Have you met molly?

Although Molly is my younger sister’s name, and a name most people associate with sweet, girl-next-door type characters, a much more dangerous meaning is behind the name.  Molly, which is shortened from “molecule”, is thought of as a “pure” form of MDMA and can be found in Ecstasy. 

According to the DEA, MDMA usually involves swallowing tablets, which are sometimes crushed and snorted.   Abusers of this drug take three or more tablets at once, which is called “stacking” or take multiple tablets in a short time frame, which is called “piggy backing”.

Effects usually occur within 30 to 45 minutes of swallowing the pill, according to the DEA, and include euphoria, increased sensitivity to touch, energy, sexual arousal, and need for stimulation.  The drug also has some unwanted psychological effects that go along with it that include confusion, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and a craving for drugs. 

There are no withdrawal symptoms associated with MDMA and there is an extremely low number of cases of addiction with this drug, according to the recent CNN article.  Although it seems like there are not too many negative effects that occur while using this drug, it is a very extreme risk.  Like many drugs, MDMA is a synthetic chemical made in labs.  The DEA says that the drugs are usually manufactured in Canada and the Netherlands.

Dessa Bergan-Cico, who is an assistant professor in the College of Humane Ecology at Syracuse University, teaches a Dynamics of Addiction class and was quoted by MollyDrug.net saying this type of drug has what is called tissue dependants.  She said, “When people need the drug to get their central nervous system back up to functioning-- that part of it can contribute to an addictive cycle.”   

CNN also says that this drug, even in its purest form, can produce elevated heart rates, rising body temperature, and/or fading stamina and users’ distorted thoughts will hinder them from knowing that anything is wrong.  Also, because MDMA drains the body of some neurotransmitters, it will cause a decreased mood for a few days following use of the drug. 

Increased alertness, blood pressure and motor activity also go along with taking MDMA, according to the DEA.  High doses, which interfere with the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, can lead to much worse outcomes, such as liver, kidney and cardiovascular failure.

It seems that although this drug has been gaining popularity for about ten or fifteen years, there is still a lot to learn about molly.