MDMA: Revealing Its True Colors

Plymouth, NH - "It makes you feel like you are in a dream," said an Anonymous Junior Plymouth State Student. Molly's dream-like effects come with even greater consequences that could be potentially fatal.

While the drug, a "purer" powdered form of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), has been around for decades, it has lately surged in popularity among college students and is being sung by mainstream artists ranging from Kanye West, 2 Chainz, Miley Cyrus, and Madonna.

Molly can be taken orally in powder, tablet, or capsule form. The effects: a sense of increased energy, euphoria, and empathy. The "high" can last for three to six hours after ingestion, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

"'Ecstasy' is MDMA often "cut" with either fillers such as talc, or with other unknown drugs. It is also intentionally mixed with other drugs of abuse such as ketamine. But the notion that "Molly" is any safer than "ecstasy" is a falsehood, basically  100% untrue," stated Dr. Michael Sochat, a physician in Speare Hospital's Emergency Department.

The stimulant raises the user's blood pressure and heart rate, can also cause the body to get severely overheated, causing fatal brain damage. It can cause blood vessels in the heart and brain to constrict, resulting in a stroke or heart attack. It also can cause blood sodium to drop, prompting the brain to swell and resulting in a potentially fatal seizure. 

"Adverse effects include hallucinations, agitation, paranoia, and dissociation with self and surroundings. The next set of symptoms may be considered life threatening, such as hypertensive crisis, seizures, stroke, sudden cardiac death. Where an individual falls on this continuum of effects can never be known in advance. After all, there is no standardized "dosing" of this drug. As the PSU community now knows, death is a real and not unexpected result of the use of MDMA," commented Sochat.

"It can make you extremely carefree and sociable. It enhances all colors and sounds (explaining its popularity at EDM shows), and can make any setting seem euphoric. The negatives range from extreme jaw clenching to unwanted social, physical, or emotional encounters and interactions," said a Plymouth Resident asking to go unnamed.

While staying hydrated can reduce the risk of heat stroke associated with MDMA, the drug can also cause the body to retain water. So, drinking too much can lead to a potentially fatal electrolyte imbalance.

"Dehydration is also a big worry when using molly. You also run a risk of mild to deep depression for days to weeks later, all depending on the person using. You become drained physically and mentally after using the drug," said Plymouth Resident. 

MDMA has been around since the 70s as a diet drug and psychiatric medication. Today, it's being researched as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, but recently has grown in popularity as a party drug, "I think kids think it's just going to mess you up for an hour or so and it's over...but there are lifelong effects," said Anonymous PSU Student.

The drug is typically used in social settings, especially among raves, dance clubs, and music festivals. The effects are stimulated by visuals, sounds, smells and touch, and boosts three chemicals in the brain: serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

"Music sounds better, touch feels intense, it makes you want to dance! Negatives would be the worst hangover of your life the next day. And the brain damage of course..." said a Plymouth State Sophomore asking to remain anonymous. 

Drug dealers have marketed Molly as pure MDMA, the main lab-manufactured ingredient in Ecstasy. But like any illegal drug, you never know what is truly in it. 

"You can't assume it's pure. Everything is cut with something. You should test it in a drug testing kit to see for sure," Plymouth State Sophomore said.

MDMA is man-made-it doesn't come from a plant like marijuana or tobacco. Makers of MDMA can add anything they want to the drug, so its purity is always in question. Other chemicals or substances-such as caffeine, dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups), amphetamines, PCP, or cocaine-are sometimes added to or substituted for MDMA in Ecstasy or Molly tablets. 

In 2013, The New York City Health Department told NBC News that, on average, they see about 10 MDMA-related deaths per year - referencing the two recent tragedies involving NH college students, a spokesman commented, "two deaths, back to back, is worrisome." In light of the two deaths, MDMA is beginning to reveal its fatal consequences.

One cannot use the term "overdose" when discussing this type of drug since there isn't an regulated dosage," "The word overdose is completely inappropriate to be used in the context of a drug for which there is no "dose" that is truly safe, legal or acceptable. In my opinion, you cannot go 'over' when the drug is illegal and unsafe," added Tim Keefe, Dean of Students.

According to the biannual survey taken by Plymouth State students for alcohol and drug use, the 2011 survey found that 94% of students had not used Molly in the previous 30 days. In 2013, the number of students using Molly had risen slightly stating that 92% of students indicated they had not used Molly in the previous 30 days.

"Obviously any increase is concerning. We have many educational programs, websites, e-mails, posters, and individual counseling/judicial/medical interventions with students," stated Keefe.

"I think molly has definitely gained popularity in the last few years. When I first heard about the drug, it seemed to only be connected with The EDM (Electronic Dance Music) scene. Then, it seemed to spread to college campuses and other party-like atmospheres. I believe popular rap music also has helped encourage use of the drug," said Plymouth Resident.

PSU's drug policy, according to the University's Student Handbook, regarding controlled substances and drug distribution is punishable under federal law, "The distribution of controlled drugs in or within 1,000 feet of a university or school to persons under age 21 is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory one year in prison; a third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment."

Federal law sets prison sentences much higher for the manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs if death or serious injury results from the use of the substance. 

The State of New Hampshire has criminal penalties for the use of any controlled substances. Those include any narcotic drugs, addictive drugs, and drugs with a high potential for drug abuse.

"If you  include alcohol and prescription drug abuse, we see cases every day of the year. Injection drug abuse (primarily heroin), and cocaine, several times per week. MDMA is centered around the club/rave scene so is more prevalent in urban areas, so while we see this drug, it is uncommon in Plymouth," said Dr. Michael Sochat, a physician in Speare Hospital's Emergency Department.

Controlled drugs include: MDMA, marijuana, amphetamines, tranquilizers, hallucinogens, opiates, cocaine, narcotics, crack, and all other drugs of a similar nature which are either outlawed outright or illegal when not prescribed by a Physician or used other than how specifically prescribed.

Under state or federal law, "persons convicted of controlled drug possession are ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to one year after the first conviction, five years after the second; the penalty for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five years after the first conviction, 10 years after the second, and permanently after the third."

Sochat added, "Molly and Ecstasy are highly dangerous drugs. Taking them puts you at real risk of injury and death. Since abnormal behavior and medical emergencies go hand-in-hand with this type of drug abuse, there is a good chance that EMS and law enforcement will take notice of this drug use. This, of course, could lead to a criminal record and inability to finish a college degree. Is the expected "high" really worth the risk?"

What seems to be the best party drug and way to make you feel as though you're living the dream can turn into one's worst nightmare.