Drugs have been a presence on college campuses for many years now. Recently, the appearance of MDMA or molly has been popular among college students, Suanne Schaad said, the substance awareness coordinator.
“I think it has grown in popularity due to the fact that it is marketed as ‘pure’ MDMA and people think is safe or safer than ecstasy,” Schaad said.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), molly is the power or crystal form of MDMA, also known as 3,4- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. The website explained that the drug acts as both a stimulant and psychedelic. It produces “an energizing effect, distortions in time perception and enhanced enjoyment of tactile experiences.”
Molly is a Schedule I Controlled Substance, according to the Office of Diversion Control making the drug illegal. The DEA explained that the drug is mainly distributed in tablet form, comes in a variety of colors and is stamped with logos. It can also be found in capsules, powder and liquid form.
Known as a “party drug,” MDMA is usually swallowed, but the DEA states it can also be crushed, snorted or smoked but it is rarely injected. Users often mix molly with alcohol and marijuana the website states.
“MDMA causes changes in perception, including euphoria and increased sensitivity to touch, energy, sensual and sexual arousal, need to be touched, and need for stimulation,” the DEA stated.
An anonymous junior from the University said, “[People] do it for concerts and such because it gives you so much energy and you can dance forever.” The junior said it ties into the new techno craze because the people on molly feel and understand the music more while sober people do not have that connection.
He/she continued, “The reason people do it is because it gives you sort of a new-found energy and a lot of people say it helps them feel the music. You’re no longer interested in anything else that is going on besides dancing and listening to how the music will change when the beat will drop.”
Molly has also been mentioned by celebrities such as Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Madonna and Childish Gambino, according to Schaad. She feels that the media has also added to the popularity of the drug.
Jillian Ketchel-Stach, nurse at the Community Medical Center in Toms River, said that she has met many younger patients on molly. “We started learning more about the drug and its side effects and it became easier to tell which patients were on it. Many of them came in with extremely dilated pupils and most experienced nystagmus, or uncontrollable rapid eye movement, and trisma, which is extreme jaw clenching.”
The effects of molly usually occur 30 to 45 minutes after swallowing the pill and can last up to four to six hours, according to the DEA.
“While overdose is not so common with using molly, the side effects are what poses danger for users,” Schaad said. “Since it is often used while people are dancing, people suffer from dehydration and fatigue. As blood pressure rises, so does the risk of the dangerous side effects which include: hypothermia, seizures, cardiac episodes, electrolyte imbalances and coma. Other side effects include: insomnia, dilated pupils, sexual arousal, dizziness, dry mouth, and appetite suppression.”
Kelly Ward, professor of social work, explains that molly can also cause a high spike in body temperature which can result in vital organs shutting down and severe dehydration.
The DEA explained that some other psychological effects include confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems, and drug craving.
Clinical studies suggest that molly may increase the risk of long-term, perhaps even permanent, problems with memory and learning, according to the DEA.
An anonymous East Stroudsburg University student experienced using molly firsthand. “Everyone was talking about how it was a ‘pure’ drug and it sounded safe, so I tried it,” he said. “At first I just felt energetic and a little sweaty, but then I started feeling anxious. By the time it hit, I was biting down so hard my jaw hurt the next day and drinking a ton of water. Nothing could quench my thirst. My eyes were darting back and forth which made me dizzy and the next day, I felt awful.”
His overall experience on molly was not one that he wanted to repeat. “I think new drugs get too much hype and students don’t realize what could actually happen,” he continued. “People react differently to things and molly definitely made me feel depressed for a few days. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”
Jessica Ketchel, University junior, has heard multiple stories about Molly and its effects. “I’ve heard around campus and at work that people take it mainly before raving or going out, but wasn’t sure what effects it had at first. Then I started hearing rumors of depression and anxiety.”
Ketchel said that as far as being the new college drug, she thinks students find it appealing. “If students think they are taking a pure drug, the risks seem less, so more people agree to it.”
“It is most similar to ecstasy of course, but the interest is the ability to hallucinate like LSD or mushrooms or to create a more intense ecstasy high,” Ward said.
Ward, who also specializes in adolescent substance abuse, continued by talking about the people more interested in trying molly. “Those curious about the openness of thought process or better sex are the people who try but most often quickly regret,” she said.
The DEA said that adolescents and young adults use molly to promote “euphoria, feelings of closeness, empathy and sexuality.”
According to the University’s policy on drug use, possession, or presence of controlled dangerous substances; for a first offense students could face residence probation, up to a $200 fine, disciplinary probation for one full semester, a mandatory meeting with a Substance Awareness Coordinator, and arrest by University Police Department.
The third offense is expulsion from the University. Selling or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance includes expulsion and criminal prosecution. Although molly is not included directly by the University under these substances, ecstasy is.
Schaad explained that the University is aware of the increase in molly. “Unfortunately, there is no way to 100 percent rid a campus community of any drug. We do our best to be aware and keep communication open on new trends we see on and around campus as well as national trends. I am appreciative to The Outlook for bringing attention to this drug so students know the facts about it and the dangers associated with it,” Schaad said.
IMAGE TAKEN from sarahdegiallo.wordpress.com
