effects on the body. MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is commonly known as “ecstasy” or “molly” and is often used recreationally in social settings.
What is the difference between meth and mdma? MDMA works by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is often sold under the street name “meth” or “crystal meth” and is typically smoked, snorted, or injected.
-
Is there meth in molly?
Does ecstasy have meth in it? Molly, which is short for “molecule,” is a commonly used street name for MDMA, a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. While MDMA and methamphetamine (meth) are chemically distinct substances, there have been instances where MDMA has been found to be adulterated or mixed with other substances, including meth.
-
Is molly like meth?
Is meth and molly the same? While both MDMA (commonly known as molly or ecstasy) and methamphetamine (commonly known as meth or crystal meth) are stimulants that affect the central nervous system, they are different substances with distinct chemical structures and effects on the body.
-
Is ecstasy meth?
Is molly crystal meth? Ecstasy is a commonly used street name for the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), which is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, primarily acts on dopamine and norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, serotonin. Meth increases the release and blocks the reuptake of dopamine, which can lead to feelings of intense pleasure and reward.
-
Is molly and meth the same thing?
Is MDMA the same as meth? No, molly and meth are not the same thing. Molly, also known as MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a highly addictive synthetic drug that affects the central nervous system. It primarily acts on dopamine and norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, serotonin.
-
Is meth molly?
Is molly a form of meth? No, methamphetamine (meth) and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as “molly,” are two different substances with distinct chemical structures and effects on the body.
-
Is meth in MDMA?
Is there meth in MDMA? There have been instances where MDMA has been found to be adulterated or mixed with other substances, including meth. The practice of adulterating MDMA with other substances is not uncommon and can be dangerous, as it can lead to unintended effects and increased risks of harm.
Search We Level Up NJ “Is Molly Meth? What is the Difference Between Molly vs Meth?” Topics & Other Resources
Sources:
[1] MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasymolly / Tag: Is molly meth?
[2] Controlled Substances by CSA Schedule (usdoj.gov) – https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/e_cs_sched.pdf / Tag: Is molly meth?
[3] Effects of MDMA Injections on the Behavior of Socially-Housed Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) – PMC (nih.gov) – Ballesta S, Reymond G, Pozzobon M, Duhamel JR. Effects of MDMA Injections on the Behavior of Socially-Housed Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). PLoS One. 2016 Feb 3;11(2):e0147136. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147136. PMID: 26840064; PMCID: PMC4739726. / Tag: Is molly meth?
[4] MDMA (ecstasy) effects on actual driving performance before and after sleep deprivation, as function of dose and concentration in blood and oral fluid – PMC (nih.gov) – Bosker WM, Kuypers KP, Conen S, Kauert GF, Toennes SW, Skopp G, Ramaekers JG. MDMA (ecstasy) effects on actual driving performance before and after sleep deprivation, as function of dose and concentration in blood and oral fluid. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Aug;222(3):367-76. doi: 10.1007/s00213-011-2497-8. Epub 2011 Sep 28. PMID: 21952668; PMCID: PMC3395348. / Tag: Is molly meth?
[5] Drug Fact Sheet: Ecstasy/MDMA (dea.gov) – https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Ecstasy-MDMA-2020_0.pdf / Tag: Is molly meth?
[6] MDMA Use and Death Rate Statistics | The DEA: The definitive guide to MDMA (molly, ecstasy) – https://www.thedea.org/mdma-risks-science-and-statistics-technical-faq/mdma-molly-ecstasy-use-and-death-rate-statistics / Tag: Is molly meth?
[7] MDMA and the Brain: A Short Review on the Role of Neurotransmitters in Neurotoxicity – PMC (nih.gov) – Mustafa NS, Bakar NHA, Mohamad N, Adnan LHM, Fauzi NFAM, Thoarlim A, Omar SHS, Hamzah MS, Yusoff Z, Jufri M, Ahmad R. MDMA and the Brain: A Short Review on the Role of Neurotransmitters in Neurotoxicity. Basic Clin Neurosci. 2020 Jul-Aug;11(4):381-388. doi: 10.32598/bcn.9.10.485. Epub 2020 Jul 1. PMID: 33613876; PMCID: PMC7878040. / Tag: Is molly meth?
[8] 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine Toxicity – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov) – Figurasin R, Maguire NJ. 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine Toxicity. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538482 / Tag: Is molly meth?
[9] The pharmacology and toxicology of “ecstasy” (MDMA) and related drugs – PMC (nih.gov) – Kalant H. The pharmacology and toxicology of “ecstasy” (MDMA) and related drugs. CMAJ. 2001 Oct 2;165(7):917-28. PMID: 11599334; PMCID: PMC81503. / Tag: Is molly meth?
[10] What is the scope of MDMA use in the United States? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov) – https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/mdma-ecstasy-abuse/what-is-the-scope-of-mdma-use-in-the-united-states / Tag: Is molly meth?