In the 1990's ecstasy, the pill form of MDMA, solidified its presence as one of the most popular recreational drugs among teens, adolescents and young adults. It became a permanent fixture of rave and nightclub culture, and came to be regarded as the "2000 drug" by those who were aware of its rampant appeal to the younger generation. Today, a new and purer form of MDMA (short for methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is picking up right where ecstasy left off and endangering the lives and physical health of American youth. "Molly", is the powder or crystalline form of MDMA, It has emerged all across the United States and has already been linked to bizarre and dangerous health episodes among American youth.

As is the case with all party drugs, "Molly" (short for molecule) is commonly abused in social situations, often in combination with alcohol. As dangerous and unpredictable as it is to engage in simultaneous drug and alcohol abuse under other circumstances, so little is known about the chemical make-up of molly that users don't really know what is in it even after they take it. It's like playing Russian roulette, and makes it all the more difficult for doctors and medical personnel to treat patients suffering from an overdose. Over the past few years, doctors have reported a 123% increase the number of ER visits linked to simultaneous abuse of "Molly" and alcohol.

The DEA has established molly as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. Like its party drug predecessors, such as ecstasy and special K, it's primarily being marketed and sold to teenagers and middle school students. Effects of "Molly" include a bitter and acrid taste followed by a prolonged euphoria. In addition to the complete lack of consistency and control in distribution, pure MDMA triggers hallucinations, severe heart and respiratory problems, dehydration, hypothermia, seizures and even coma. It has even been linked to long-term depression.

One of the most dangerous aspects contributing to "Molly's" sudden rise in popularity is the widespread misinformed belief that it is safe. Because a lot of people who take the drug say they have not experienced long-term side effects—does not hold true for everybody else who takes "Molly" when they are out partying. What these party goers are confusing is just because they have been lucky so far to walk away after partying with "Molly", is no guarantee that they will not wind up in an emergency room at some point in the future from taking this drug and drinking alcohol. It's critical that parents, educators, law enforcement and medical personnel alike become acquainted with the very real and tangible threat that molly and all other forms of MDMA represent to young people everywhere, especially when it is commonly mixed with alcohol at parties.