Getting Into Ecstasy: Comparing Moderate and Heavy Young Adult Users

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine factors associated with initial and present Ecstasy use among young adults. Face-to-face structured interviews were conducted in Atlanta, Georgia among 261 active Ecstasy users. The median age at which respondents first heard of Ecstasy was 16 years, whereas the median age of first Ecstasy use was 18 years. Initial Ecstasy use frequently involved polydrug use, including alcohol (50.4%). In terms of their current use, 47.5% of respondents were considered heavy Ecstasy users (using on 10 or more separate occasions in the last 90 days). White respondents, those who used more than one pill during their initial use, and those who used again within one month after their initial use were more likely to be current heavy Ecstasy users. Women, those who waited a longer time between initial and subsequent Ecstasy use, and those who considered themselves in the upper SES bracket were less likely to be current heavy Ecstasy users. A better understanding of initial and current Ecstasy use patterns, including polydrug use, is essential for effective prevention and intervention efforts.

Keywords:

• drug use
• Ecstasy
• MDMA
• young adult