A comparison of self-reported sexual effects of alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy in a sample of young adult nightlife attendees.
Joseph J Palamar, Marybec Griffin-Tomas, Patricia Acosta, Danielle C Ompad, Charles M Cleland
Psychology and sexuality 2018 DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2018.1425220 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 679 |
| Population | Nightclub and dance festival attendees in New York City, ages 18-25 |
| Topics | Cannabis MDMA |
| Keywords | Sexual behaviour Alcohol |
| Key findings | Alcohol and ecstasy were more strongly associated than marijuana with heightened perceived sexual effects, including sexual attractiveness, desire, intercourse length, and sexual outgoingness. Increased body and sex organ sensitivity and sexual intensity were most commonly linked to ecstasy. Sexual dysfunction was most common with alcohol or ecstasy, especially among males, while females more often reported dysfunction after marijuana; post-sex regret was most common with alcohol. |
Abstract
Alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], 'Molly') are among the most prevalent substances used by young adults; however, few studies have focused on the specific sexual effects associated with use. Examining subjective sexual effects (e.g. increased libido) associated with use can inform prevention efforts. Data were analysed from 679 nightclub and dance festival attendees in New York City (ages 18-25) to examine and compare self-reported sexual effects associated with use of alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy. Results suggest that compared to marijuana, alcohol and ecstasy were more strongly associated with heightened perceived sexual effects (i.e. perceived sexual attractiveness of self and others, sexual desire, length of intercourse, and sexual outgoingness). Increased body and sex organ sensitivity and increased sexual intensity were most commonly associated with ecstasy use. Sexual dysfunction was most common while using alcohol or ecstasy, especially among males, and females were more likely to report sexual dysfunction after using marijuana. Post-sex regret was most common with alcohol use. Alcohol, marijuana, and ecstasy each have different sexual effects; therefore, each is associated with different risks and benefits for users. Findings can inform prevention and harm reduction as young adults are prone to use these substances.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on cannabis, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis use before age 15 and subsequent executive functioning 104 chronic cannabis users (49 early-onset before age 15, 55 late-onset after age 15)... | 2011 | Observational cross-sectional study | n = 148 |
| Patterns of simultaneous polysubstance use in drug using university students Drug-using university students | 2006 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 149 |
| Persisting Reductions in Cannabis, Opioid, and Stimulant Misuse After Naturalistic Psychedelic Use: An Online Survey Online survey respondents | 2020 | Cross-sectional survey | |
| User perceptions of the benefits and harms of hallucinogenic drug use: A web-based questionnaire study Users of hallucinogenic drugs who completed a web-based questionnaire | 2010 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 600 |
| Illicit Use of LSD or Psilocybin, but not MDMA or Nonpsychedelic Drugs, is Associated with Mystical Experiences in a Dose-Dependent Manner Adults recruited from the MAPS website and newsletter, most reporting use of various... | 2012 | Cross-sectional survey | n = 337 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Pharmacosex: Reimagining sex, drugs and enhancement International Journal of Drug Policy November 24, 2020
- Can research on entactogens contribute to a deeper understanding of human sexuality? Pharmacological Reports December 1, 2023
- Development and initial validation of an MDMA/Ecstasy motives assessment. Addictive Behaviors 2023
Cites 7
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- Self-reported use of novel psychoactive substances among attendees of electronic dance music venues. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse November 1, 2016
- Greater sexual risk-taking in female and male recreational MDMA/ecstasy users compared with alcohol drinkers: a questionnaire study. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 2015
- "Addicted to Euphoria": The History, Clinical Presentation, and Management of Party Drug Misuse. International review of neurobiology 2015
and 2 more in the library