Characteristics of Ecstasy Users in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The present study was aimed at identifying patterns of Ecstasy (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine—MDMA) use in the city of São Paulo. Ecstasy users were recruited through the snowball technique. Using the same technique, a non-user control group was recruited among individuals that had never tried the drug but shared with users a similar life style. Users (N = 52) and non-users (N = 52) were interviewed in order to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics and use of psychoactive drugs. In addition, levels of anxiety, depression and impulsiveness were assessed through Spielberger's IDATE Trace Inventory, Beck's Depression Inventory and Barrat Impulsiveness Scale. Both users and non-users revealed similar socio-demographic characteristics: most subjects were middle class young heterosexual single men and women who had a college degree. Multiple drug use was more frequent among users than among non-users. Other features that were significantly more accentuated among users than among non-users were the presence of tattoos and piercings, the frequency of attending raves and the preference for electronic music. Beck Inventory results pointed to significantly lower depression scores among users. No differences were observed between groups regarding anxiety and impulsiveness scores. Although the use of Ecstasy in São Paulo is restricted to a young middle or high social class, their vanguard lifestyle tends to influence youngsters of other social extractions, so that the use of the drug may soon become widespread and thus a legitimate public health concern.

Keywords:

• drug abuse
• ecstasy
• MDMA
• methylenedioxymethamphetamine
• psychotropic drugs
• snowball

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stella Pereira Almeida

Stella Pereira de Almeida has concluded her M.A. dissertation studying the use of Ecstasy and its effects in Brazilian users. Currently she is a PhD student conducting a research related to a Harm Reduction Program in the dance scene. She also works in a NGO that takes care of young mothers at risk, mostly crack users, and their children.

Maria Teresa Araujo Silva

Maria Teresa Araujo Silva is a psychologist who enjoys studying drug effects both in rats and humans. She is specially attracted to the addictive effects of drugs, which she likes to frame in a behavioral analytical approach. She is also collaborating with studies on gambling, on the same addiction perspective.