A profile of Ecstasy (MDMA) use in São Paulo, Brazil: an ethnographic study.
Murilo Campos Battisti, Ana Regina Noto, Solange Nappo, Elisaldo de Araújo Carlini
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs March 2006 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2006.10399823 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Ecstasy users in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, plus key informants and observational settings |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Ecstasy use in São Paulo is concentrated in nightclubs and rave parties, and users interviewed were largely young adults from higher social strata who also used other drugs. The authors identify two profiles: the "Rave Generation" (recent users who began with large raves in the late 1990s) and the "Sons of the Hell's Club" (more experienced users who began in the early 1990s). Neither group had sought help, and both held positive beliefs about the safety of use. |
Abstract
The use of Ecstasy in Brazil has gained visibility in recent years. Nevertheless, scientific data on this issue remain scarce. The present study focused on clarifying this phenomenon by means of qualitative and ethnographic research. Observational studies (N = 8), information obtained from key informants (N = 14) and interviews with Ecstasy users (N = 32) from the city of São Paulo were part of this study. The results pointed to night clubs and rave parties where electronic music is played as the main context of use. Interviews with users revealed a sample of young adult members of the highest layers of society, with a good educational background and access to the labor market. Furthermore, polydrug use was manifested. Users' typology was established regarding the pattern of drug use, showing two profiles of users: the "Rave Generation," consisting of more recent users who initiated this use with the arrival of the large-sized rave parties at the end of the 1990s. The second profile, the "Sons of the Hell's Club," consisted of more experienced users (beginning in the early 1990s) and showed a richer history of use. Neither profile group had sought help regarding their Ecstasy use, and both showed positive beliefs related to the safety of use.
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
- Evenings with Molly: Adult Couples' Use of MDMA for Relationship Enhancement. Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry March 1, 2023
- Age of Sexual Initiation, Psychiatric Symptoms, and Sexual Risk Behavior among Ecstasy and LSD Users in Porto Alegre, Brazil: A Preliminary Analysis. Journal of Drug Issues March 1, 2011
- Long-term behavioral consequences of prenatal MDMA exposure. Physiology & Behavior March 23, 2009
Cites 4
- Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug British Journal of Addiction August 1, 1992
- Mood and cognitive effects of ± 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ‘ecstasy’): week‐end ‘high’ followed by mid‐week low Addiction July 1, 1997
- The substituted amphetamines 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methamphetamine, p-chloroamphetamine and fenfluramine induce 5-hydroxytryptamine release via a common mechanism blocked by fluoxetine and cocaine European Journal of Pharmacology May 1, 1992
- Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of its possible persistent psychological effects Psychopharmacology September 7, 2000