From the perspective of popular culture, illicit drugs have always attracted a peculiar combination of fascination, condemnation, and misinformation. However, when we dig deeper into these subjects, there’s typically more to the story. Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at two street drugs frequently conflated by those not familiar with them: molly and sally.
By understanding the nuances between them, we are better equipped to comprehend the dangers associated with each and to engage in more informed dialogues about substance use and its consequences.
Difference Between Molly and Sally: Short Answer
- Molly: This is a colloquial term for the drug MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Molly is often referred to as a pure form of MDMA, while Ecstasy might contain other adulterants. MDMA is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception. It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens and produces feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional closeness, and distorted sensory and time perception.
- Sally: This is a nickname for Salvia divinorum, a plant from the mint family native to southern Mexico and used by Mazatec shamans for its powerful hallucinogenic effects. When ingested, salvia can bring intense, short-lived hallucinations.
The Longer Identities of the Drugs
What Is Molly?
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- Also Known as: MDMA, Ecstasy, E, Adam.
- Origin: Molly, short for molecular, refers to the pure crystalline form of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Initially developed in 1912, it found its widespread popularity in the 1980s nightclub scene and has been associated with raves and electronic dance music since then.
- Physical Effects: Enhanced sensory perception, heightened emotional closeness, and euphoria.
What Is Sally?
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- Also Known as: Salvia divinorum, Magic Mint, Maria Pastora, Ska María Pastora, Yerba de la Pastora.
- Origin: Sally is derived from the Salvia divinorum plant, native to Oaxaca, Mexico. Traditionally used in spiritual practices by the Mazatec shamans, it has found its way to other parts of the world primarily as a hallucinogenic drug.
- Physical Effects: Intense hallucinations, altered visual perception, mood swings, and feelings of detachment.
Hidden Dangers
Drugs often capture the imagination of users because they promise an altered state, a departure from the mundane. Both molly and sally deliver this, albeit in very different ways. However, the surface appeal often obscures some dark realities.
Molly’s Dark Side:
MDMA, for all its association with love and euphoria, is not without serious risks. Frequent use can lead to:
- Dehydration and hyperthermia: The rave scene, where molly is often consumed, compounds this risk with its hot, crowded environments.
- Serotonin syndrome: A potentially lethal condition resulting from an excess of serotonin in the brain.
- Long-term consequences: Repeated use has been linked to:
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Decreased cognitive function
- Sleep disturbances
Sally’s Haunting Shadows:
While sally trips are generally short-lived, lasting from a few minutes to half an hour, they can be exceptionally intense and disorienting. Risks include:
- Physical injury: Due to the altered perception of reality and potential loss of physical coordination.
- Severe psychological distress: Some users report intense experiences of terror, paranoia, and depersonalization.
- Long-term mental health effects: Though research is limited, some anecdotal evidence suggests prolonged use might exacerbate pre-existing mental conditions or create new ones.
Molly and Sally on the Streets: A Statistical Glimpse
While both drugs have gained notoriety, the statistics surrounding them offer a fascinating insight.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, around 18% of 12th graders in the US have experimented with MDMA at least once. This is alarming. In contrast, while Salvia usage is less prevalent, it has witnessed significant spikes. By 2019, data from the Monitoring the Future survey revealed that about 1.7% of 12th graders had sampled it within that year.
Even more, the risks associated with these drugs show that hospital visits due to MDMA surged by an astonishing 123% from 2005 to 2011. Although obtaining precise figures for salvia-related hospital admissions is difficult, there’s no doubt that its intense hallucinogenic properties can lead to urgent medical situations, particularly when combined with other substances.
Addiction to Molly and Sally
With Molly, the signs might be more evident due to its nature as a stimulant and its impact on the brain’s serotonin levels. Here are some indicators:
- Frequency of Use: If one finds themselves continually upping the frequency of their drug consumption, it’s a sign. There’s a difference between taking something at a party once in a blue moon and needing it every weekend or, even more concerning, every day.
- Physical Dependency: Are there withdrawal symptoms – depression, fatigue, changes in appetite – when not taking the drug?
- Chasing the High: Are increasingly larger doses required to achieve the same euphoric feeling? This is a classic sign of tolerance, a precursor to addiction.
- Social Implications: Is the drug use affecting relationships, work, or academic pursuits? If someone’s social circle revolves solely around drug use, it’s an indication that they’ve crossed a threshold.
- Neglected Responsibilities: When drug use takes precedence over work, school, or home duties, it’s a red flag.
Turning our attention to Sally, or Salvia divinorum, the indications are a tad different due to its hallucinogenic properties. Users might find:
- Dissociation from Reality: A frequent user might increasingly feel detached or find it difficult to differentiate their hallucinatory experiences from reality.
- Increased Usage in Solitude: Unlike Molly, which is often a social drug, Sally might draw users into more solitary, introspective spaces. If someone’s increasingly seeking out these experiences alone, it’s worth noting.
- Desensitization to External Stimuli: Over time, the real world might seem less vibrant compared to the hallucinatory experiences, leading to an increased desire to ‘escape’.
- Emotional Dependency: Are they using Sally to cope with negative emotions or trauma consistently? It’s one thing to explore consciousness; it’s another to use it as a crutch.
Help for Addiction
The world of molly and sally is more intricate than it initially appears. By recognizing the differences, we are not just gaining knowledge but also empowering ourselves to make informed decisions and offer compassionate help where it’s needed most.
If you or a loved one are caught in the grip of addiction, reach out to Covenant Hills Treatment. Our Christian addiction treatment center in Orange County ensures compassionate and lasting, faith-based recovery. Your journey to a brighter tomorrow can start today. Call us at 800-662-2873. It’s time to embrace hope.
