Have you seen Molly? A review of Molly in primary literature

Sexual Risk Behaviors among African Americans Who Use MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy): Implications for HIV Prevention

Numerous studies have linked sexual risk taking to recreational use of MDMA. Questions remain, however, regarding the extent and type of sexual risk behaviors that occur among MDMA users, especially African Americans who use the drug. Because the MDMA literature has historically relied on samples with little minority representation, little is known about Black MDMA users and their sexual risk taking. The primary goal of this study, therefore, was to describe patterns of sexual risk behaviors among African Americans who use MDMA. This study used survey data to identify (a) which sexual risk behaviors occurred among Black MDMA users and (b) the prevalence of each behavior. Qualitative interview data are also presented to contextualize the role that MDMA and the club/nightlife environment might play in contributing to these behaviors. Results show that sexual risk taking (e.g., sex without a condom, "hooking up," sex on MDMA, and group sex) was prevalent and that the mind-set and context in which MDMA was consumed are contributing factors. The current study adds to the limited amount of data on African Americans who use MDMA and is a step toward better understanding the link between MDMA and sexual risk taking. These data can be used to inform social workers in their efforts to prevent HIV in this population.

Nonmedical prescription drug use among African Americans who use MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Implications for risk reduction

Recent data suggest that both nonmedical prescription drug and MDMA (ecstasy/molly) use have risen among African Americans. However, studies investigating these two forms of drug use among African Americans are rare. As a result, very little is known about African-American MDMA users and their nonmedical use of prescription medications. The primary goal of this study, therefore, was to describe patterns of nonmedical prescription drug use among African Americans who use MDMA. We also assessed alcohol and illicit drug use among the sample. Surveys (n=100) and in-depth interviews (n=15) were conducted with African-American young adults in Southwest Florida between August 2014 and November 2015. Survey results show that a significant proportion of the sample used MDMA in conjunction with prescription medications (benzodiazepines=59%; opioids=35%; stimulants=13%). Qualitative findings suggest that benzodiazepine medications were used to alleviate MDMA comedown symptoms, opioids were used to achieve a different quality high, and stimulants were used to provide added energy throughout the night. These results suggest that treatment practitioners and harm reduction professionals should pay particular attention to informing users of the potential hazards of combining MDMA with prescription medications. Although additional research is clearly needed, these findings are an important first step towards understanding both nonmedical prescription drug and MDMA use among African Americans, and could be used to tailor treatment and risk reduction interventions to this population.

An Examination of the Most Recent Episode of Molly Use among College Students

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined event-level characteristics (e.g., contextual factors, risk behaviors) during the most recent episode of Molly use among a sample of college students who reported previously using Molly.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N = 151; 66.7% female) were drinkers aged 18 to 25. Data were collected from October to November 2014, February to April 2015, and September to November 2015.

METHOD

Participants completed measures regarding typical Molly use and items related to context and behaviors during their most recent episode of Molly use.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that our sample most commonly reported using Molly earlier in the evening while hanging out with friends or at a party. Additionally, sexual and other drug use behaviors commonly occurred when using Molly.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide preliminary information in guiding future work exploring Molly use and potential substance-related issues associated with the context of when and how Molly is consumed.

Molly users versus nonusers in a sample of college alcohol drinkers: Differences in substance-related harms and sensation seeking

BACKGROUND

Molly is one form of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) that is touted to be more "pure" and potentially less harmful than other forms, such as ecstasy. Media reports and case studies suggest that this drug is popular among college students and is related to adverse health problems. The current study sought to address the knowledge gaps about Molly by examining whether users differ in substance use outcomes and sensation seeking than nonusers. Specifically, this study tested whether Molly users engaged in heavier use of other substances and experienced more substance-related harms in general than nonusers. Further, the current study investigated whether Molly users exhibited higher levels of sensation seeking than nonusers. Lastly, this study examined whether Molly user status would be associated with substance-related harms beyond the confounding influence of other substance use and trait sensation seeking.

METHODS

Participants were 710 (71.9% female) college alcohol drinkers who completed self-report surveys about substance use (i.e., Molly, alcohol, and other drug use), substance-related problems, and sensation seeking.

RESULTS

Results revealed that approximately 12% of the sample reported lifetime Molly use. Molly users compared with nonusers reported higher levels of other drug use, alcohol use, substance-related problems, and sensation seeking. Further, Molly users reported experiencing poorer substance use outcomes (e.g., blacking out, academic/occupational problems, and withdrawal symptoms) after accounting for sensation seeking and other substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that Molly users are higher in sensation seeking and that use is uniquely related to greater risk for substance-related harms. These preliminary findings demonstrate a need for correcting possible misperceptions regarding the purity of Molly and educating users on the potential for experiencing associated harms. Such information could be used to develop efficacious prevention programming for college students.