From “Male Bonding Rituals” to “Suicide Tuesday”

Abstract

Use of MDMA and other club drugs has increased among gay men, but questions remain concerning the use, context, and popularity of these drugs; and views of their side effects. We interviewed in-depth 12 gay MDMA users in New York. MDMA had specific appeals to gay men, who often described isolation and stigmatization. Users underwent a period of initiation and social networks often became comprised of greater numbers of other users. Club environments fostered drug use and vice versa. Awareness of potential adverse effects varied and was minimized. Appropriate educational and prevention programs are needed to address these issues, and must take into account the specific contexts of these gay men's lives.

Key Words:

• Homosexuality
• MDMA
• crystal methamphetamine
• drug abuse
• substance use
• club drugs
• side effects
• ethnographic
• prevention
• risk behavior