There’s no shortage of information on the internet when it comes to the drug Molly, which is also known by its pharmaceutical name “MDMA.” The problem is that Molly is often portrayed to be safe, pure and natural, and this misinformation can have dire consequences for the people who take the drug. The truth is that Molly is just like any other drug, and it has a high likelihood of addiction.
A Brief History: How Molly Came to Be
MDMA was first patented by pharmaceutical company Merck back in 1912 and it was used as a blood-clotting agent. The earliest documented use for recreational purposes was in 1970. The drug was actually rediscovered and then passed to professionals in the psychology field during this time. Throughout the 1970s, MDMA was given to patients in low doses to act as a therapy tool. The drug helped relax patients, allowing them to open up during therapy sessions and improve their mood.
Up until this period, MDMA was legal, but that changed in 1985 when the drug was classified as a Schedule I drug. Drugs in this category are deemed unsafe, with a high potential for abuse and no medical purpose. Unfortunately, the past uses for MDMA have continued to live on, contributing to the idea that MDMA in its pure form is a safe and effective way to improve the mood, stimulate the senses and have a good time.
When you couple this relaxed attitude with the idea that Molly is natural and pure, it’s a recipe for disaster. And this is exactly what’s happening to our youth, as this club drug is growing in popularity yet managing its harmless image.
However, if you can’t trust what’s in a non-FDA approved a supplement, how can you trust a drug dealer? People who gamble with Molly shouldn’t kid themselves; the dosage, the potency, and the ingredients are not controlled, so you gamble with your life each time it’s taken.
An Image Problem: Molly’s Acceptance in Hip Hop Music
In March of this year, Columbia University hosted a seminar on the dangers of Molly titled, “The Truth about Molly: Past, Present, Future of MDMA and the Hip Hop Community.” The seminar was designed to shed light on the real dangers of taking Molly as well as its acceptance in the hip hop and music culture. Molly is included in many clubs and rap songs, but the artist who really drew attention to herself was Madonna.
When Madonna said into the microphone at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami earlier this year, “Have any of you seen Molly?” the crowd cheered. Others, however, felt very differently and used this as just one more example of how the lyrics in current music aren’t mindful of the impact they have on others, especially youth.
The seminar held at Columbia University is one of many that will be popping up in communities across the U.S. in an effort to educate people on the dangers of Molly. If you worry that your own teen may be using the drug, don’t wait to face the truth.
A Note to Parents: What to Look for in Your Teen
Molly is popular among the young, ages 16 to 25. It’s a club drug, so it’s commonly found at raves, dance clubs, and social parties. The most common effects include increased energy, euphoria, emotional warmth, distortions in time and empathy toward others. Users “roll” on the drug, and it takes anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour for the drug to take effect.
If your child walks through your door and something seems “off,” look for these signs:
- Jaw clenching
- No appetite
- High and low temperatures
- Mood swings
- Large pupils
- Confusion
- Sleep problems
- Profuse sweating
- Rapid eye movement
- Memory loss
- Blurred vision
If your teen is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical help. Have them checked out at the emergency room to ensure their health and safety. These are short-term reactions, so it’s important to look at the total picture. If your teen has been skipping school, changing friends, experiencing mood swings or lacking proper sleep and eating habits, these could be signs of drug addiction.
Parents need to be proactive. It’s not just noticing the signs of Molly use, but also teaching your child the dangers of taking the drug. If parents don’t speak up, kids start learning about the world from music and movies, and we know where that leads. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of Molly, so it’s difficult to warn your kids about something you don’t know exists.
The River Source aims to educate the public on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. We are experienced in treating addictions to Molly, so call us anytime to talk about your situation at 866-294-9331.
