Glossary
MDMA
A synthetic psychoactive drug, known as Ecstasy or Molly, that produces euphoria, emotional closeness, and heightened senses, and appears in some LGBTQ nightlife and chemsex settings.
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly called Ecstasy or Molly, is a lab-made drug with effects similar to stimulants like methamphetamine and some mild psychedelic qualities. It raises feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, empathy, and closeness, and heightens sensory experience, which is why it circulates in club, rave, and party settings, including parts of LGBTQ nightlife. Effects last roughly three to six hours. It carries real risks: dangerous rises in body temperature (hyperthermia), dehydration, high blood pressure, and, with heavy use, lasting problems with mood, sleep, and memory. It is sometimes combined with sex and other drugs in chemsex or 'Party and Play' contexts, which adds risks around cardiovascular stress and sexual health. Researchers are separately studying MDMA as a possible PTSD treatment. Harm-reduction information matters where use is common.
Sources
Learn more: nida.nih.gov/research-topics/mdma-ecstasy-molly