Preventing problems in Ecstasy users: reduce use to reduce harm.
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 2002 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2002.10399949 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | The authors argue that because serious adverse events from Ecstasy are rare and long-term neurophysiological and possible neurocognitive changes are clinically subtle, users may be unmoved by toxicity warnings, whereas common, better-documented complaints with identifiable risk factors such as "binges" offer a practical target for harm reduction and prevention programs. |
Abstract
Increasing use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy") has been accompanied by concern about acute and possible long-term toxicity. This article discusses acute serious toxicity, chronic toxicity, and common problems associated with Ecstasy use, as well as the implications of these areas for prevention programs targeted at current Ecstasy users. The low incidence of serious adverse events in users creates difficulties for attempts to develop harm reduction recommendations. Many hypothesized risk factors for serious adverse events cannot be confirmed or denied and may not be associated with dramatic elevations in risk. Research on chronic toxicity in users provides strong evidence of neurophysiological changes and suggestive evidence of possible neurocognitive changes. Because these worrisome changes are clinically subtle, users may not be influenced by concerns of neurotoxicity. In contrast, common Ecstasy-related complaints are relatively well documented and have identified risk factors, including factors relating to extent of Ecstasy use (such as "binges"). Common complaints include modest acute and subacute adverse effects,some lasting several days, and problems in life. The apparent willingness of users to modify drug use and other behaviors to decrease these common problems could be used by harm reduction or other prevention programs to encourage users to decrease the extent of Ecstasy use.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Pharmacology of MDMA | 2004 | Review | |
| Human psychopharmacology of Ecstasy (MDMA): a review of 15 years of empirical research | 2001 | Review | |
| 3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”): pharmacology and toxicology in animals and humans | 1994 | Review | |
| (±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’)-Induced Serotonin Neurotoxicity: Studies in Animals | 2000 | Review | |
| Amphetamine toxicities | 2010 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 7
- The varieties of ecstatic experience: an exploration of the subjective experiences of ecstasy. Journal of Psychopharmacology September 1, 2006
- MDMA/Ecstasy Use Among Young People in Ohio: Perceived Risk and Barriers to Intervention Journal of Psychoactive Drugs June 1, 2004
- "Rollin' on E": a qualitative analysis of ecstasy use among inner city adolescents and young adults. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2005
- A thematic analysis of MDMA-related harm and harm reduction experiences and knowledge in Aotearoa New Zealand. Harm Reduction Journal May 23, 2024
- MDMA and PTSD treatment: "PTSD: From novel pathophysiology to innovative therapeutics". Neuroscience Letters May 10, 2017
and 2 more in the library
Cites 54
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- Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) cause selective ablation of serotonergic axon terminals in forebrain: immunocytochemical evidence for neurotoxicity Journal of Neuroscience August 1, 1988
- Neurotoxicity of the psychedelic amphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 1987
- Recreational MDMA use in Sydney: a profile of ‘Ecstasy’ users and their experiences with the drug British Journal of Addiction August 1, 1992
- Memory impairment in abstinent MDMA ("Ecstasy") users Neurology December 1, 1998
and 49 more in the library