From ecstasy to MDMA: Recreational drug use, symbolic boundaries, and drug trends.
Marit Edland-Gryt, Sveinung Sandberg, Willy Pedersen
International Journal of Drug Policy December 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.030 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 31 |
| Population | Young adult party-goers and recreational MDMA/ecstasy users in Oslo, Norway, aged 20-34 (mean age 26.2 years, 61.3% male) |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Club drug use Ecstasy pills Lay epidemiology MDMA Crystals Recreational substance use Symbolic boundaries |
| Key findings | Participants perceived MDMA crystals and powder as having better effects, being safer, and being less tied to out-of-fashion rave culture than "old ecstasy pills." The authors argue these perceived distinctions constitute symbolic boundary work that users employ to justify their drug use, and suggest this differentiation helps explain MDMA's re-emergence in Oslo's club scene despite both drugs sharing MDMA as the active ingredient. |
Abstract
Ecstasy pills with MDMA as the main ingredient were introduced in many European countries in the 1980s, and were often linked to the rave and club scenes. However, use gradually levelled off, in part as a response to increased concerns about possible mental health consequences and fatalities. Extensive use of MDMA now seems to be re-emerging in many countries. In this study, we investigated the cultural and social meaning associated with MDMA use in Oslo, Norway, with an emphasis on how users distinguish MDMA crystals and powder from "old ecstasy pills". Qualitative in-depth interviews (n=31, 61,3% males) were conducted with young adult party-goers and recreational MDMA/ecstasy users (20-34 years old, mean age 26.2 years). Research participants emphasised three important perceived differences between the MDMA crystals and ecstasy pills: (i) The effects of MDMA were described as better than ecstasy; (ii) MDMA was regarded as a safer drug; (iii) Users of MDMA crystals were described as more distinct from and less anchored in out-of-fashion rave culture than those using ecstasy. These differences were an important part of the symbolic boundary work MDMA users engaged in when justifying their drug use. MDMA has re-emerged as an important psychoactive substance in Oslo's club scene. One important reason for this re-emergence seems to be its perceived differentiation from ecstasy pills, even though the active ingredient in both drugs is MDMA. This perceived distinction between MDMA and ecstasy reveals the importance of social and symbolic meanings in relation to psychoactive substance use. Insights from this study can be important in terms of understanding how trends in drug use develop and how certain drugs gain or lose popularity.
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 12
- Deaths related to MDMA (ecstasy/molly): Prevalence, root causes, and harm reduction interventions Journal of Substance Use February 20, 2018
- Drug-induced social connection: both MDMA and methamphetamine increase feelings of connectedness during controlled dyadic conversations Scientific Reports September 22, 2023
- MDMA Use by Paris Medical Students: Prevalence and Characteristics Substance Use & Misuse October 24, 2020
- Self-Reported Illicit Drug Use Among Norwegian University and College Students. Associations With Age, Gender, and Geography Frontiers in Psychiatry December 10, 2020
- The Effects of Folic Acid on Testicular Histology, Sperm Quality, and Spermatogenesis Indices Following 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Exposure in Adult Male Rats Addiction and Health September 4, 2023
and 7 more in the library
Cites 13
- Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental December 1, 2001
- Human psychobiology of MDMA or ‘Ecstasy’: an overview of 25 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2013
- Patterns of recreational drug use at dance events in Edinburgh, Scotland Addiction July 1, 2001
- Prosocial effects of MDMA: A measure of generosity Journal of Psychopharmacology March 4, 2015
- Self-reported prevalence of dependence of MDMA compared to cocaine, mephedrone and ketamine among a sample of recreational poly-drug users International Journal of Drug Policy July 15, 2014
and 8 more in the library