MDMA as a Dance Drug
The History of MDMA June 29, 2023 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780198867364.003.0010 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key points | Argues that the synergy of MDMA and dancing spontaneously arose around 1983 in the Texas night-life scene, leading to MDMA's rapid distribution as a 'dance drug' and subsequent spread to Europe via Ibiza. |
Abstract
Abstract The association between drugs and dancing extends back to ancient times. Parallels can be seen between spontaneous medieval ‘dance epidemics’ and contemporary use of MDMA at dance parties. As a forerunner, MDA was used at dance parties in the late 1960s. However, it was only when the MDMA enthusiast Michael Clegg began to sell MDMA in parts of the Texas night-life scene that the synergy of MDMA and dancing spontaneously arose around 1983, which led to the rapid distribution of MDMA as a ‘dance drug’. From 1985 onwards, MDMA enjoyed a new career as a dance drug and found its way to Europe via the dance scene on the Spanish island of Ibiza: Ibiza dance parties were visited by some prominent disc jockeys from the UK, who became enthusiastic MDMA aficionados and launched the first MDMA-fuelled dance parties in London. The Netherlands, with its more tolerant drug policy and international trade through its capital Amsterdam, also became a distribution hub. The evolution of musical styles related to MDMA-fuelled dance parties are outlined, together with the more important events surrounding them, and descriptions of the experiences of ravers, both positive and negative, are also presented.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens | 1986 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Background and Chemistry of MDMA | 1986 | Historical analysis | |
| The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 | 2006 | Historical analysis | |
| Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cited by 1
Cites 79
- Positron emission tomographic evidence of toxic effect of MDMA (“Ecstasy”) on brain serotonin neurons in human beings The Lancet October 1, 1998
- Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- Subjective Reports of the Effects of MDMA in a Clinical Setting Journal of Psychoactive Drugs October 1, 1986
- 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
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
and 74 more in the library