MDMA/Ecstasy Use Among Young People in Ohio: Perceived Risk and Barriers to Intervention
Robert G. Carlson, Rüssel S. Falck, Jill A. McCaughan, Harvey A. Siegal
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2004 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2004.10399728 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 30 |
| Population | Ecstasy users in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 49 |
| Key findings | Most active Ecstasy users do not associate risks of neurotoxicity or psychological problems with use, looking instead to harm-reduction approaches for safe use. |
Abstract
In the past several years, the use of MDMA (Ecstasy) has increased substantially in the United States and in many countries around the world. Although this increase has been associated with the dance club and rave scenes, Ecstasy use has expanded into new settings. At the same time, the diversity of people using the drug has also grown. Given the increasing, although unclear, evidence that MDMA has the potential to cause neurotoxicity and various psychological problems under certain conditions among humans, understanding how active users perceive the risks associated with Ecstasy use can help to inform prevention and intervention approaches. Based on audiotaped focus groups and individual interviews conducted with 30 Ecstasy users in Dayton and Columbus, Ohio, this article explores these and other issues. Results demonstrate that beyond the risk of obtaining something potentially deadly instead of MDMA, most users do not associate risks of neurotoxicity or psychological problems with Ecstasy use. Active users look to harm-reduction approaches for answers to using Ecstasy safely; prevention messages like, "just say no to drugs" are largely ignored. Because Ecstasy is commonly used among small groups of friends, peer leader or other social network intervention approaches may be promising.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenomenology and Sequelae of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Use Psychiatrists who had taken MDMA | 1992 | Qualitative study | n = 20 |
| MDMA and Sexual Behavior: Ecstasy Users' Perceptions About Sexuality and Sexual Risk Current and former users of MDMA | 2005 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| Perceived Benefits of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy beyond Symptom Reduction: Qualitative Follow-Up Study of a Clinical Trial for Individuals with Treatment-Resistant PTSD Veterans, firefighters, and police officers with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD | 2019 | Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis | n = 19 |
| Negative Experiences on Ecstasy: The Role of Drug, Set, and Setting Current or former users of Ecstasy | 2002 | Qualitative study | n = 98 |
| A Qualitative Exploration of Relational Ethical Challenges and Practices in Psychedelic Healing Practitioners who have administered MDMA and psilocybin to clients in underground... | 2021 | Qualitative study | n = 23 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 11
- Chronic tolerance to recreational MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) or Ecstasy Journal of Psychopharmacology 2005
- From "Candy Kids" to "Chemi-Kids": a typology of young adults who attend raves in the midwestern United States. Substance Use & Misuse 2005
- "Rollin' on E": a qualitative analysis of ecstasy use among inner city adolescents and young adults. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2005
- Careers in ecstasy use: do ecstasy users cease of their own accord? Implications for intervention development BMC Public Health November 15, 2008
- Evenings with Molly: Adult Couples' Use of MDMA for Relationship Enhancement. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry March 1, 2023
and 6 more in the library
Cites 12
- Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug British Journal of Addiction August 1, 1992
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) The British Journal of Psychiatry September 1, 1994
- Persistent Effects of (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”) on Human Sleep Sleep September 1, 1993
- Acute Psychological and Neurophysiological Effects of MDMA in Humans Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2002
and 7 more in the library