CIT Reacts to National Spike in Use of Drug 'Molly'

By Ashley Troutman and Matt Schooley

After the recent string of deaths and overdoses connected to the drug “Molly,” the North Reading Community Impact Team (CIT) issued a press release focusing on the dangers of the drug and what residents can do if they encounter it.

Molly, similar to ecstasy and slang for MDMA, is reportedly responsible for deaths at a House of Blues concert and a musical festival in New York, leading Yahoo News to refer to the “club drug” as “an old drug with terrifying new tricks.”

According to a release from the CIT, "'Molly' is short for molecule, since chemists would alter one molecule of the substance in order to ensure that the drug was not illegal in most states. However, molly purchased recently by law enforcement in the Boston area has been determined to contain little, or in many cases, no ecstasy at all."

The release went on to say that the molly obtained by law enforcement contained methylone, which is classified as a synthetic cathinone, a central nervous system stimulant.  

Molly usually comes in powder or pill form and can be any color. It can be injected, smoked, inhaled or dissolved in a drink, the release said. The drug takes effect after about 15 minutes.

"Symptoms include muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, chest pain, increased heart rate and pressure, suicidal thoughts, paranoia, seizures, a hyper alert state and teeth clenching. People have also reported depression, insomnia, anxiety, memory irregularities, and other symptoms lasting for several days to a week. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the drug produces similar effects to those produced by amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine," the release said.

The CIT is encouraging residents to take the following actions if they see this drug:

• Send an anonymous tip to the North Reading Police by typing the word NRPD along with the tip to 847411 (tip411) to report underage drinking or drug activity in North Reading. To make an anonymous phone tip, call anytime to 978.657.8477 (TIPS).
• Connect to the North Reading Community Impact Team by visiting their      website www.northreadingcit.com, emailing them at northreadingcit@gmail.com or liking them on Facebook.
• If you are a teen, become involved in organized activities such as the Middle School Youth Group, High School Youth Group, or become a mentor through Youth Services. For more information, email Youth Services Director Amy Luckiewicz at northreadingyouthservices@gmail.com.
• If you are a parent, continue to educate yourself on substance abuse prevention. If you are concerned of about a family member, contact Youth Services at 978.357.5281. Always call 911 in an emergency.

"The Community Impact Team feels it’s important for families be well informed about this trending drug, including what it looks like, how it affects the body and the potential legal implications.  We also want teens to know that this drug, in particular, can have severe consequences with just one use," Luckiewicz said.

Contact northreadingcit@gmail.com with any questions.