Molly the Urban Drug of 2016 – Alisa Atkinson Professional Writer

Molly is the drug that is known to chemist as 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Molly is more commonly known as MDMA or ecstasy. This once legal drug, is alluring to youths not only because of its endorsements from the stars but because of its blissful effects, low mortality rate and lack of research of long term effects. MDMA related deaths are rare and typically occur in patients with cardiac disease[1].

Although MDMA made its mark in the early 1990’s, it was developed in 1912 in Germany as an antibleeding medication[2]. This drug, originally patented as an appetite suppressant[3], serves no medical use in the U.S. Although MDMA failed as being an appetite suppressant in the 1970’s medical MDMA was used to treat couples in therapy. The drug was then banned in the 1980’s because of excessive recreational use. In 2016 Molly is commonly found in after hour clubs and rave dances. This is due to the stimulant in the drug that allows the user to stay awake for prolonged periods of time.

MDMA is typically white, tan or brown in color and is commonly used as a stimulant. Molly is most commonly taken orally, although it can also be snorted, injected or crushed. Many drug dealers imprint designer logos on the tablets to entice their users into buying their brand of Molly. Ecstasy in its street form is usually laced with methamphetamine, tranquilizers, or PCP(acid) and sometimes it contains little to no MDMA.

Medicinal MDMA consists of three stimulants:

Dopamine which causes increased energy levels and euphoric feelings
Norepinephrine which causes increased heart rate and blood pressure
Serotonin which affects mood, appetite, sleep and sexual arousal

The side effects of MDMA could last anywhere from 3-6 hours[4]. Some possible side effects include:

Involuntary Teeth Clenching
Nausea
Muscle Cramping
Blurred Vision
Chills
Sweating

Some effects can last up to a week after ingestion. These side effects include:

Irritability
Impulsiveness
Aggression
Depression
Sleep Deprivation
Anxiety
Long Term Memory Loss
Decreased Appetite
Lack of Sexual Desire and Arousal

The medical form of MDMA has progressed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)[5]. MDMA is classified as a stimulant, which is appealing to psychiatrists because anti-anxiety medication can cause drowsiness. The drug is known to adhere to the amygdala which is the brain’s center for fear. The effects of the drug allow the user to exploit their worst fears without the urge of dodging the conversation or running away. When faced with a situation that reminds the user of the trauma MDMA allows the user to phase out of reality into euphoria to deal with the agony of the trauma and therefore allows for healing.

Rappers like French Montana, Lil Wayne and the infamous Miley Cyrus are of the many celebrities that are very vocal about their use of Molly. More often today’s youth hear about the euphoric effects of MDMA through lyrics and blog posts and they want to experience that feeling first hand. Celebrities have an impact on our youth and they often don’t realize how much of an effect they have until it is too late.

Although MDMA can have healing qualities it can only do so in its medical form. Street quality MDMA can contain an abundance of substances which have adverse effects on the body.

Source References