Nollywood actress Regina Daniels on Tuesday revealed that she does not take any “hard drug but molly,” as she underwent a medical test to address allegations of drug and alcohol addiction levelled against her by Ned Nwoko, her estranged husband.
Since her statement, public discussion has centred on what “molly” is and whether it qualifies as a “hard drug”.
Over the years, a common myth suggested that MDMA, also known by the street names “ecstasy” or “molly”, is “pure” and somehow safer than other illicit substances.
The belief partly stems from the fact that MDMA was originally developed as a medication intended to treat depression.
However, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the “molly” consumed today is most often not MDMA and, in many cases, may not contain any MDMA at all.
Substances now sold as “molly,” typically in powder or crystal form, are frequently mixed with dangerous chemicals, including synthetic cathinones called bath salts, methamphetamine, cocaine, caffeine, and other toxic combinations of lab-created compounds.
Various studies warn that these modern adulterants pose serious health risks. Here is an examination of what molly is.
WHAT IS MOLLY?
Molly is a lab-made synthetic drug with effects similar to stimulants. People use it recreationally for its acute psychoactive impact, including euphoria, increased energy, heightened empathy, and a sense of closeness with others. The substance is commonly linked to social settings like nightclubs and raves.
Some researchers and health organisations classify MDMA as a psychedelic drug because it can mildly alter visual and time perception.
WHAT DOES MOLLY LOOK LIKE?
Molly appears in several forms. It is mainly distributed and sold as colourful tablets, often carrying logos and brand names that users recognise and seek.
The drug is also found in capsules, powder, and liquid forms, and in some cases as an injectable substance.
HOW DOES MDMA WORK?
MDMA works by stimulating the central nervous system and affecting key chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters.
It primarily influences serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which play major roles in regulating mood, energy, sleep, appetite, and behaviour.
The drug increases the release of these neurotransmitters while also blocking their reuptake into nerve cells. As a result, higher levels remain active in the brain, leading to a surge of energy, heightened emotions, and altered sensory perception.
This chemical response can intensify feelings of happiness, emotional closeness, and empathy, while also distorting sight and sound. In some cases, it may cause visual hallucinations or make users perceive things that are not real.
IS MOLLY SAFE?
Molly can cause several negative health effects, some of which may be serious.
However, its impact depends on factors such as the amount taken, the purity of the MDMA, and the environment in which it is used.
Combining molly with other substances, including alcohol or certain prescription medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can significantly increase health risks.
Physical effects may include increased blood pressure, involuntary jaw clenching, nausea, vomiting, and restless legs.
In more severe cases, molly can cause a dangerous rise in body temperature known as hyperpyrexia, particularly when users are physically active or in hot environments such as nightclubs.
Although deaths linked to molly are rare, long-term use has been associated with heart problems and liver damage.
Effects on mood and brain function have also been reported. Studies link molly use to anxiety, panic attacks, poor sleep, loss of appetite, confusion, depression, paranoia, and problems with memory and attention, especially among regular users.
The effects of molly typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes after use and may last between four and six hours.
However, some psychological and physical effects can persist for days or even weeks.
Credit: TheCable
