"Rollin' on E": a qualitative analysis of ecstasy use among inner city adolescents and young adults.
Julie M Eiserman, Sarah Diamond, Jean J. Schensul
Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2005 DOI: 10.1300/j233v04n02_02 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 23 |
| Population | Inner-city adolescents and young adults in Hartford, CT, who were poly-drug users and had used ecstasy |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key findings | Most users reported positive experiences while on ecstasy, but heavy users (40+ times) experienced negative aftereffects leading to decreased or halted use, and some reported using ecstasy during sex with irregular condom use. |
Abstract
Ecstasy use has spread beyond the rave and club scenes into other arenas of party culture, and from middle-class America to working-class and low-income neighborhoods of large cities. In order to explore ecstasy use among inner city adolescents and young adults, we conducted in-depth interviews with 23 poly-drug users who had used ecstasy, in Hartford, CT. Most users reported positive experiences while on the drug. Negative experiences were most often related to poly-drug mixing. However, heavy users (40+ times ever used) experienced negative aftereffects, which led them to decide to decrease or halt their use. Some participants discussed using ecstasy during sex, and irregular use of condoms. These findings point to the need for more in-depth research on MDMA use within inner city settings, with a particular focus on ethnic and cultural context, self-controlled drug use, poly-drug mixing, and sex risk behaviors.
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 5
- Motivations for Using MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) among African Americans: Implications for Prevention and Harm-Reduction Programs Journal of Psychoactive Drugs April 13, 2017
- The Role of MDMA (Ecstasy) in Coping with Negative Life Situations Among Urban Young Adults Journal of Psychoactive Drugs July 1, 2011
- Sexual Risk Behaviors among African Americans Who Use MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy): Implications for HIV Prevention. Social work in public health June 1, 2020
- The role of Ecstasy (MDMA) in managing intimacy and conflict in stable relationships. Culture, health & sexuality October 2018
- Understanding recreational ecstasy use in the United States: a qualitative inquiry. The International journal on drug policy February 20, 2008
Cites 9
- Ecstasy/MDMA attributed problems reported by novice, moderate and heavy recreational users Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 12, 2002
- MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Abuse and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among 169 Gay and Bisexual Men American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 2000
- Ecstasy and Drug Consumption Patterns: A Canadian Rave Population Study The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry August 1, 2002
- Negative Experiences on Ecstasy: The Role of Drug, Set, and Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2002
- MDMA/Ecstasy Use Among Young People in Ohio: Perceived Risk and Barriers to Intervention Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2004
and 4 more in the library