Alcohol and Molly

Mixing alcohol and Molly (a street name for MDMA) can lead to an increased risk of side effects, including organ damage.

For many people, it’s common to drink alcohol at parties, concerts, festivals, nightclubs and other social events. At these same events, some people choose to use illicit drugs like Molly (MDMA) in an attempt to heighten their mood and perception. When someone decides to combine the two substances, however, things can quickly become dangerous.

Can You Drink Alcohol and Take Molly?

Molly and alcohol are often associated with party atmospheres, so it’s common for people to wonder whether it’s dangerous to use both at the same time. Some people also consider mixing alcohol and Molly because they want to amplify the effects of each substance or make Molly’s side effects last longer. However, that’s not what usually happens.

Studies have shown that mixing alcohol and Molly can exacerbate Molly’s effects on the body. This can lead to potentially dangerous side effects, including:

• Decreased body temperature
• Neurological problems, especially with memory and anxiety
• Cardiovascular issues
• Liver damage
• Hormonal (endocrine) problems

Some people may even mix alcohol with Molly in hopes of reversing alcohol’s effects on driving. However, studies have shown that this does not work. Driving will remain impaired after alcohol use, whether someone uses Molly or not.

What Is Molly?

Molly is the street name for a substance called MDMA. The drug changes a person’s mood and perception, and its effects may allow someone to connect with people more easily and stay up all night listening to music or dancing. For these reasons, Molly is often used at music festivals, nightclubs and in other party-like atmospheres.

Molly is meant to refer to the pure form of MDMA, while the street name “ecstasy” refers to MDMA tablets that are cut with other ingredients. However, a lot of what’s sold as Molly is cut with other ingredients and dangerous drugs that people aren’t aware of. Some of the substances that may be combined with Molly include cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine and PCP.

While Molly may have the reputation of being a fun party drug, there are serious side effects that can come with it. Some of the common side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Low mood
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension
• Tremors and cramps
• Teeth clenching
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Chills
• Sweating
• Blurry vision

Taking Molly on its own or mixing it with alcohol can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening consequences. You may be more likely to put yourself in a risky situation, and you could develop health complications such as memory problems, liver damage and cardiovascular issues.

Help Is Available at The Recovery Village

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or addiction, The Recovery Village is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about addiction treatment programs and individualized recovery plans that can help you begin the path toward a substance-free future.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more