Tablets sold as MDMA may contain other chemicals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Molly is the slang term for the man-made drug MDMA (ecstasy). It’s a well-known synthetic, psychoactive drug often used at all-night parties or raves and sold as the “pure form of MDMA,” something medical professionals and the DEA are finding far from the truth. What is being sold is an unpredictable variation of MDMA with various synthetic drugs being used as filler. Molly provides a fast, relatively long acting (3-6 hours) high with the following effects:
- Increased energy
- Euphoria,
- Emotional warmth and empathy to others
- Distortions in sensory or time perception
The physical effects of Molly are similar to other stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines and include:
- Increased heart rate
- Increase in blood pressure
- Muscle tension
- Clenching of jaw
- Nausea
- Feeling faint
- Chills and/or sweating
The recent surge of young adults overdosing on Molly overdoses is alarming. Medical professionals have noted shifts in their pathology findings in these patients, illustrating the fact that underground chemists are manipulating the molecular compounds of Molly in the same way they are manipulating other synthetic drugs like K2, Spice, and bath salts. According to Rudy Payne, DEA spokesman, “DEA seizures of pure MDMA or ecstasy have dropped indicating that dealers are creating the capsules from other drugs and marketing them as Molly.” This statistic makes a profound statement: “In 2008, the DEA seized 5,377 pounds of Ecstasy. Last year, the DEA seized 954 pounds.”
The drug dealers target teens and young adults, promoting a cheap, safe high. What they are selling is the antithesis of safe. Teens and young adults are essentially guinea pigs, experimenting with their brains and cognitive development in the name of fun. On the street, in social circles, and even in some pop songs, Molly is being falsely lauded as harmless.
- Overdose symptoms include:
- Rapid heart beat
- Overheating
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering
- Involuntary twitching
To put things into perspective, these four Molly related deaths occurred this summer:
- Two college students died at the Electric Zoo festival in New York, prompting a shutdown.
- A University of Virginia student died at a rave in Washington, D.C.
- A 19-year-old died in a club in Boston, and 3 others overdosed.
There are long-term effects from using these drugs. It negatively affects one’s brain chemistry, and can damage the brain for several years following heavy use. Researchers have found that MDMA affect the neurons that use serotonin to communicate with other neurons. Seratonin controls our mood, sleep, sensitivity to pain, and aggression. Long-term use of MDMA also affects memory loss. Molly isn’t something to play with. These long-term effects aren’t worth 6 hours of distorted reality.
Articles used as reference:
Drug ‘Molly’ is taking a party toll in the United States
Overdoses Attributed to Club Drug “Molly” Increase
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH)
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Originally posted on September 30, 2013 @ 8:30 am
