The popularity of synthetic drugs has grown significantly over in the last decade. Drugs such as MDMA, commonly referred to as ecstasy or Molly, have developed quite a following among certain key demographics. Some young adults, mostly white, use the drug primarily in conjunction with nightclubs and similar social gatherings known as "raves". MDMA has also garnered tremendous appeal within the gay community, also popular in their nightclubs and bars.
Perhaps the best way to understand the appeal of MDMA is to understand its effect on the human body. MDMA is known to produce extreme feelings of euphoria and emotional empathy towards others. It is also a long-lasting drug, often imbuing partygoers with enhanced energy and sensory distortions for periods ranging between 3 to 6 hours per dose. MDMA users often tout the drug's ability to enhance their sexual arousal and emotional closeness with others.
With all the good feelings associated with MDMA, it is often easy to overlook the drug's downside. MDMA works by increasing three very important neurotransmitters within the user's brain. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are chemicals that are normally found in the brain and affect our emotional and social moods. MDMA speeds up the activity of those neurotransmitters so that users feel increased feelings of love, trust and sexually-based emotions.
Unfortunately, this "dumping" of these neurotransmitters that MDMA causes within the brain depletes the user's natural supply of those chemicals. Eventually, users are left feeling severely emotionally drained once the drugs wear off. Some chronic MDMA users also suffer long-lasting effects. They may experience bouts of confusion, have difficulty sleeping and suffer deep depression. They may also experience difficulty keeping their focus and have trouble remembering things.
If you are currently facing charges for possessing MDMA you should know that even a small amount can be a class B misdemeanor in Massachusetts. Besides the adverse effects of the drug, MDMA possession can cost you your freedom and prevent you from obtaining meaningful employment.
Fortunately, an arrest for possession of MDMA alone is no guarantee that the prosecution can prove their charges against you. Your Massachusetts criminal defense attorney may be able to mitigate the charges against you.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, "DrugFacts: MDMA (Ecstasy or Molly)" accessed Feb. 26, 2015
For more information or to review your legal options contact our attorney Brian D. Roman today.