Young adult Ecstasy users' enhancement of the effects of their Ecstasy use.
This study examines drug effect-enhancing behaviors practiced by young adult users of the drug, Ecstasy. Between August 2002 and August 2004, 283 face-to-face interviews were conducted with active Ecstasy users. Study participants were recruited in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area using a targeted sampling approach. The large majority of study participants (87%) engaged in at least one behavior specifically designed to bolster the effects of their Ecstasy use, with 61% of the study participants reporting having engaged in at least three such behaviors during the past 30 days. Taking steps to boost one's Ecstasy-related high was associated with binging on Ecstasy and a variety of adverse outcomes, such as experiencing a greater number of negative consequences resulting from Ecstasy use and experiencing more Ecstasy-related drug dependency symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed several factors associated with greater involvement in effects-boosting behaviors, including race (not being African American), spending time with other drug users, using Ecstasy for its touch-enhancing qualities, enjoyment of the music-and-Ecstasy-use experience, and childhood maltreatment experiences. The implications of these findings for treatment, prevention, and intervention for drug problems among Ecstasy users are discussed.
Klein
Hugh
H
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. hughk@aol.com
Elifson
Kirk W
KW
Sterk
Claire E
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
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