What is the 'Sally Street drug'?
Contrary to how the name might sound, the 'Sally Street drug' does not refer to a person or a specific location. It is an alias for a potent and dangerous illicit substance known scientifically as 3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine, or MDA. Other street names for MDA include 'sass' or 'sassafras'. The latter nickname comes from its chemical precursor, safrole oil, which is derived from the sassafras plant and is used in the clandestine production of both MDA and MDMA. MDA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that belongs to the phenethylamine and amphetamine classes. It is known for its stimulating and hallucinogenic effects, which can be both physically and psychologically taxing for the user. Due to its unregulated nature and unknown purity, using the 'Sally' drug poses severe and unpredictable health risks.
A chemical relative of MDMA
To understand MDA, it is helpful to compare it to its more widely known relative, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly known as 'Molly' or 'Ecstasy'. MDA and MDMA share a similar chemical structure, with MDMA having one additional methyl group. This slight chemical difference, however, results in distinct effects. While both substances act on key neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to produce feelings of euphoria and heightened energy, MDA is generally considered more hallucinogenic. Its effects are also reported to last longer than MDMA's, with a high lasting six to eight hours, compared to MDMA's four to six hours. Both are categorized as psychedelics and can increase feelings of empathy and sensory perception.
The origins and context of 'Sally'
- Source of the name: The name 'Sally' is one of several street aliases for MDA. This slang helps users communicate discreetly about the illicit substance.
- The sassafras connection: The nickname 'sass' or 'sassafras' originates from the drug's production process. Safrole oil, found in the sassafras plant, is often used to synthesize MDA and MDMA. This connection provides an ironic natural-sounding name for a dangerous synthetic substance.
- Popularity in subcultures: Like 'Molly,' the 'Sally' drug gained traction in specific social scenes, including nightclubs, raves, and music festivals, where people seek heightened sensory and emotional experiences.
The physiological and psychological effects of MDA
Upon ingestion, typically as a pill, powder, or capsule, the 'Sally' drug can produce a range of intense effects. These effects are unpredictable and can vary significantly depending on the batch's purity, the dosage, and the user's individual physiology and mental state. Short-term effects include:
- Increased energy and euphoria.
- Intense hallucinations, which can be visual or auditory.
- Amplified sensory perception.
- Distortion of time and reality.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Profuse sweating and increased body temperature (hyperthermia).
- Nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite.
- Involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia.
Long-term use is associated with a depletion of serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to psychological issues such as prolonged depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Chronic users are also at risk for neurotoxicity, which can cause long-term damage to brain cells.
Sally vs. Molly: A comparative look
| Feature | MDA ('Sally') | MDMA ('Molly') |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Classification | Amphetamine and phenethylamine | Amphetamine and phenethylamine |
| Primary Effects | Stronger hallucinogenic effects; more visual and auditory distortion. | Stronger empathogenic and euphoric effects; emotional openness. |
| Duration of High | Six to eight hours, and can last longer. | Four to six hours. |
| Potency | Considered by some to be slightly more potent on a milligram-for-milligram basis and may feel 'smoother'. | Often perceived as less intense but with a more rapid onset. |
| Availability | Less common, often sold as a niche psychedelic. | More widely available in club scenes. |
| Risk of Adulteration | High, as both are frequently cut with unknown chemicals. | High, as pills and powders are rarely pure. |
The dangers and unknown risks of MDA
The primary danger associated with the 'Sally' drug stems from its illicit nature. Because it is manufactured in clandestine laboratories, there is no quality control or standardization. The composition and potency can vary drastically from one batch to the next, making every use a life-threatening gamble. In some cases, substances sold as MDA or MDMA on the street contain entirely different and more dangerous compounds.
- Uncertainty of contents: A five-year study showed that many street samples of MDMA did not contain any MDMA at all, instead being mixed with other drugs like 'bath salts'. The same risk applies to MDA. Users often have no idea what they are truly ingesting.
- Risk of overdose: The unknown potency, combined with a user's developing tolerance, can lead to taking higher and higher doses, increasing the risk of overdose. Overdose symptoms can include high blood pressure, seizures, and panic attacks.
- Combining with other substances: The dangers are compounded when MDA is mixed with other drugs, including alcohol or other stimulants. This polysubstance abuse can lead to unpredictable and potentially fatal interactions.
Treatment options and seeking help
While debates exist about the specific addictive potential of MDA, consistent use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence. The long-term physical and psychological harms are well-documented and necessitate professional help for abuse or addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with MDA or other substance abuse, it is critical to seek medical attention. Treatment programs offer tailored recovery plans, including detoxification and psychological support, to address both the substance abuse and underlying mental health issues. Recovery is a process that requires a comprehensive approach, and resources are available to help individuals regain control of their lives.
Conclusion: The hidden risks behind the alias
The alias 'Sally Street drug' can make a dangerous substance sound deceptively harmless, but it is in fact a reference to MDA, an illicit stimulant and hallucinogen with serious health implications. While related to MDMA, MDA offers a longer, more hallucinogenic high, but it shares the same core dangers associated with unregulated street drugs. The lack of standardized contents, the risk of adulteration, and the potential for psychological dependence and neurotoxicity make MDA a significant threat to anyone who uses it. The only safe and responsible approach is to avoid illicit substances entirely and seek help if abuse is a concern. For more authoritative information on these substances, consult resources like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) or relevant medical studies via the National Institutes of Health.
