Motivations for Using MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) among African Americans: Implications for Prevention and Harm-Reduction Programs
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 13, 2017 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1305518 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | African American young adults in Southwest Florida |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Harm reduction Psychological intervention Population |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key findings | The primary motivations for MDMA use among African American young adults are altering the effects of marijuana and alcohol, lasting longer sexually, enhancing sexual pleasure, and facilitating freaky sexual experiences. |
Abstract
Despite the growing popularity of MDMA (ecstasy/molly) among African Americans, their motives for using the drug are still largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the most salient motivations for using MDMA among this understudied population. In-depth interviews (n = 15) were conducted with a sample of African American young adults in Southwest Florida between August 2014 and November 2015. The primary motivations for using MDMA included: (1) altering the effects of marijuana and alcohol; (2) lasting longer sexually; (3) enhancing sexual pleasure; and (4) facilitating "freaky" sexual experiences. This is the first study to directly examine MDMA motivations specifically among African American drug users, and findings shed light on why some African Americans use MDMA. A better understanding of why African Americans use this drug should help to inform prevention and harm-reduction efforts. Study findings show the need for health messages that include the potential consequences of mixing MDMA with other drugs, and engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors after taking MDMA. These data contrast with motivations (e.g., introspection, self-enlightenment, getting into the music) commonly reported among groups of largely White MDMA users, suggesting that interventions tailored specifically for African American users are needed.
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 22
- The psychedelic renaissance and the limitations of a White-dominant medical framework: A call for indigenous and ethnic minority inclusion Journal of Psychedelic Studies July 1, 2019
- Culture and psychedelic psychotherapy: Ethnic and racial themes from three Black women therapists Journal of Evolutionary Psychology September 21, 2020
- Race as a component of set and setting: How experiences of race can influence psychedelic experiences Journal of Psychedelic Studies September 19, 2019
- Motives for the use of serotonergic psychedelics: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Review September 1, 2022
- Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions Journal of Substance Use February 20, 2018
and 17 more in the library
Cites 17
- A randomized, controlled pilot study of MDMA (±3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)-assisted psychotherapy for treatment of resistant, chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Journal of Psychopharmacology October 31, 2012
- The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Addiction July 8, 2006
- “Partying” Hard: Party Style, Motives for and Effects of MDMA Use at Rave Parties Substance Use & Misuse 2005
- MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Abuse and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among 169 Gay and Bisexual Men American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 2000
- MDMA and Human Sexual Function Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
and 12 more in the library