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If you're a parent trying to follow all the talk about Miley Cyrus and her rumored drug use and all the hype over what the kids are taking these days, you may have one big question: What the hell is Molly? In Miley's song, "We Can't Stop," it sounds like she's singing, "We like to party, dancing with Molly." Miley's rep first claimed it was "dancing with Miley," but then Miley more or less confirmed -- for her adult fans -- that she really did mean Molly the drug.
Meanwhile, it looks like the drug was responsible for three deaths and four overdoses requiring hospitalization over Labor Day weekend. So much for Molly's rep as a relatively safe, natural high. Here's what every parent should know about this drug.
What is it? Molly is a nickname for "molecule," as in 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine. It refers to the main ingredient in Ecstasy, MDMA.
Why do people take it? It's popular especially at dance clubs, raves, and concerts because it helps you feel euphoric and connected with other people. It's also relatively cheap at $20 to $50 per dose. And it's considered a purer, safer, more natural drug like marijuana but without the stink and smoke. It doesn't destroy brain cells, like alcohol does.
Is it addictive? No, it is not physically addictive.
What are the side effects? It can raise your body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, making you more prone to heat stroke. Other side effects include anxiety, dehydration, fever, insomnia, loss of appetite, and teeth grinding. In some cases, Molly use can lead to seizures and a depression caused by a sudden drop in serotonin levels the following day.
Can it kill you? You can overdose on it, but MDMA rarely leads to death on its own. Good luck getting it in pure form, though.
What's the most dangerous thing about it? MDMA is usually sold as white powder in a capsule, which makes it easier to adulterate with other substances like aspirin, caffeine, ephedrine, ketamine, LSD, speed, and talcum powder. It's other, more dangerous drugs mixed into Molly that can kill you.
How much had you known about Molly?
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