MDMA: A Death Trap for Youth

MDMA: A Death Trap for Youth

 

August 2013 was a month of publicity for MDMA, also known as “Molly” or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. This illegal white powder, sold from $15 to $50 per hit, made the news several times when two people died at a New York dance festival over Labor Day weekend in association with MDMA use.  Despite the recent MDMA headlines and the presence of the drug in new singles by such artists as Miley Cirus and Kanye West; “Molly” is not a new drug. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is also not a safe drug, and is associated with potential adverse health effects, undesirable effects to last up to one week after use, and death.

MDMA produces a unique high for most users, which is potentially the reason for the popularity of the substance. The effects of “Molly” which make it desirable for users include; emotional warmth, mental stimulation, a general sense of well-being, empathy towards others, decreased anxiety and enhanced sensory perception. This substance is most often used among youth populations, and is most common in dance or club settings, as MDMA is known to aid users in dancing for extended periods of time. Since “Molly” is a pure form of an ingredient typically found in the illegal drug Ecstasy, there is a misconception among users that the drug is safe. As demonstrated by multiple Labor Day deaths and a shocking number of negative health reports in association with MDMA, Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is extremely dangerous.

Though rumored as safe in reference to its purity, “Molly” is associated with such undesirable effects as; anxiety, restlessness, irritability, sadness, impulsiveness, aggression, lack of appetite, sleep disturbances, reduction in mental ability and interest in sex, decreased sexual pleasure and thirst. The potential adverse health effects associated with this substance include; chills, sweating, involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, nausea, blurred vision, muscle cramping, rise in body temperature, heart and kidney failure, Arrhythmia, dehydration, high blood pressure and death. Overdose of MDMA is common and symptoms include; high blood pressure, panic attacks, loss of consciousness, faintness, seizures and death. The popularity of “Molly” among populations of youth is speculated to relate to the unnerving number of overdose reports.

Perhaps the most frightening trait of MDMA, besides the frequency of deaths in association with the substance, is the length of time in which effects of the drug may exist. Users may experience changes after using MDMA for a week or longer, particularly in reference to memory loss and basic mental processing ability. Other serious risks arise when drug dealers mix other harmful substances with MDMA without notifying users. When mixed with other drugs, “Molly” is more likely to be fatal.

Although MDMA addiction is not as severe as such addictions as Cocaine or Crystal Methamphetamine, a rising number of individuals have reported MDMA dependency. MDMA affects many of the same neurotransmitter systems in the brain as other addictive drugs, and symptoms associated with withdrawal have been reported.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC has a background in supporting individuals suffering from the toughest of addictions, including MDMA dependence, and seeks to communicate the message that addicted individuals and the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction are not alone. Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction or seeks more information about "Molly" or other illegal drugs, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

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