Just days after two people died at a music festival in New York after taking Molly, doctors and addiction specialists are repeating warnings to stay away from the now-mainstream drug.
"If you ask somebody that used Molly, they would tell you that Molly is MDMA, and it is the pure version of Ecstasy," said Gary Silverman, clinical supervisor for the addiction program at South Miami Hospital. "The truth is, nobody knows what they're taking. They put all kinds of other things in it so they can create more and make more money."
Silverman said the vast majority of patients under 35 in his program have used Molly, which comes in pill or powder form.
"People say Molly is not addictive, it's incredibly addictive," said a recovering addict, who wants to be known as Genoside. "Like, once I start, there's no stopping me."
The 22-year-old musician said he stopped taking Molly 91 days ago.
Experts say Molly creates a sense of euphoria, some hallucinations and increased energy. That's why it's so popular with the electronic dance music crowd. But after the high, users come crashing down.
"The depression is really, really real," Genoside said.
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Silverman said brain scans also show physical brain damage following Molly use. Users can also suffer from hypothermia and severe dehydration. Some may even die.
"It's not funny, it's not cute," Genoside said. "Just avoid it. Avoid it at all costs."
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