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If you listen to hip-hop or electronic dance music (EDM), you’ve probably heard the term “Molly.” But what exactly is Molly?

Molly is a man-made psychedelic drug. Its main ingredient is MDMA or methylenedioxymethamphetamine, the same one used in Ecstasy.

Parents, if you aren’t familiar with Molly, you should be. Its popularity is growing among teens and young adults. Here are a few fast facts to get you up to speed:

1. Molly goes by many innocent-sounding names.

Molly (short for “molecule”) shares many of the nicknames used for Ecstasy, like “X,” “E,” “Adam,” “love drug” and “beans.”

2. Molly comes in a powder form.

Unlike Ecstasy, which is taken as a pill, parents should look out for small plastic bags containing a white or off-white powdery substance. It is often swallowed or dissolved in a glass of water.

3. It’s inexpensive.

While it’s a Schedule I illegal drug, Molly is sold as cheaply as $5 to $10 per hit, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

4. Molly is not pure MDMA.

Despite popular belief, Molly is no safer than Ecstasy. Lab tests have shown Molly is often laced with other with other chemicals, like methamphetamine or “bath salts.” In fact, Methylone is often used in place of MDMA because of its chemical similarities.

5. The typical users is between the ages of 16 and 24.

While Molly used by a variety of people, it appeals mainly to the younger crowd thanks to its popularity in mainstream music. And the drug is readily available. Almost 40 percent of high school seniors say Molly is easy to get.

6. Molly is popular at concerts, clubs and raves.

Molly enhances the sensations. Users say they feel a heightened sense of connectedness with others and sensitivity to light, sound and touch. The effects can last up to 3 to 6 hours.

7. Molly increases a person’s serotonin levels.

Serotonin is a “feel good” chemical in your body. It is also responsible for memory, anxiety, sleep, appetite, aggression and sexuality. The drug can alter the natural production of serotonin.

8. After using Molly, some people may experience intense depression.

The term “Suicide Tuesday” has been coined to describe the intense feelings users can experience after a weekend of using Molly. This is caused by a sudden drop in serotonin levels.

9. The main dangers of Molly are seizures, hyperthermia and dehydration.

Molly is not risk-free. Because of the hot environment in which Molly is typically abused, users can overheat more easily. Body temperatures as high as 107 degrees have been reported. Other side effects include rapid heart rate, confusion, hallucinations, lapses in memory and in rare cases, death.

10. Emergency room visits due to MDMA have increased 128 percent between 2005 and 2011.

“This should be a wake-up call to everyone, but the problem is much bigger than what the data show,” said Steve Pasierb, president and CEO of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. “These are only the cases that roll into the emergency rooms. It’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Want to learn more? Visit our Club Drugs page or go to NIDA For Teens.