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'Never drop without your significant other, cause that way lies ruin': The boundary work of couples who use MDMA together.

Katie Anderson, Paula Reavey, Zoë Boden

International Journal of Drug Policy September 1, 2019 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.004 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 13
Population Heterosexual couples who use MDMA
Topics MDMA
Keywords Boundaries Drug use Intimacy Process Relationships
Citations 10
Key findings MDMA use is boundaried from daily life and used by couples as a form of relationship 'work' that revitalizes their connection.

Abstract

MDMA has a variety of pro-social effects, such as increased friendliness and heightened empathy, yet there is a distinct lack of research examining how these effects might intertwine with a romantic relationship. This article seeks to compensate for this absence and explore heterosexual couples' use of MDMA through the lens of the boundaries they construct around these experiences. Three couple interviews, two diary interviews and eight written diaries about couples' MDMA practices were analysed. Douglas' (2001) and Stenner's (2013) work around order, disorder and what lies at the threshold between the two are employed here. This conceptual approach allows us to see what happens at the border of MDMA experiences as crucial to their constitution. Two main themes are identified in the data. First, MDMA use was boundaried from daily life both temporally and corporeally: the drug was tied to particular times in people's lives as well as the performance of rituals which engaged the material world and reenchanted everyday spaces and selves. Secondly, other people are excluded from MDMA experiences to varying degrees in order to preserve the emotionally intense space for the couple alone. This paper claims that MDMA use forms part of a spectrum of relationship 'work' practices; a unique kind of 'date night' that revitalises couples' connection. Hence, MDMA should be recognised as transforming couple as well as individual practices. Finally, it is suggested that harm reduction initiatives could distinguish more 'messy' forms of emotional harm and engage with users' language of 'specialness' to limit negative impacts of MDMA use.

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

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