MDMA (ecstasy/molly) use among African Americans: The perceived influence of hip-hop/rap music.
Khary K. Rigg, Anthony T Estreet
Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2019 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2018.1430646 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | African American MDMA (ecstasy/molly) users |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | African americans Harm reduction Hip-hop/rap music Prevention |
| Key findings | The authors report that African American MDMA users are high consumers of hip-hop/rap music and that pro-MDMA messages in that music influence their expectations of the drug and their decision to begin using it. They argue this adds to limited research on African American MDMA use and could inform future interventions. |
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the demographic profile of MDMA (ecstasy/molly) users has changed. In particular, African American MDMA use has risen in some cities. One explanation of this new trend is the drug's recent popularity (as molly) in hip-hop/rap (HHR) music. Several top rappers endorse the drug as a way to have fun or get women "loose." There are currently no studies, however, that investigate the extent to which African American MDMA users listen to HHR music or the influence that these pro-MDMA messages have on their use of the drug. To address this gap, the current study used survey data to (a) identify the extent to which HHR music is listened to by African American MDMA users and (b) assess the perceived influence of HHR music on their decision to begin using. Qualitative interview data are also presented to contextualize the influence of these messages on their use of MDMA. The findings of this study suggest that African American MDMA users are high consumers of HHR music and that pro-MDMA messages in HHR music are influencing their expectations of the drug and their decision to initiate use. These findings add to the limited amount of research on African American MDMA use and have the potential to inform future interventions.
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 3
- Prevalence and Correlates of Past Year Ecstasy/MDMA Use in the United States. Journal of Addiction Medicine
- Sexual Risk Behaviors among African Americans Who Use MDMA (Molly/Ecstasy): Implications for HIV Prevention. Social work in public health June 1, 2020
- Diffusion of Ecstasy in the Electronic Dance Music Scene. Substance Use & Misuse 2020
Cites 8
- MDMA (“Ecstasy”) Abuse and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among 169 Gay and Bisexual Men American Journal of Psychiatry July 1, 2000
- Dissociable Effects of a Single Dose of Ecstasy (MDMA) on Psychomotor Skills and Attentional Performance Journal of Psychopharmacology December 1, 2003
- Death rates from ecstasy (MDMA, MDA) and polydrug use in England and Wales 1996–2002 Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental September 19, 2003
- Psychiatric disorders in Ecstasy (MDMA) users: a literature review focusing on personal predisposition and drug history Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- MDMA and Seizures: A Dangerous Liaison? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences August 1, 2006
and 3 more in the library