Molly, The New It Drug

A drug, C₁₁H₁₅NO₂, that is chemically related to amphetamine and mescaline and is used illicitly for its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. It reduces inhibitions and was formerly used in psychotherapy but has been banned in the United (States.http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasy)

If I were to say the word drugs to you I am sure that a few substances would come to mind. Most likely you would think of cocaine, heroin, marijuana etc. However, you would probable never think of the name Molly. Molly sounds friendly almost like the girl next door but did you know that Molly is the name for the new it drug on the streets. You may have heard this name in popular songs such as, Kanye West's Mercy. Remember this line, "There's something bout Marry she's is gone off that Molly," (Kanye West, Mercy 2012). I'm sure that most of you never even thought twice about this line or paid any attention to its meaning. However, its meaning is quite clear to some, Kanye West and many other artist are referring to MDMA aka Molly.

Molly has recently gained popularity in the streets and in the media but the drug is by no means new. In fact, MDMA is the main ingredient in the party drug Ecstasy. However, Ecstasy and Molly are not the same thing. While both drugs contain MDMA, the two drugs have some differences.

Ecstasy, or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is an illegal recreational drug, typically taken as a stimulant in situations involving music and dance. First synthesised in 1912 by the Merck pharmaceutical company, in Darmstadt, Germany, it was patented in 1914. Contrary to popular belief, it was not intended as an appetite suppressant, but as an intermediate chemical for the preparation of other (pharmaceuticals.http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/mdma.html)

For instance, Molly is believed to be pure MDMA. MDMA is a drug that was researched during the 1970s for the treatment of conditions such as, PTSD. While Ecstasy is also made up of MDMA it is often cut or mixed with other products such as, caffeine and other substances. So, with Molly you know exactly what you are getting. With Ecstasy however, you never really know what you are getting. There are other differences between the two, as well.

Ecstasy is usually little colorful pills that can be ingested with water. These pills look like candy, and are sometimes shaped differently for example, they may be shaped like stars. Therefore, when you use them you might get the false impression that they are harmless. Molly may be disguised by a friendly name nevertheless, their appearance isn't as colorful as Ecstasy. Molly can be found in a pill form usually in white capsules. When not in capsules, they are usually pure crystals that can be consumed in a number of ways. For instance, some people wrap them in cigarette paper before swallowing them. So what is it about MDMA that attracts its users?

Like any other drug people like to use MDMA because it makes them feel good. MDMA has been shown to increase emotions such as, love, empathy, and sexual arousal. Party goers love to use it because it makes them want to dance and its effects last for 3-6 hours. Overall, it provides people with an enhanced social experience. Reports also indicate that MDMA has less side effects then other illegal substances. So far, MDMA sounds pretty good right? However, users beware there are some side effects associated with using this drug.

Molly seems to have less side effects then other illegal drugs. For instance, there are fewer hospital admissions and a lower death rates associated with Molly use. Nevertheless, Molly can increase your heart rate and cause confusion. Dehydration and seizures has been linked to MDMA use, as well. In more extreme cases, Molly can result in a coma. In addition, like alcohol, Molly impairs your judgement therefore, causing you to take risk such as, having unprotected sex. Coming down from Molly can also be a difficult process. It can cause depression and anxiety. Sleep problems can occur as a result of using Molly, as well. It is not clear if Molly is addictive or not. In fact, some studies show that it isn't as addictive as other drugs. Still doesn't sound to bad does it? You might even be tempted to try it. Before you do, consider those who have lost their lives as a result of abusing MDMA.

Youngsters who take ecstasy are playing Russian roulette with their lives, a coroner has warned.

West Yorkshire coroner David Hinchliff urged young people to be careful after former head boy Adam Dixon died in his halls at Leeds Metropolitan University from taking the drug. (Daily Mail Reporter, 10/3/12. Dailymail.com/uk)

18 year old Adam Dixon died shortly after consuming MDMA. Reports suggest that the drug caused his heart to beat irregularly which ultimately resulted in his death. This year Chorlotte Woodiwiss age 20, died due to Ecstasy use (The Guardian, 1/23/13). These two are not alone back in 2001, 76 deaths were linked to MDMA use. (TheDEA.org) So while MDMA deaths rates may be lower then other drugs, make no mistake, taking the drug can be fatal.

With that said, Molly seems to be safer then most drugs with lower hospital admissions and death rates. Nevertheless, when you use the drug you are taking a risk. Like all illegal substances Molly can be deadly. Molly may be mentioned in popular songs but as was stated earlier, it is illegal so beware, you could be arrested if you are caught with the drug. It is not known if Molly is addictive or not however, coming down from it can be difficult. It could lead to sleep problems, depression and anxiety. Also remember there is no such thing as a safe drug, even over the counter medications have risk and side effects, so use at your own risk.

Daily Mail Reporter, 10/3/12. Dailymail.com/uk

MDMA Death Statistics, TheDEA.org

Chorlotte Woodiwiss age 20, died due to Ecstasy use, The Guardian, 1/23/13

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasy, 12/2012

http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/health/molly-mdma-drug, Marina Csomor 2012

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/mdma-ecstasy

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/mdma.html