The University of Virginia began reaching out to students and their parents last week to warn[1] them about the dangers of the drug Molly[2] after an honors student died as a result [3] of taking the illicit substance at a Washington, D.C. nightclub.


Mary "Shelley" Goldsmith died on Aug. 31 after taking Molly during a night out[4] at Echo Stage. Officials have not yet confirmed her death was caused by the drug, but her father[5] believes it was due to her use of Molly. Goldsmith's death came during the same month that multiple college students and recent graduates died after taking Molly[6] in New York and Boston.


The university distributed a link to a five minute video on YouTube[7] which flashes headlines about the deaths over music reminiscent of a campy informational film from the 1990's. Dr. Chris Holstege, executive director of UVA Student Health, stars in the video discussing the effects of Molly, a form of MDMA.


"What ecstasy does is cause your sodium to drop, and it can drop significantly to the point that you have a seizure and you can have what they call cerebral edema, or your brain swells and then it herniates," Holstege warned[8] . "That leads to death. Even a one-time user of ecstasy may be at risk for that occurring."


The video was sent to parents along with a message[9] from Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer Patricia M. Lampkin, according to WVIR.


"Surveys of UVa students conducted over the past 20 years show the use of Ecstasy/Molly is not widespread at UVa, but we know that most young people are aware of its availability and popularity," Lampkin wrote.


Dr. Cathleen Clancy of the National Capital Poison Control Center in Washington, D.C. told WTTG they have handled 48 similar calls[10] relating to Molly use in 2013 so far.


"Sometimes they call because they've taken Molly, and still two days later," Clancy said, "they're restless and not feeling themselves."



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    Pick up enough phrases to help you when you get inevitably lost, or to ensure that you don't get ripped off at the local markets. If you're staying for awhile, then immerse yourself in the language fully to be able to spark interesting conversations everyday and become more of a member of the community. It's no fun having to always respond to someone with "I don't understand".




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    If you are visiting a country that serves mainly spicy food and you know that won't sit well with your stomach, pack appropriate medicines and supplements. If you are visiting a country that is prone to specific bugs or diseases such as malaria, give yourself time to receive the necessary vaccinations and shots.




  • Watch the news


    Be fully up to date with the happenings in the city you are visiting as well as neighboring countries. Don't be ignorant of potential dangers.




  • Be smart with your belongings


    Always firmly hold your belongings in a way that they can't be snatched from you and don't dress extravagantly in expensive jewelry or accessories. Travelling abroad may turn you into a photographer but be cautious of flaunting your digital SLR camera. It's important not to make yourself seem vulnerable to robbery and theft.




  • Keep in touch just enough


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  • Travel


    If you're spending a more lengthy time abroad, take advantage of your location to travel. A ticket to Berlin may cost you 200 euros, but do you know how much it costs to get from the U.S. to berlin? About 100x more.




  • Do What Natives Do


    This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ride the elephant in Thailand, drink the snake blood in Vietnam, go sand duning in Dubai and brave through the Singaporean fish pedicure. And have fun!