Molly may sound like the girl next door, but it is in fact the latest slang term for the powder or crystal form of the chemical MDMA, which is also used in Ecstasy. MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that produces feelings of euphoria, increased energy, emotional warmth toward others, and distortions in sensory and time perception. Although Molly is not new, its use has been rising over the last six years. It is quite popular among attendees of music festivals and concerts. Molly recently catapulted to fame when two concertgoers, in their early 20s, died of a Molly overdose at New York’s end-of-summer music festival, Electric Zoo. “Rolling,” the slang term for using Molly, is widespread and not likely to stop. Users claim the drug is cheap, easy to access, and more fun than alcohol, weed, and cocaine.

Parents should discuss the negatives of using Molly with their teens:

Molly’s health risks can include involuntary jaw clenching, a loss of inhibitions, mesmerized by sights and sounds, nausea, blurred vision, high and low temperatures, and confusion. More serious risks of MDMA can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, and seizures.

“Pure” doesn’t mean safe. Dealers of Molly tout the drug as pure MDMA – a great selling feature over Ecstasy, which often contains amphetamines, caffeine, or cocaine. However, purity doesn’t make a drug any less harmful. MDMA is a stimulant. As with all stimulants, use causes your pulse rate and vitals to increase, makes you more prone to dehydration, and, if taken in large amounts, can result in overdose and death.

There’s no ingredient list. Despite claims of Molly’s purity, there is no way to know for sure what’s in the powder or crystals. Users are getting an underground manufacture from an underground distributor. There are no controls.

There’s no standard dosage. Typically, users take a pinch of Molly and put it on or under their tongue. Each batch can vary in its intensity, and users can’t judge how much they are taking.

Molly is definitely habit-forming. Drug treatment facilities have been treating people addicted to Molly for years. This is an addictive drug.

Final Thoughts…

Parents are a strong influencer on teen decision-making. Talk to your teens about avoiding drug use and explain the negative consequences. We need to convince young people that they don’t need a mood-altering substance to let loose and have fun at a concert, party, or other venue. There is still plenty of fun to be had without adding drugs.