Attention Parents and Educators: Health Concern Over Club Drug ‘Molly’

Tragedy struck over Labor Day weekend at New York City’s three day Electric Zoo music festival, held on Randall’s Island, after two concert-goers, both in their twenties, overdosed and died at the event after consuming “Molly”. At least four others remain in critical condition at area hospitals.  Thousands of teens and young adults attend the festival each year, As a result of the deaths, the third day of the concert was cancelled.

Many parents are asking “What is Molly”? According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, “Molly,” is the powder or crystal form of MDMA, which is the chemical used in Ecstasy. Some claim that Molly is less dangerous than other illegal drugs because it’s not physically addictive, more pure than other forms of ecstasy and will not cause cognitive impairment as it doesn’t kill brain cells. The reality, however, is that the use of Molly – a stimulant drug – comes with serious health risks. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) notes that it can cause confusion, anxiety, depression, paranoia, sleep problems and drug craving.

Health risks and signs of Molly can include anything from involuntary teeth clenching, sudden loss of appetite, a loss of inhibitions, transfixion on sights and sounds, nausea, signs of depression and/or sadness, not being able to get out of bed for extended periods,  blurred vision and chills and/or sweating. More serious risks can even include increased heart rate and blood pressure and seizures.

Molly has been a popular drug at music festivals this year and is also mentioned in several popular songs including Miley Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop”. Festivals are perhaps the most hazardous of settings, because when combined with the hot crowded conditions, intake of MDMA can lead to severe dehydration and dramatic increases in body temperature. This, in turn, can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney, liver and cardiovascular failure. An additional risk of taking Molly is the potential of it being “cut” or mixed with other harmful substances by someone else, despite claims of it being pure.

The Coalition advises parents to know the facts, talk with their kids and don’t take the use of Molly lightly.

If you suspect your child is using Molly (MDMA), please call 911 immediately or take to the Emergency Department of your local hospital. The Upstate Poison Control Center can also be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Members of the Putnam CTC Coalition are available if you have any questions or would like for us to do a presentation to your organization on this or any other substance abuse trends that affect our children.  Please visit and join us on Facebook by searching “Putnam County Communities That Care – NY” or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/PutnamCTCNY or call 845-225-4646.