Drug Rehabs Treat More MDMA Abusers

The powder or crystalized form of ecstacy, known as Molly, has increased in popularity at music festivals this year, according to CNN. In addition, drug rehabs are treating an increasingly larger amount of patients who have used molly.

The drug’s name, Molly, derives from the word molecule. Substance Abuse Treatment Centers say this crystal or powder form of MDMA is pure, rather than laced with other materials, like ecstacy. Ecstacy often includes such ingredients as caffeine or methamphetamine. Prax Prentiss, co-founder of Passages drug rehab in California, most Molly addicts tend to be around ages 16-24.

According to Substance Abuse Treatment Center experts, MDMA has been classified as a schedule I drug by the DEA. This classification is reserved for drugs with a high potential for abuse and no medical use. Drug rehab patients who use MDMA experience anxiety, depression, confusion, paranoia, insomnia, and cravings. Muscle tension, clenching teeth, cramps, nausea, sweating, faintness, and vision problems are also associated side effects of the drug. The DEA reports, "High doses of MDMA can interfere with the ability to regulate body temperature, resulting in a sharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), leading to liver, kidney and cardiovascular failure. Severe dehydration can result from the combination of the drug’s effects and the crowded and hot conditions in which the drug is often taken."

Drug Rehabs are prepared to meet more demand for MDMA treatment. The drug’s popularity has sky rocketed among young drug users. Furthermore, MDMA is extremely dangerous and can be lethal. From 2004-2009 there was a 123 percent increase in emergency room visits due to MDMA use.